MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a passionate address following his election as Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change – Council of Patriots (CDC-COP), Foday N. Massaquoi committed to leading a powerful opposition against the Unity Party government. Speaking on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Sinje Town, Grand Cape Mount County, Massaquoi said he would push for both legal and democratic action to hold the administration accountable for Liberia’s ongoing economic and social struggles. The event, which attracted delegates from six counties, served as a platform for Massaquoi to outline his vision for the future of Liberia.
Massaquoi, who won the chairmanship with 20 votes against opponent Joshua S. Karr, focused his speech on the urgent need for change in the country. He criticized the government of President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung for failing to address the deepening crisis in Liberia. The newly elected Chairman did not mince words, denouncing the administration for its ineptitude and calling for a united front within the opposition to demand accountability. “The time for leniency is over,” Massaquoi declared, urging opposition groups to join forces in the face of what he described as a government failure to deliver for the people.
The challenges facing Liberia were at the forefront of Massaquoi’s speech. He cited disturbing statistics, including a report showing that nearly 45% of the population had fallen victim to theft in 2024, while a staggering 28% of Liberians had experienced assault, making Liberia the country with the highest assault rate worldwide. Massaquoi warned that the country’s economic situation was worsening, with citizens struggling to meet even basic needs, such as obtaining a meal.
In his critique of the ruling administration, Massaquoi pointed to the current legislative impasse, particularly the standoff within the House of Representatives. He backed embattled House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, calling him the legitimate leader, while rejecting Representative Richard Nagbe Koon’s election, labeling him a “puppet” of Vice President Koung. Massaquoi expressed his frustration with the situation, calling it “organized incompetence.”
Massaquoi also called on Liberians living abroad to remain committed to the cause of the opposition, acknowledging their significant contributions in terms of remittances and advocacy. He emphasized that despite their efforts during the 2023 presidential and legislative elections, the Unity Party government had betrayed them. “You have been betrayed by the Worsonga mafia,” he said, referring to what he saw as a failure to fulfill promises of improvement and change. Instead of the hoped-for salvation, Massaquoi claimed that the Liberian people had been met with a worsening situation: “starvation wrapped in poverty, agony, division, and hunger.”
Further underscoring his concerns, Massaquoi pointed to alarming economic indicators, including a depreciating exchange rate, high unemployment, and rising lawlessness. He emphasized the plight of young people, with 80% of Liberia’s youth being jobless, and lamented the country’s rising crime rates, including unsolved murders. He also highlighted what he perceived as the erosion of the rule of law, with the country’s constitution being disregarded by those in power. Massaquoi stressed that the opposition, led by CDC-COP, would not stay silent in the face of these challenges, vowing to take action.
Massaquoi also laid out a vision for the future, one that is inclusive and centered on the needs of ordinary Liberians. He promised to lead a grassroots-driven movement, uniting people across party lines to challenge the entrenched corruption that has hampered the country’s development. “Our allegiance is to Liberia first,” he said, stressing that his movement would focus on the well-being of the people rather than the interests of a corrupt political elite.
Looking ahead, Massaquoi expressed confidence that the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) would reclaim the presidency in 2029. “The CDC is the people’s party,” he asserted, adding that the opposition movement would work to correct the injustices of the current administration and restore hope to the nation. He called on a broad coalition of Liberians—youth, students, market women, teachers, and more—to join the movement and fight for the country’s future.
In closing, Massaquoi thanked the delegates for their trust and the Elections Commission for overseeing a fair election process. He hailed the election results as a sign that CDC-COP was gaining momentum and would continue to grow as a powerful force for change in Liberia.
Meanwhile, his opponent in the election, Joshua S. Karr, accepted the results graciously. Karr congratulated Massaquoi and expressed his willingness to work alongside him for the betterment of the organization. He also acknowledged the fairness of the election and hinted at a possible run in future elections, urging those who supported him to continue their commitment to the cause. “Your support is highly appreciated, and there is a possibility that I contest in the next elections,” Karr said, reinforcing the need for unity within the organization despite the outcome.
