Monrovia – The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Liberia’s leading opposition party, has urgently appealed to the international community to intervene in what they describe as “Pres. Joseph Boakai’s attempts to destabilize the country.” The party accuses President Boakai of orchestrating a plot to remove House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum for the government to cease its alleged harassment of the Speaker.
“If Mr. Boakai does not desist from his actions against the Speaker within 72 hours, the CDC will mobilize for a mass protest across the country demanding his resignation,” a party spokesperson declared. This warning underscores the escalating tensions within the Liberian political landscape, as the CDC threatens unspecified actions if their demands are not met.
The accusations against President Boakai come on the heels of reports that he is attempting to displace individuals employed under the administration of his predecessor, George Weah. The CDC claims that attempts to remove Speaker Koffa have been ongoing since Boakai took office. While the Unity Party (UP) government has denied these allegations, tensions remain palpable.
In a bid to consolidate support, the CDC recently met with Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, reporting a productive discussion. This meeting highlights the ongoing struggle for influence within the Liberian legislature, as the CDC seeks to rally its members against what they perceive as an unjust campaign by the Boakai administration.
In a separate development, the CDC has called an emergency meeting for its legislative caucus recently at the party headquarters. Party leaders have warned that failure to attend could result in expulsion from the party. “Anyone failing to attend said meeting or return to status quo ante will be expelled from the party, and their constituents notified not to collaborate with them,” stated a party official. The out come of the meeting has been disclosed.
The atmosphere in the legislature is tense, with lawmakers expressing confidence in Speaker Koffa’s leadership. One lawmaker remarked, “Having about eight who have withdrawn their signatures and an additional three who have committed to support the Speaker upon his return, we are confident in our numbers for quorum on Tuesday.”
Another legislator added, “We are firmly committed to supporting Koffa, with 36 members already on board and more expected to join.”
As the political drama unfolds, both sides are poised for a showdown, with the numbers game playing a crucial role in determining the future of the Speaker and the stability of the Liberian government. The international community’s response to the CDC’s call for intervention remains to be seen, as the country braces for potential unrest in the coming days.