MONROVIA – The ongoing conflict to evict the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) from its long-standing headquarters in Congo Town has exposed a troubling intersection of property rights, legal obligations, and political maneuvering. Despite a clear mandate from the Supreme Court of Liberia, the Unity Party-led government, under President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, appears to be dragging its feet in enforcing the Civil Law Court’s eviction order. The administration’s reluctance to act has flashed accusations of political cowardice in the face of potential unrest.
The estate of the late Martha Stubblefield Bernard, led by Mr. Ebrima V. Dempster, has been tirelessly pressing for the enforcement of the eviction order. On Monday, September 16, 2024, Dempster lamented that the Liberia National Police (LNP) has failed to provide the necessary police protection to assist the Civil Law Court in repossessing the property. “The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice and the Liberian National Police, must act swiftly to provide protection to the court’s sheriff, in line with the mandate of the Supreme Court,” Dempster urged.
This legal battle, which has lasted over a year, revolves around the CDC’s occupancy of the Bernard estate property. The property has housed the former ruling party’s headquarters for nearly two decades, but unresolved disputes over ownership and unpaid sums culminated in a September 12, 2024, eviction order. Despite this, the Boakai administration, through the Ministry of Justice, has yet to enforce the court’s ruling.
Many see this delay as a sign of the government’s reluctance to confront the political firestorm that could erupt from evicting one of Liberia’s most powerful opposition parties. Critics argue that the government’s inaction signals a dangerous precedent, where political considerations are allowed to supersede the rule of law.
The estate’s administrators argue that the property is more than just land; it symbolizes a legacy of peace, unity, and development. Allowing the CDC to continue its occupation in defiance of court orders, they claim, undermines the integrity of Liberia’s legal system. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” the estate administrators warned, urging swift action to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.
Meanwhile, the CDC, led by Acting Chairman Janga Augustus Kowo, maintains its stance as a lawful tenant, asserting that it has paid rent to the estate. The party has filed a “Bill of Information” seeking judicial clarity on the matter, and is calling for fair treatment under the law. Kowo expressed concern over the delays, suggesting that the drawn-out court process is infringing on the party’s constitutional right to due process.
The CDC’s leadership has accused the government of political bias, warning that failure to address the issue transparently could further strain the nation’s fragile peace. The party has called on President Boakai’s administration, the judiciary, and the international community to intervene, ensuring that the dispute is resolved without fueling political instability.
At the heart of this standoff is the Boakai administration’s apparent hesitation. Some political observers argue that the Unity Party government is wary of igniting political unrest, especially with CDC supporters poised to react strongly to an eviction. However, failure to uphold the court’s decision also risks undermining the credibility of Liberia’s justice system and could embolden future defiance of legal rulings.
As the standoff continues, the estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard is growing increasingly frustrated. They have expressed fears that justice is being sidelined for political expediency, and are demanding immediate action to enforce the court’s order. “Our property is more than a political pawn,” Dempster said. “It represents a legacy that must be protected, and we will not rest until justice is served.”
The situation now places Liberia at a crossroads. Will the government muster the political will to enforce the law, or will it allow political calculations to dictate justice? As the CDC remains entrenched and the Bernard estate fights for what they see as a basic legal right, the nation watches closely, knowing that this conflict could set a dangerous precedent for Liberia’s legal and political future.
