MONROVIA — The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has strongly condemned the recent demolition of its National Headquarters, describing the action as an unprecedented abuse of power by the Boakai-Koung government. Addressing a press conference on Monday, September 1, 2025, CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga A. Kowo characterized the destruction as politically motivated, illegal, and a blatant violation of Liberia’s Constitution.
According to the CDC, the demolition occurred on Saturday, August 23, 2025, under the pretext of a court order, which the party claims disregarded fundamental constitutional protections outlined in Article 20(A & B) and provisions of the Civil Procedure Law (Chapter 51 § 51.20). The party accused the judiciary of being compromised and used as a tool to facilitate government overreach.
“The timing of this demolition, on the eve of the National Elections Commission’s annual inspection of political party headquarters, raises serious questions about the government’s intentions,” Atty. Kowo said. He added that the destruction could have been a deliberate attempt to undermine the CDC’s legal standing ahead of upcoming elections.
The CDC pointed to the government’s apparent disregard for due process, noting that appeals filed with the Supreme Court remained pending at the time of the demolition. “Our appeals have become efforts in futility,” the statement said. “A legal victory at the Supreme Court cannot reverse the preventable damage done to our headquarters, including the destruction of the symbolic Sycamore Tree.”
Atty. Kowo warned that such actions threaten Liberia’s democracy. “This attack on the CDC is not just about our party; it is about the survival of democracy in Liberia. Today it is the CDC, tomorrow it could be any political entity,” he said, emphasizing the need for both national and international stakeholders to intervene.
The statement also accused the Boakai-Koung Unity Party government of widespread violations, including unlawful dismissals of civil servants, politically motivated prosecutions, and abuse of state security forces. Among the cited examples were the illegal dismissal of officials from the Monrovia City Corporation, harassment of commercial drivers by the Liberia National Police, and the unjust prosecution of former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and others.
Highlighting the role of President George Manneh Weah, Atty. Kowo praised the CDC leader’s efforts to maintain peace amid these challenges. “President Weah’s leadership in navigating these abuses is a testament to his commitment to the nation’s stability and democracy,” the statement noted.
The CDC also reaffirmed its commitment to resisting the government’s attempts at political intimidation. “We will continue to resist loudly, boldly, and peacefully. We will never surrender our country to dictatorship,” Atty. Kowo declared. He emphasized that the party would work with democratic actors to hold the government accountable under the Constitution.
Education and governance issues were also highlighted, with the CDC criticizing the Boakai-Koung regime for neglecting the University of Liberia, which they said had been closed for nearly a year due to lack of funding. The party argued that these failures demonstrate the government’s incompetence and disconnection from national realities.
Atty. Kowo outlined a broader historical context, warning that the current trajectory mirrors Liberia’s dark past of political oppression, judicial manipulation, and civil unrest. He drew parallels to abuses during the First Republic and the 1980s, emphasizing that unchecked government overreach could destabilize the country once again.
The press statement concluded with a call to action to both domestic and international stakeholders, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the United States, and the United Nations, to prevent further erosion of democracy. “Liberia cannot return to one-party rule. We must unite to protect the hard-won peace and democratic gains of the past 20 years,” Atty. Kowo said.
Finally, the CDC reaffirmed its pledge to protect its members, institutions, and the democratic process. “We will continue consulting with democratic actors to ensure the Boakai-Koung government is held accountable. The people of Liberia deserve better, and the CDC will not back down,” the statement concluded.
