Monrovia, Liberia – Less than six months into his role as the leader of the opposition, former President George Weah has announced his willingness to run for President in 2029 if called upon by the Liberian people. This declaration comes amidst his sharp criticism of the current administration, accusing President Joseph Boakai of violating Liberian law.
In a recent appearance on a popular phone-in program on Freedom FM, Weah expressed his concerns about the state of the nation under President Boakai, who narrowly defeated him in the 2023 election. “If the Liberian people call upon me, I will answer that call,” Weah asserted. “The current situation in our country shows that President Boakai is not the change the Liberian people deserve.”
Weah’s comments highlighted the discontent among some Liberians regarding the first few months of Boakai’s administration. “The Liberian people are enduring a lot in just over four months of this administration,” Weah stated. He criticized what he perceives as legal violations and political persecution under Boakai’s leadership. “Laws are being broken, particularly regarding tenure positions, which I believe is a witch hunt orchestrated by the President,” he added.
Supporters of Weah and the CDC have echoed his sentiments, expressing frustration with the new administration’s approach. “President Boakai promised change, but what we are seeing is far from it,” said Emmanuel Johnson, Youth League Chairperson of the CDC. “Our people are suffering, and the rule of law is being undermined.”
Jerome Saydee, another prominent CDC supporter, emphasized the need for Weah’s return to leadership. “President Weah has always been a leader who listens to the people and works for their benefit. His commitment to run in 2029 if called upon shows his dedication to Liberia’s future,” Saydee remarked.
On the other side, supporters of the Unity Party have defended President Boakai’s actions, arguing that he is taking necessary steps to rectify the issues left by the previous administration. “President Boakai is committed to upholding the law and ensuring transparency,” said a Unity Party spokesperson. “The changes in tenure positions are aimed at improving governance and are not a witch hunt.”
A supporter of the Unity Party, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their perspective on the situation. “President Weah had his chance, and the Liberian people chose differently in 2023. It’s time to give President Boakai a fair chance to implement his vision for Liberia,” they said.
As the political environment in Liberia continues to evolve, the potential for Weah’s return to the presidency in 2029 remains a topic of significant interest and debate. Whether called upon by the Liberian people or not, Weah’s influence on the nation’s political discourse is undeniable.