MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a dramatic turn of events, Musa Hassan Bility, the embattled Chairman of the opposition Liberty Party (LP), has officially resigned from his position and withdrawn his membership from the party. In a letter dated September 25, 2024, Bility informed the Liberty Party National Executive Committee (NEC) of his decision, marking the end of his three-and-a-half-year leadership journey.
Addressing his fellow NEC members in the letter, Bility expressed his mixed emotions over the decision, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I today announce my resignation as National Chairman of the Liberty Party and withdraw my membership from LP.” He emphasized the rewarding yet complex challenges of leading the party during a period marked by significant political shifts.
Bility’s tenure as LP Chairman saw substantial reforms, including key amendments to the party’s Constitution that promoted inclusive decision-making. One of the highlights of his leadership was LP’s role in forming the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), which backed Alexander Cummings in the contentious 2023 presidential and general elections. Despite these achievements, Bility acknowledged that the party had faced opposition to some of these reforms, particularly regarding their support for Cummings.
In recent months, Liberty Party has focused on reconciliation to heal internal divisions. However, according to Bility, certain concessions required to achieve this reconciliation clashed with his core principles. “It has become abundantly clear that some of the concessions being sought…are fundamentally against my core belief of what is needed to continue to build a vibrant political institution,” he stated. Bility made it clear that while he values democracy and inclusive leadership, he could not support the new direction the party was heading.
Recognizing the importance of the reconciliation process, Bility chose to step aside, allowing others to lead the party in this new phase. “I also cannot and will not allow my personal beliefs to stand in the way of the reconciliation process,” he affirmed, noting that the time had come to pass the leadership baton to those championing this new vision.
Bility’s decision to leave LP marks a significant shift in his political journey. He shared that LP was the first and only political party he had ever joined, following conversations with its founder, the late Charles Walker Brumskine, whose vision for the party aligned with his own. Reflecting on his departure, Bility reiterated that he would not be seeking membership in any other political party. Instead, he plans to continue his political efforts through his current role as Representative of Nimba County, District 7, and other non-traditional political and developmental platforms.
Bility concluded his resignation letter by expressing gratitude to the leadership and members of LP for their support during his tenure and extended his best wishes to the party moving forward.
His departure leaves Liberty Party at a critical juncture, as it continues its reconciliation process and prepares to navigate the complex landscape of Liberian politics without one of its most prominent leaders.
