Monrovia, Liberia – On Saturday, former Liberian President George Manneh Weah led the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in breaking ground for its new national headquarters in Monrovia with renewed political fervor and fiery rhetoric. What could have been a party rebuilding exercise was turned into a daring declaration of political independence and revival.
Weah, whose charm makes him a popular figure even after losing the 2023 election, said, “They break, we build,” in front of an overwhelming number of uniformed followers shouting slogans of optimism and loyalty. “We set the example, and they follow.”
With a roar of cheers, the declaration was a direct attack on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Unity Party (UP)-led administration, which Weah claimed was specifically targeting his party with politically driven acts.
The CDC’s groundbreaking was the first of its kind in the nation’s recent political history, particularly since the civil war ended in 2003 and democracy was restored. It deviated from the custom of permanently leasing properties owned by individuals who typically use legal means to evict political parties, which many characterize as a politically motivated ploy.
The CDC has been without a national headquarters since February 2024, when the Oldest Congo Town structure was razed after a drawn-out court fight. Saturday’s groundbreaking represents a significant turnaround for the agency. After years of disagreement, the original owners of the land were granted the right to reclaim it after the Civil Law Court ruled in their favor.
The government was accused of political persecution by CDC loyalists, who were furious by the destruction, which was carried out under highly armed police guards. At the time, the CDC’s leadership called the action “a calculated attempt to humiliate the people’s party,” but the Ministry of Justice insisted that the action was a legitimate implementation of a court ruling.
Weah informed supporters that the new building would symbolize a home constructed by the people for the people at the event, which was held on a large piece of property along the same Tubman Boulevard in Oldest Congo Town.
“This is not just about roofs and walls. It’s about reviving the spirit of a movement that values progress, hard labor, and peace. We are stronger while others try to destroy,” he remarked.
Party officials said the project would feature media and communications offices, training facilities, a conference hall, and a main administration facility. With an emphasis on openness and collective ownership, the party stated that the majority of the funding for the construction will come from donations made by CDC supporters both domestically and outside.
The event on Saturday was described as innovative, but it also had strong political overtones. Ahead of the 2029 elections, analysts observed that Weah’s statements and the lively atmosphere at the ceremony marked the CDC’s political machinery’s resurgence.
Former Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Tamba Koijee, former CDC Chairman Mulbah Morlu, and members of the CDC Women’s League and Youth Wing were among the prominent party officials that attended the ceremony and used the opportunity to reiterate demands for unity within the party’s base.
Credit: Blamo N. Toe
