MONROVIA, June 3 – The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Liberia’s largest opposition party, has found itself in the eye of a political storm as Acting Chairperson Janga Kowo faces intense criticism for his silence on the glaring failures and excesses of President Joe Boakai’s regime.
Since his controversial election, President Boakai has consistently demonstrated his incapacity to govern effectively, starting with his embarrassing fall during his own inauguration. His tenure has been marked by a series of missteps, including the appointment of incompetent bureaucrats, frivolous expenditure of public funds on foreign trips with bloated delegations, and a crackdown on motorbike riders—an essential source of livelihood for many Liberians.
One of Boakai’s most egregious actions has been his attempt to raise the price of rice, a staple food in Liberia, which would exacerbate the existing hardships faced by the population. Additionally, his administration’s scandalous bid to sell the Wologisi Mountain in exchange for yellow machines has further inflamed public outrage.
In the face of these blatant abuses of power, the CDC leadership, under Janga Kowo, has remained conspicuously silent. This uncharacteristic quiet has sparked a backlash within the party ranks and among its supporters.
“Boakai’s incompetence and corrupt practices are blatantly obvious, yet our leadership in the CDC, led by Janga Kowo, has failed to hold him accountable. This is a betrayal of the trust and hopes of the Liberian people,” said David Flomo, a prominent CDC member and vocal critic.
The Patriots for a New CDC, a reformist faction within the party, has called for an urgent convention to elect new leaders who will courageously confront the Boakai administration. “We need leaders who have the courage to stand up to the current administration’s excesses. The people of Liberia deserve a party that will fight for their rights and interests,” said Sarah Johnson, spokesperson for the Patriots for a New CDC.
The silence from the CDC’s leadership has not gone unnoticed by the public. “We voted for the CDC and we expect them to be our voice, to be the watchdog against government excesses. Their silence is loud and unacceptable,” expressed Emmanuel Doe, a motorbike rider affected by the government’s crackdown.
Critics argue that the CDC’s leadership is failing its mandate as the main opposition party. “The role of an opposition party is to challenge and hold the government accountable, not to be complacent or complicit in its failures,” said political analyst James Kollie. “The current CDC leadership under Janga Kowo has shown neither the resolve nor the willingness to do so.”
The pressure is mounting on CDC officials in the legislature to step up and oppose the administration’s policies. “We call on our party officials in the legislature to find the courage and stand up against the Boakai administration’s destructive policies,” stated Henry Roberts, a youth leader within the CDC.
Last week, another group, We the People, published a statement challenging Kowo and calling for convention. Jango Kowo is under fire and future of the party plus its role in the country’s democracy hinges on its ability to adapt and respond to the demands of its supporters and the broader Liberian populace.
