MONROVIA – The Supreme Court of Liberia has issued a stay order in the ongoing legal dispute involving the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and the families of two estates—the Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard and the Intestate Estate of William Thomas Bernard. This development has added a new layer of complexity to the CDC’s looming eviction from its long-time headquarters in Congo Town.
Associate Justice Yamic Quiqui Gbeisay, presiding in Chambers, has mandated Judge Elliott to halt all proceedings in the case until further notice. This order comes amidst a heated battle over the ownership and occupancy of the property that the CDC has called home since 2004.
Ebrima Dempster, the grandson of the late Martha Stubblefield Bernard, inherited the property and has been fighting to reclaim it from the CDC. The Supreme Court affirmed Dempster’s ownership in 2016 and ordered the CDC’s eviction. However, the CDC managed to remain on the property by acknowledging Dempster’s ownership and making partial payments.
Despite these efforts, the CDC failed to pay rent for six years after coming to power in 2018. Following the party’s electoral defeat in January 2024, Dempster returned to Liberia to assert his rights. Negotiations for the CDC to purchase the property began, but Dempster insisted on receiving the six years of back rent arrears before discussing any sale.
In March 2024, the CDC paid Dempster US$360,000. However, Dempster decided against selling the property and demanded the party vacate the premises. “This is not about money anymore,” Dempster asserted. “The CDC has had ample opportunity to resolve this matter, but they have continually disrespected the legal processes and obligations.”
Former Monrovia Mayor and CDC Secretary General Jefferson Koijee has rallied supporters to resist the eviction. “We will not be moved from our headquarters, and we call on all CDCians and supporters to stand firm against this unwarranted attack on our party,” Koijee declared.
The eviction order, originally perceived as politically motivated by the ruling Unity Party, has sparked significant controversy. CDC Chairman Janga Kowo expressed concerns over the timing. “We believe this eviction order is politically motivated by the ruling Unity Party to tarnish CDC’s image,” Kowo stated.
Amid the escalating tensions, the police have invited CDC officials for discussions on how the party can peacefully vacate the property. Inside sources suggest that this meeting aims to facilitate a smooth transition, as Mr. Dempster has decided to use the property for other purposes. “Our property is more than just land and a building; it symbolizes the legacy of peace, unity, and development that should be preserved, not undermined,” Dempster said during an interview on Liberia’s most popular online talk show.
With the Supreme Court’s stay order now in effect, the eviction is temporarily on hold. This unexpected twist provides the CDC with a brief respite, allowing them to regroup and strategize their next steps. However, the underlying issues remain unresolved, and the future of the CDC’s headquarters hangs in the balance.
