NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Former Liberian President George Manneh Weah has accused the Unity Party-led government of turning Liberia into a “narco state,” alleging that officials involved in drug trafficking are being protected by the administration.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Addressing thousands of supporters during the 22nd anniversary celebration of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, Weah launched a sweeping attack on President Joseph Boakai’s government, claiming the country is facing democratic backsliding, economic hardship and deteriorating national security.
“Liberia has turned into a narco state with officials leading the drug trafficking network being shielded by the UP administration as they are themselves a part of the government itself,” Weah declared.
The former president did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
Weah also accused the Boakai administration of persecuting political opponents, undermining the rule of law and disregarding decisions of the Supreme Court.
“The Unity Party government, led by Joseph Boakai, is rolling back our democratic gains,” he said. “Political opponents, specifically former officials, are being persecuted, free speech is being trampled upon while the security forces engage in brutality against peaceful citizens.”
He further alleged that the government had compromised national security, claiming foreign troops were occupying Liberian territory while authorities had failed to resolve border encroachment issues in Lofa County.
The former president painted a bleak picture of the country’s economic situation, arguing that Liberians had been promised change but were instead experiencing worsening living conditions.
“Families are struggling. Young people and entire communities have been forgotten. Businesses are closing. Hardship has taken over the land,” Weah said, adding that the gap between campaign promises and reality had become increasingly apparent.
Despite his criticism of the government, Weah used the occasion to rally opposition forces ahead of the 2029 general elections, insisting that the CDC remained united and politically relevant.
“There are those who believed that we were finished,” he said. “The CDC is alive. The CDC is united. The CDC is organized. The CDC is energized. And the CDC is coming back to power.”
He called on CDC supporters, opposition political parties and other Liberians to begin mobilizing for what he described as the political battle ahead, declaring that “the road to 2029 begins today.”
The anniversary celebration was attended by several opposition political leaders, including Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Musa Hassan Bility of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), Benoni Urey of the All Liberian Party (ALP), Simeon Freeman of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), Dee-Maxwell Kemayah of MOVEE, Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, former Justice Minister Kabineh Ja’neh and former Finance Minister Amara Konneh.
Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, who now leads the National Patriotic Party (NPP), also issued a statement of support for the event.
