The once-powerful Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) finds itself in a state of disarray following its unexpected defeat in the 2023 elections, with many members expressing frustration over the party’s lack of direction under interim chairman Janga Kowo.
Since its inception in 2005, the CDC has been a dominant force in Liberian politics, propelled by the popularity of its founder, George Weah, a football legend turned politician. The party emerged as a beacon of hope for ordinary Liberians, promising to challenge the entrenched elite and give a voice to the marginalized.
However, in recent months, the CDC has struggled to maintain its momentum, especially following the 2023 electoral defeat, which caught many by surprise. The party’s failure to recover from this setback has left its members disillusioned and questioning its leadership.
Former secretary-general Janga Kowo’s appointment as interim party chairman was meant to provide stability during this challenging period. However, his tenure has been marred by inaction and a lack of decisive leadership, leaving many CDC members feeling neglected and disenchanted.
“We put our trust in the party to represent our interests and fight for our rights, but we’ve been left disappointed,” lamented one CDC member, reflecting the sentiments of many within the party.
Another member expressed frustration over the party’s apparent silence on key issues affecting ordinary Liberians. “We need a chairman who will speak up for us and hold the government accountable. But all we get is silence,” they remarked.
A recent poll conducted by this paper revealed growing dissatisfaction among CDC members, with many calling for decisive action to reinvigorate the party and regain its standing in Liberian politics.
Since 2005, the CDC stood as the most popular political party in Liberia, powered by Liberia’s most popular figure, George Weah. The party was established to revolt against the old order of Liberian politics. Since the establishment of the second republic in 1985, Liberia had been governed by the indigenous elites. When Tolbert was assassinated in 1980, the Americo Liberian elites were replaced by the indigenous elites who mimicked the ways of their predecessors, diverting opportunities to their personal benefit. The revolution of the CDC was to ensure that the regular people manage the country and not the elites.
Before 2005, the leader of the party George Weah, was not a politician; he was a celebrity who had risen to stardom after dominating the big leagues in Europe. Weah grew up in poverty in the slums of Gibraltar, a suburb of Monrovia. He started his career with Young Survivors and soon he was playing for some of the big teams in the Liberia National League. His talent was scouted, and he traveled to Ivory Coast for a trial and then traveled to Cameroon to play in the country’s league. This is where he was signed by Monaco Coach, Arsene Wenger, and from there, the boy from the slums of Gibraltar won the CAF Player of the Year three times and the Ballon d’Or in 1995, arguably becoming the best player to ever come out of Africa.
Weah’s popularity extended beyond the football field, as he became a symbol of hope for a war-torn nation. He worked tirelessly to bring peace and humanitarian aid to Liberia, earning him widespread acclaim. However, his growing influence drew the ire of then-President Charles Taylor, who viewed Weah as a threat to his authority.
In 2003, with rebels advancing on Monrovia, Taylor abdicated the presidency, paving the way for new elections in 2005. Weah, along with other prominent figures, established the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) to challenge the establishment politicians whom they believed did not represent the interests of the people.
Despite Weah’s popularity, the 2005 elections ended in a surprising defeat for the CDC, with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf emerging as the winner. Undeterred, Weah and the CDC continued to challenge the government over the next 12 years, holding it accountable and advocating for the rights of ordinary Liberians.
In 2017, the CDC achieved a historic victory, winning the presidency and ushering in a new era of governance. However, the euphoria of victory was short-lived, as the party suffered a stunning defeat in the 2023 elections, plunging it into turmoil once again.
As the CDC grapples with its internal challenges, the future of Liberian politics hangs in the balance. Moses Cole, a supporter of the party, asks a defining question, “will the party rise from the ashes of defeat, or will it continue to languish in obscurity? Only time will tell”.
