GRAND KRU, LIBERIA – In Sasstown, the homeland of Liberia’s President George Weah, a dramatic event unfolded during his campaign trail for a second term. This small town was buzzing with anticipation as its residents eagerly awaited the President’s arrival. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a hint of disappointment.
Drama Unfolds on the campaign trail as Sasstown citizens welcome President Weah with an unexpected twist: echoing Joseph Boakai’s resounding slogan – ‘We Want to See Rescue! We Want to See Rescue!'”
Sasstown is in the Southeast of the country. During his last visit, President George Weah made promises to be fulfilled that include-building a coastal highway that would pass in Grand Kru where Sasstown is located. However, the promises largely remained unfulfilled, leaving the residents of Sasstown and other areas in the region disheartened and frustrated.
As the President’s motorcade approached the outskirts of the town at about 1 am Thursday,, a crowd had gathered to welcome him. But instead of warm greetings and cheers, an unexpected turn of events occurred.
The murmurs of discontent quickly spread throughout the crowd, and before long, the chorus of Joseph Boakai’s campaign slogan filled the air. “We want see Rescue, we want see Rescue!” echoed amongst the crowd as shown on a video recorded by Weah’s own aide, Kalasco.
The video revealed a powerful moment—a spontaneous expression of the people’s dissatisfaction and a challenge to President Weah’s leadership. The campaign slogan of his main opponent Unity Party’s Joseph Boakai had become the anthem in apparent disappointment and disillusionment. The resounding chorus grew louder as more people joined in, their voices demanding to be heard.
The crowd, decided to voice their concerns with a powerful rendition. Instead of chanting praises for Weah, they began singing the slogan of his main opponent, Boakai: “We want see rescue, we want see rescue, we want see rescue.” The unexpected turn left Weah’s team momentarily stunned.
Liberia’s Deputy House Speaker, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, who’s also from the homeland, and traveling with the president, recognizing the potential implications and the need to maintain stability, swiftly stepped forward to address the gathering. His presence brought a sense of calmness and trust, but not until he gave the crowd 100, 000 LD for their beer.
As Koffa continued to speak, the atmosphere gradually shifted. The angry chants gradually transformed into pockets of open dialogue, with individuals expressing their grievances.
President Weah, caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events, was faced with a difficult choice. He had come to Sasstown seeking support and loyalty, but what he encountered was a wave of discontent that threatened to undermine his campaign for a second term. The unforgotten promise of the coastal highway weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of the people, and their message was clear—they wanted action and results.
What was even more funny was Weah’s own aide-Kalasco, who even though was recording and seeing the citizens expressing their anger, continued to commentate: “this is Sasstown, President weah own home, as compared to Foya, that is a battle ground, this is the President’s own home town not a battle ground…”
