Liberia: Opposition Party Accuses Government of Plot to Harm Former President
In a dramatic turn of events, the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has claimed that the Unity Party-led government in Liberia deployed the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to harm former President George Weah upon his return from abroad. The deployment of the army raised concerns among many, with the CDC accusing the government of orchestrating a plot to endanger the former president’s life and plunge the country into chaos.
According to the CDC, the crowd that gathered at the airport to welcome Weah and his wife, Mrs. Clar Marie Weah, posed no threat to the airport facilities. Instead, the party claims that the government’s action was a calculated attempt to harm Weah, with Secretary General Jefferson Koijee stating that the deployment of the army was a sign of “declaring war” not just on Weah’s supporters but the entire Liberian public.
The government, however, defended the deployment, citing a threat from Weah’s supporters. Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Jerolinmek Mathew Piah explained that the crowd had threatened to burn down the airport terminal if not allowed entry, necessitating the presence of the AFL to ensure security.
The CDC has rejected the government’s claims, with Koijee stating that it is unthinkable for a government to call out the army on armless civilians who posed no danger to the security of the state. The party has also compared the situation to the recent events surrounding former US President Donald Trump, where a mob stormed the US Capitol building.
The controversy has sparked concerns about the stability of the country, with the CDC warning that the government’s actions could lead to chaos and violence. The situation remains tense, with many calling for calm and restraint from all parties involved.
