Tensions within Liberia’s political arena escalated further over the weekend as All Liberian Coalition Party (ALCOP) Chairman Ansu V.S. Dulleh Sr. delivered a sharp retort to former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor’s recent controversial remarks.
At a Unity Party (UP) alliance gathering, Dulleh boldly declared, “We all know the history of ALCOP in Liberia, so do not come to threaten us with chaos. We stand with President Boakai and will continue to support him.”
Then, in a striking turn of phrase, he added, “Be reminded, we are the masters of chaos.”
The statement, met with cheers from supporters, was a direct response to Howard-Taylor’s warning last week that opposition forces could plunge Liberia into disorder if President Joseph Boakai’s administration continued on its current path.
ALCOP, a party with roots in Liberia’s turbulent past, has long been associated with strong rhetoric and hardline stances. Dulleh’s defiant tone appears to be a deliberate callback to the party’s reputation, framing ALCOP as a force not to be underestimated.
Political analysts suggest the exchange signals deepening fractures within Liberia’s political class, with President Boakai’s allies pushing back against opposition pressure.
“This isn’t just about words, it’s about positioning,” said political commentator Martha Karnga. “Dulleh is reinforcing ALCOP’s loyalty to Boakai while sending a clear message to the opposition: if they want a fight, they’ll get one.”
While some praised Dulleh’s boldness, others expressed concern over the increasingly combative language.
“Liberia needs dialogue, not threats,” said civil society activist Emmanuel Toe. “When leaders talk like this, it doesn’t calm tensions, it fuels them.”
Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling UP-ALCOP alliance see the chairman’s remarks as a necessary show of strength. “They think they can intimidate us? ALCOP has been here before,” said one party youth leader.
With the 2029 elections still years away, the war of words between Liberia’s political heavyweights suggests a prolonged and contentious battle ahead. Observers warn that if rhetoric continues to escalate, it could spill beyond political circles and stir unrest among citizens.
For now, one thing is certain: in Liberia’s high-stakes political arena, no challenge goes unanswered, and ALCOP, it seems, is ready to play hardball.
