Imagine a mother witnessing her child being beaten by neighbors, along with some of her other children, and she remains silent. This silence implies support for the actions against her child. Similarly, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has remained quiet on the recent brutal actions of the Liberia National Police against lawmakers defending Liberia’s democracy and her own Speaker HonCllr J Fonati Koffa. This silence has led to speculation about the CDC’s stance.
The incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation, saw lawmakers facing police brutality while attempting to uphold democratic principles. Despite the gravity of the situation, the CDC, which stands as the biggest opposition party, has yet to issue a statement condemning the actions of the police. They have also not made a statement about the threat against the life of the Speaker, though their opponent, the Unity Party, condemned the threat against the Speaker. This has raised concerns about the party’s commitment to justice and democracy.
Under President Boakai’s leadership, the current political climate has been described as hijacking Liberia’s democracy. With the potential to continue until 2029, some fear voices speaking out against such actions may go unheard. Even if the Supreme Court rules in favor of those seeking justice, as it did in Speaker Koffa’s case, the consequences of that justice may still be borne by the individuals involved.
The CDC’s silence on the negative actions against a Speaker from their party and several lawmakers has cast a shadow on their dedication to justice. As the saying goes, a hint to the wise is sufficient.