By: Kabina S. Kabah
MONROVIA – In a candid and sharply worded statement, former Solicitor General Cyrenius Cephas has declared that he is both “unwilling and unable” to criticize the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, citing what he described as “deep institutional failures” and misplaced priorities under the former George Weah-led government in which he once served.
Cephas, a longtime supporter of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), outlined a series of eleven grievances in a public commentary that has since sparked widespread debate among political observers, civil society actors, and social media users.
“Our government didn’t promote and protect those who stood in the vanguard of the struggle during the party’s days in opposition,” Cephas wrote, adding that loyalty was abandoned in favor of handpicking so-called experts and personal allies of the President for lucrative positions and contracts.
Among the most critical points raised were accusations of nepotism, policy failure, ethnic imbalance in power configuration, and the politicization of Liberia’s foreign policy.
Cephas described the former President as “like a Christmas light” — visible only at official ceremonies and largely inaccessible to both the public and most of his cabinet.
The former Solicitor General also took aim at what he termed the “Weahcianization” of government, an Orwellian reference likening the excesses of the former regime to the dystopian world of Animal Farm.
“Kids that were born into poverty were living like kings and queens,” he wrote, alleging that public resources were misused by those closest to the presidency.
Cabinet retreats were not spared in the critique. Cephas accused the former leadership of turning strategic government retreats into parties, claiming that former President Weah acted as the “Gopio,” or entertainer, rather than a leader.
One of the more politically sensitive accusations made by Cephas was the alleged ethnic concentration of power during the Weah administration.
He stated that the three highest offices in government — the President, the Senate Pro Tempore, and the Deputy Speaker — were all held by individuals from the same ethnic group, the Kru, raising concerns about inclusivity and national cohesion.
On foreign policy, Cephas pointed to what he called a “sale” of Liberia’s diplomatic positions. He referenced two controversial UN votes against China, suggesting these decisions were influenced by external financial interests rather than strategic national planning.
While some expected Cephas to become a vocal critic of the Unity Party-led government following the CDC’s loss in the 2023 elections, the former official says his conscience will not allow it.
“When I think of all these, I feel guilty about criticizing the current government,” Cephas wrote. “Our former President, who was fond of making music during his presidency, is now on social media dancing all over the place. What else is shameful and childish than this?”
The statement has generated varied reactions across Liberia’s political spectrum. Critics argue that Cephas is attempting to distance himself from a troubled legacy, while others say his reflections offer an honest account of misgovernance and a rare admission of internal failure.
Cephas’s commentary adds to a growing wave of post-administration confessions and reflections as Liberia transitions under President Boakai’s leadership.
With calls for reforms and accountability rising, the former Solicitor General’s remarks may contribute to the broader national dialogue on how Liberia’s democracy and governance can move forward.
