The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Liberia’s leading opposition party, has sharply criticized the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, accusing it of launching what the party calls a “politically motivated” campaign against Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe.
In a press statement issued Tuesday, the CDC described the government’s recent designation of Senator Snowe as a “national security threat” as baseless, unconstitutional, and a deliberate attempt to silence dissent. The party warned that such actions represent a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.
“The government’s baseless declaration of Senator Snowe as a ‘national security threat,’ absent any credible evidence, is a reckless and unconstitutional act aimed at silencing dissent and consolidating political control,” the CDC said in its statement signed by its Chairman, Atty. Janga A. Kowo.
The party cited Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and political participation, stating that the Boakai administration’s move violates this key democratic provision.
The CDC further accused the administration of a broader pattern of political persecution, referencing the alleged interference in the ECOWAS diplomatic appointment of former Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah. According to the party, the Boakai government used its influence to block Ambassador Kemayah from being confirmed as ECOWAS Special Representative to Freetown.
“These acts form part of a broader trend of unconstitutional conduct,” the CDC stated, pointing to what it called the president’s “blatant disregard” for the Constitution during the recently concluded legislative leadership dispute—a crisis that involved the Supreme Court’s intervention.
The statement draws a sharp contrast between the current administration and that of former President George M. Weah, asserting that under Weah, opposition leaders, including President Boakai himself, were free to express dissent without fear of retaliation.
Demands and International Appeal
The CDC is calling on the Boakai administration to:
Retract the allegations made against Senator Snowe; Issue a public apology to both Snowe and the Liberian public; Desist from using state institutions to target political opponents.
The opposition bloc also issued a call to action to the Liberian populace and international partners, including ECOWAS, the African Union, and foreign missions, to closely monitor the situation and speak out against what the CDC characterizes as “a growing wave of political repression.”
“The CDC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to democracy, liberty, justice, and the rule of law,” the party stated, adding that it holds the Boakai administration fully responsible for the safety and security of Senator Snowe amid the rising political tensions.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Executive Mansion or the Ministry of Justice concerning the allegations leveled by the CDC. However, analysts say the situation is likely to intensify political discourse in the coming days as Liberia navigates its post-election democratic landscape.
