MONROVIA – In a powerful statement issued on August 23, 2024, Dr. Clarence K. Moniba, leader of The Liberia National Union (LINU), condemned the recent acts of violence and lawlessness that occurred at the headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) on August 22. Speaking from LINU’s headquarters in Sinkor, Dr. Moniba expressed his deep disappointment with the current state of Liberian politics, highlighting how such actions undermine the nation’s development and stability.
“We are fighting for A New Liberia, a nation that we can all be proud of because of our collective actions, sacrifice, and love for the country; A New Liberia where everyone will be respected and treated with importance,” Dr. Moniba stated. He criticized those in leadership positions who prioritize personal interests and party politics over the welfare of the nation. “Some, however, continue to take their leadership responsibilities as ways to score political points, gain undeserved sympathy, or score political debts and exact retribution when we have a nation on its knees and slowly dying because the average person cannot afford enough food, proper healthcare or life in a safe community,” he continued.
Dr. Moniba decried the chaotic scenes at the CDC headquarters, where innocent people and private properties were affected, bringing the country to a standstill. He emphasized that such events represent a dangerous escalation that could drag Liberia back into conflict and instability. “We should be discussing why both CDC and UP-led governments, who have continually led this country for the past 20 years, have allowed government officials including lawmakers’ salaries to skyrocket while our teachers, nurses, doctors, and civil servants’ compensation remains stagnant,” he asserted.
He further called attention to the need for a national dialogue focused on development and reform rather than partisan conflict. “Instead of us spending time talking about positive change for the greater good, we are discussing political parties,” Dr. Moniba lamented. He criticized the current two-party system in Liberia, suggesting that it has contributed to the country’s stagnation over the past two decades.
Dr. Moniba also acknowledged the letter written by former President George Weah to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for intervention and expressed his hope for a forthcoming address by President Joseph Boakai on the state of the nation. He urged the government to form a commission to investigate the events of August 22 and make its findings public, emphasizing the importance of transparency in regaining public trust.
“If we are to engender the confidence and support of the Liberian people, we have to level with them on these kinds of incidents,” Dr. Moniba stated. He concluded his remarks by calling for a renewed focus on national development and unity. “Let us get serious about development, about progress, about loving the country of Liberia more than any one individual or institution. In this ‘Flag Day’ period, let us remember that the sum of Liberia is much, much more important than our parts. May God bless the works of our hands and save the state,” he concluded.
Dr. Moniba’s strong stance reflects a desire for a shift in Liberian politics from divisive, party-centric conflicts to a more inclusive, development-focused national agenda.
