MONROVIA, LIBERIA – On Sunday, December 1, 2024, tension surfaced during a condolence visit to the family of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, as former President George Weah declined to shake hands with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung. The incident has ignited discussions about ongoing political divides in Liberia following the 2023 presidential election.
Upon his arrival, Vice President Koung extended his hand to greet the former President in a respectful gesture. However, Weah chose not to reciprocate, instead placing his right hand over his chest as a sign of acknowledgment. He made a similar gesture towards Representative Samuel Kogar, Majority Bloc Leader in the House of Representatives, further indicating his apparent reluctance.
Observers speculated that Weah’s decision could be linked to lingering dissatisfaction from the 2023 election, in which Vice President Koung played a key role in the coalition that defeated Weah’s government. The refusal to shake hands was seen by some as a subtle expression of discontent.
Political analysts noted that the incident highlights the ongoing division within Liberia’s political environment, even during a time meant for unity and mourning. While the death of Senator Johnson, a prominent figure in Nimba County’s politics, has drawn leaders from various political backgrounds together, the incident underscores the persistent tensions between key figures in the country’s political scene.
