Four of Liberia’s leading opposition parties, Alternative National Congress (ANC), Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), and Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), have broken their silence over the Capitol Building fire investigation, accusing the government of using the judiciary as a political weapon to target dissenting voices.
In a strongly worded joint press release issued on June 6, the opposition bloc demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of four opposition lawmakers, J. Fonati Koffa, Dixon W. Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Jacob Debee, II, who were summoned and reportedly held at the Liberia National Police (LNP) Headquarters from morning until late evening on Friday.
“The recent actions taken against these individuals, who pose no flight risk, are deeply concerning and reminiscent of a darker chapter in our nation’s history,” the release read. “The judiciary must not be manipulated for political gains.”
The parties expressed alarm over what they described as a calculated attempt to intimidate and silence opposition figures under the guise of investigating the Capitol Fire. While pledging their support for a full and transparent inquiry into the incident, they insisted that the process must be impartial and free from political influence.
“Engaging in politically motivated maneuvers that threaten to destabilize our nation is not only imprudent but also perilous,” the release warned. “Such actions echo the oppressive tactics of past regimes and are unacceptable in any democratic society.”
The joint statement was signed by key opposition leaders: H.E. Ambassador George Manneh Weah (CDC), Hon. Alexander Benedict Cummings (ANC), Hon. Musa Hassan Bility (CMC), and H.E. Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr. (MOVEE). Their collective stance signaled a rare but powerful moment of unity among rival opposition forces, raising the political stakes for the Boakai-led government.
The statement further cautioned that failure to resolve the situation justly could lead to widespread public discontent. “Our position on this matter is firm and non-negotiable. Failure to address this issue appropriately could lead to significant public discontent, expressed through legal and peaceful means,” the statement declared.
In what appears to be both a warning and a call for restraint, the opposition emphasized that their cooperative tone should not be mistaken for weakness. They urged the government to “reflect on its responsibilities and act in the best interest of all Liberians.”
The Capitol Building fire, which shocked the nation and raised serious questions about security and governance, continues to stir political controversy. As investigations unfold, the pressure now mounts on the government to demonstrate that justice is being served, not politicized.
With the opposition drawing a clear red line on due process and rule of law, Liberia’s political atmosphere grows increasingly tense. Whether the government will heed the warning or double down on its approach remains to be seen.
