Weah Returns, Swarms Of Supporters Celebrate -Says He’s Set for Serious Political Activities

MONROVIA: The political shock for ex-President George Manneh Weah, was unarguably huge when his ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) fell to defeat in the hands of its longtime rival Unity Party, which many had thought was the underdog in the October elections and subsequently the November runoff polls. While hundreds of thousands of partisans and supporters were nursing the wounds of that waterloo, the Standard Bearer took a necessary cooling off trip abroad, minutes after the inauguration of his successor Joseph Boakai. After a month and six days, the ex-president set feet on the country of dear country to an overwhelming welcome scene put up by a swarm of supporters, as The Analyst report.

After spending a little over a month observing his post presidency vacation, former President George Manneh Weah yesterday, Tuesday, February 27, 2024 returned home to jubilant welcome ceremonies at the Roberts International Airport (RIA).

Dressed in a white-flowered Kaftan Suit, the former president told reporters that he was happy to be back in the country “to lead my party where it used to be”.

As he disembarked from the airplane, the CDC standard bearer was received by cheering partisans and supporters of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) who then followed him in the old VIP lounge from which he spoke briefly with the Press before departing the airport.

The former President said he had a wonderful vacation in Europe where he also seized the opportunity to visit the city of Turin, Italy where he visited his son, Timothy who is playing professional football with the Juventus Football Club.

When asked how life has been since he left the Presidency, Mr. Weah said he has always had a wonderful life with his family and supporters long before coming to the presidency.

“Not much has changed except that now there is an opportunity and time to move around as a private citizen, without security barriers, whether I want to interact with my family or seeing and meeting people,” he said.

Of importance to his post presidency era, Mr. Weah said the period will also afford him the opportunity “closely guide my party on its next journey and get ready to speak about the ills in the society”.

President Weah also used the occasion to thank all the institutions who found him worthy to give him series of award in recognition of his decision to concede defeat to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai during the 2023 general elections.

This, he noted, elevated the democratic credentials of the country as well as further entrenching democracy in Africa.

He continued: “Well, I heard that there were some awards out there for me. I want to thank the organizers for the respect and honor, though I did not go there, but it is good to make an acknowledgment when people appreciate you and we told them thanks for everything.

“Again, this is not the first time wining an award; for every field I have gone to, I won an award and I am happy for that. I am a hardworking person. So, I am back from vacation to do my party’s work, to ensure to bring the party back to a normal” after the electoral shock.

President Weah was accompanied on his return by his wife, Madam Clar Marie Duncan Weah, his son, George M. Weah, Jr, commonly called Champ, former Presidential aide Sekou Kalasco Damaro among others.

It can be recalled that former President Weah left the country on January 22, 2024, immediately after he handed over power to President Boakai.

Weah’s intent to play a key role in the revival of the party was demonstrated recently when, a letter purported written by him to the Chairman of the CDC, Mulbah Morlu, where the ex-president advised that the planned post-election retreat in Buchanan should be postponed so that proper arrangement will be made, including getting the inputs of all members of the CDC’s Governing Council and other executives of the constituent parties within the CDC.

While in opposition from 2006 to 2017, Mr. Weah had often used passive tactics, as he was always less assertive, leaving political agitation with low-key officials of the party. It is not clearly how much involvement in serious political works the ex-president will get into.