MONROVIA — In the lead-up to the 2005 legislative and presidential elections, George Weah and Thomas P. Fallah shared a father-son-like bond. Weah was determined to secure Fallah, one of his trusted confidants, the Montserrado County Fifth District seat. Despite resistance from many party leaders who questioned Fallah’s lack of political experience and contribution to the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Weah continued to champion his cause. Fallah went on to win the election in a landslide and later secured re-election three times, with Weah’s popularity being credited for much of his success.
For over 20 years, the relationship between Weah and Fallah remained strong, until recent developments raised eyebrows. After the disappointing 2023 presidential election, where Weah lost to Unity Party’s Joseph Boakai, Fallah and Weah were no longer seen together at key events, sparking rumors of a rift within the party.
The tension deepened after Fallah reconciled with Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin, following the deadly riots in Lofa’s District Five, which had led to the deaths of CDC supporters. Fallah justified his actions as part of a peace-building effort, but Weah reportedly took offense.
The final straw appeared to be Fallah’s involvement in the movement to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, which Weah viewed as a betrayal. Weah publicly criticized Fallah, calling him a “saboteur,” and stated that he had crossed a line within the party. “He tried to sabotage the party. He knows he made a mistake, and he can’t come back,” Weah remarked.
Weah then recommended Fallah’s suspension, saying, “If I were in the Grievance and Ethics Committee, Fallah would be suspended. His actions have made it impossible for him to return to the party.”
In response, Fallah emphasized his long-standing commitment to the CDC, citing the sacrifices made during the recent campaign in Lofa, despite facing violence and intimidation. He clarified that his actions were motivated by a genuine desire to serve Liberia and the CDC, aiming for transparency and accountability in the government.
The CDC soon announced the suspension of Fallah and five other lawmakers for their involvement with the Unity Party, accusing them of violating the party’s constitution. The CDC also expressed concern over the push to remove Speaker Koffa, seeing it as a distraction from more pressing national issues, such as delayed salaries for the Armed Forces of Liberia and ongoing corruption.
Fallah, however, defended his position, stating that his decisions were made with Liberia’s best interests at heart and were intended to protect and uplift the country.
CDC Crisis and Future Impact
Political analysts suggest that the ongoing crisis in the CDC could weaken the party’s hold on power and provide an opportunity for opposition groups to strengthen their grassroots support ahead of the 2029 elections. While internal disputes are common in politics, experts argue that the CDC must focus on unity to remain competitive in future races.
The fallout between Weah and Fallah could have broader implications for the party, especially in Lofa, where Fallah has established himself as a key political figure. His support helped the CDC achieve a stronger showing in the region, garnering over 35 percent of the vote in the 2023 elections, a marked improvement from previous years when the Unity Party had dominated in Lofa.
