UNBROKEN SPIRITS -CDC Resilience on Full Display at HQ Groundbreaking

MONROVIA – The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) marked a significant milestone on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new national headquarters in Congo Town, Monrovia. The event drew thousands of CDC partisans, supporters, and sympathizers, who gathered to celebrate the party’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The fiery speeches and spirit celebrations indicate that the new headquarters represents more than just a physical structure but also symbolizes the party’s commitment to its ideals and its people, after being evicted from its former headquarters, which had served as the party’s home for 20 years. It seems the occasion was to also demonstrate remarkable resolve in rebuilding and moving forward, a testament to the strength and determination of the party to stay relevant in Liberian politics. The Analyst’s H. Matthew Turry and Antony Jiffan report.

After two months of consultations and preparations, the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) officially broke ground on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for the construction of its new national headquarters in Congo Town, Monrovia.

The event drew thousands of CDC partisans, supporters, sympathizers, well-wishers, and even some opposition figures. The streets of the capital, particularly the Congo Town belt, were flooded with people, creating major traffic congestion and prompting police to divert vehicles to alternate routes.

By 7 a.m., crowds were already pouring into the site on foot, in vehicles, from across Montserrado and nearby counties. The ceremony, marked by singing, dancing, and chants under the symbolic Sycamore Tree, created a carnival-like atmosphere as partisans donned CDC colors and waved flags.

CDCians Optimistic About Party’s Return

Some ecstatic partisans could not hide their joy as they openly professed their love for the CDC, while condemning the ruling party.

Said a partisan: ‘President Boakai thought he could destroy the CDC, but he cannot destroy the CDC. Our party is in our hearts. He broke down our headquarters, but we will build a bigger, better headquarters. The court order said eviction, not demolition. But their people broke our headquarters and stole our properties. Even the police were caught stealing wigs.”

Another CDC supporter, jubilantly waving the Liberian flag, said the CDC will be the first political party to build its own party headquarters from scratch.

He yelled on top on his voice: “What I see today proves that President Weah is the developmental godfather of our country. But this current government is only good at propaganda and lies. Every day, they are dedicating projects that President Weah initiated. Every time President Boakai travels, he comes back with empty hands. But President Weah will be back in 2029, and Liberians will see and feel real development,” he said.

By midday, the groundbreaking site was jam-packed beyond capacity, with some CDC partisans scaling palm trees to get a better view of the proceedings.

Yekeh’s Heroic Entrance

One of the main highlights of the groundbreaking ceremony was the triumphant entrance of opposition politician Yekeh Kolubah, a moment that caused a crazed frenzy among the jubilating crowd.

“Yekeh! Yekeh! Yekeh! Yekeh!” the throng chanted as the Montserrado County District #10 lawmaker strode onto the podium where other dignitaries were seated.

Seated on the stage, former President George Weah was flanked by his spouse, Madam Clar Weah, former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr., former Foreign Minister Dee Maxwell Kemayah, Margibi County Senator Nathaniel McGill.

Others on the high table included: Grand Kru County Senator Albert T. Chie, Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, Grand Cape Mount County Simeon B. Taylor, as well as Representatives Abu Kamara, Dixon Seboe, Frank Saah Foko, among others.

The groundbreaking marked not just the start of construction but what many attendees and observers described as a moment of political resilience and renewed party identity. Independent analysts described the event as more than ceremonial; it was a strong statement of mobilization ahead of the 2029 general and presidential elections.

CDC Headquarters Construction Chair Koffa Rallies Partisans

“This moment is about more than a building,” said former House Speaker and Headquarters Committee Chair Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, who arrived at the site shortly after 8 a.m. in full CDC regalia, including a construction helmet printed with the party’s emblem. “It is about resilience, defiance, and purpose.”

Addressing party stalwarts and supporters, Koffa called the groundbreaking a “rallying cry” in response to what he described as political persecution by the current Unity Party-led administration. He referenced the controversial court-ordered demolition of the CDC’s former headquarters, which he said was an attempt to erase the party from Liberia’s political narrative.

“But they achieved the opposite,” Koffa declared, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Today, we stand here stronger, more united, and more determined than ever.”

Koffa revealed that the new headquarters, dubbed the CDC Global Headquarters, will serve as more than a political command center.

He announced plans for a sprawling complex by 2029, which would include a Global Health Program and other development initiatives aimed at making the area “a beacon of service, innovation, and leadership.”

He also took sharp jabs at the ruling administration, accusing it of economic mismanagement, replacing Liberian workers with foreign nationals, mishandling national assets such as ExxonMobil’s operations, and failing ordinary citizens.

In a provocative comparison, Koffa likened the current government actions to those of Nazi Germany, warning that “those who do not remember history are bound to repeat it.”

He said the government’s alleged overreach was reminiscent of the burning of the Reichstag and the rise of authoritarianism in Europe.

The former Speaker’s remarks underscored the highly political tone of the event and signaled the CDC’s intentions to make a strong return to power in 2029.

“This complex,” Koffa added, “will rise as a new mantle of leadership, one that the Liberian people will again entrust to President George Manneh Weah and the CDC.”

Former President Weah Stokes Patriotism

For his part, former President Weah said the groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the party’s resolve to continue working for the Liberian people, irrespective of their political, social, or religious affiliation.

“Despite the evil and constant disregard and abuse of the rule of law by the Unity Party government, the vast majority of Liberians have shown their empathy, love, and support to us,” the former president in a statement greeted with endless cheers.

He continued: “Our nation has experienced too many breakdowns, including our limited infrastructure. Ours is a commitment to rebuild, because we are builders and not destroyers. They break; we build. We lead; they follow. Let us remain resilient. Let us recalibrate. Let us work hard because the people of Liberia depend on us to deliver them from the claws of these charlatans and mountebanks: One Love! God bless you all. God Bless the Mighty CDC. May the mighty CDC remain the party of the people. God Bless Liberia.”

Senator McGill Rallies CDCians

Also speaking at the ceremony, Margibi County Senator Nathaniel McGill announced that CDC lawmakers would raise over US$140,000 toward the construction of the new headquarters. Addressing his fellow partisans, Senator McGill said the party has always delivered its promises to the people. “It’s time for us to give back to the CDC,” he said.

Jewel Howard Taylor Assures Partisans

Another key highlight of the groundbreaking ceremony was the presence of President Weah’s former Vice Standard Bearer, Madam Jewel Howard Taylor.

Addressing her fellow partisans, Madam Taylor assured everyone that the National Patriotic Party remains a loyal and trusted partner to the CDC Coalition.

“For me, today is more than just a groundbreaking — it is a renewal of friendships,” she said, noting, “This event strengthens our collaboration and serves as a major path toward a united opposition community ahead of the 2029 elections.”

Former Vice President Taylor then made a personal contribution of US$5,000 towards the CDC construction project.

The event concluded with jubilation, high hopes, and renewed energy from CDC loyalists, who saw the day as a turning point not just for the party’s infrastructure, but for its political resurgence.