Former President Weah Declares CDC Ready for 2029, calls for Opposition Unity
ZWEDRU, Grand Gedeh County – Former President George Manneh Weah has declared that the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) remains a formidable political force and is preparing for a return to power in the 2029 general elections, while urging opposition parties to work together in offering Liberians what he described as a credible alternative to the ruling Unity Party administration.
Speaking Saturday during the CDC’s 22nd anniversary celebration in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, Weah told thousands of supporters that the opposition must remain united and focused as the country grapples with what he characterized as worsening economic hardship and democratic setbacks.
“The road to 2029 begins today,” Weah declared. “This is not the time for division. This is the time for mobilization. Let the message leave Zwedru today and travel across every county, every district, every town, and every village.”
The anniversary celebration attracted several prominent opposition figures, including Alternative National Congress (ANC) Political Leader Alexander Cummings, Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) Political Leader Musa Hassan Bility, All Liberian Party (ALP) Political Leader Benoni Urey, Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) Political Leader Simeon Freeman, MOVEE Political Leader Dee-Maxwell Kemayah, Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, former Justice Minister Kabineh Ja’neh, and former Finance Minister Amara Konneh.
Weah thanked the visiting political leaders for attending the celebration, describing their presence as evidence that Liberia’s opposition can unite around a shared vision for national development. He also acknowledged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, Standard Bearer of the National Patriotic Party (NPP), for issuing what he described as a strong statement of solidarity with the CDC.
Reflecting on the party’s founding in 2004, Weah said the CDC emerged as a grassroots movement representing ordinary Liberians rather than political elites.
“The CDC was never just a political party. It was, and remains, a revolution of hope—a movement of ordinary people determined to do extraordinary things,” he said.
The former president recounted his rise from humble beginnings to Liberia’s highest office, saying his personal journey symbolized the aspirations of millions of ordinary Liberians. He defended his administration’s record, citing investments in roads, housing, market buildings, and education despite what he called significant national challenges.
Weah used the occasion to sharply criticize President Joseph Boakai’s administration, accusing it of failing to fulfill campaign promises and undermining democratic institutions.
According to the former president, many Liberians are struggling with economic hardship, while businesses continue to face difficult operating conditions. He further alleged that the current administration is rolling back democratic gains through political persecution, restrictions on free speech, and excessive use of force by security personnel against peaceful citizens.
Weah also accused the government of disregarding the rule of law, compromising national security, and failing to adequately address border challenges in Lofa County. Additionally, he alleged that Liberia’s fight against drug trafficking has weakened under the current administration, claiming that some government officials have been shielded from accountability.
The Boakai administration has previously rejected similar accusations, maintaining that it remains committed to the rule of law, democratic governance, anti-corruption efforts, and improving national security.
Despite his criticism of the government, Weah emphasized that the CDC would continue to play what he described as a responsible role within the opposition by holding the administration accountable while defending Liberia’s democratic values.
He also dismissed suggestions that the CDC has lost political relevance, insisting that the party remains united, organized, and energized.
“A movement built by the people cannot be destroyed by propaganda. A movement rooted in the hearts of ordinary Liberians cannot disappear,” Weah told supporters. “The CDC is alive. The CDC is united. The CDC is organized. The CDC is energized.”
The former president concluded by calling on CDC members, opposition political parties, and Liberians generally to remain united ahead of the next electoral cycle, saying the anniversary marked the beginning of what he described as a new chapter of renewal and reorganization for the party.
The CDC was founded in 2004 and rose from an opposition movement to become Liberia’s governing party after winning the 2017 presidential election. The party was defeated in the 2023 elections by the Unity Party, returning to the opposition.
