Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County – June 27, 2026 – Former President George Manneh Weah has declared that the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) is entering a new phase of political renewal, urging party supporters and the broader opposition to begin mobilizing for the 2029 general elections.
Addressing thousands of supporters during the CDC’s 22nd anniversary celebration in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, via telephone from the United States of America, Weah described the event as the beginning of the party’s next chapter, emphasizing unity, reorganization, and renewed determination.
“The CDC is alive. The CDC is united. The CDC is organized. The CDC is energized. And the CDC is coming back to power,” Weah declared to loud applause.
He added, “The road to 2029 begins today.”
The former Liberian leader opened his address by extending greetings from his wife, former First Lady Clar Marie Weah, noting that the couple had celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary a day earlier, coinciding with the CDC’s founding anniversary.
Weah thanked the people of Grand Gedeh County for hosting the celebration and expressed appreciation to leaders of several opposition political parties who attended the event in a show of solidarity.
Among those recognized were Alexander B. Cummings of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Musa Hassan Bility of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), Benoni Urey of the All Liberian Party (ALP), Simeon Freeman of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), Dee-Maxwell Kemayah of MOVEE, Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, former Justice Minister Kabineh Ja’neh, and former Finance Minister Amara Konneh.
Weah also thanked former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, Standard Bearer of the National Patriotic Party (NPP), for issuing what he described as a strong message of support for the CDC’s anniversary celebration.
According to Weah, the presence of opposition leaders demonstrated that Liberia’s political actors can work together in the country’s best interest despite partisan differences.
Reflecting on the CDC’s founding in 2004, Weah said the party emerged from the aspirations of ordinary Liberians seeking inclusion in national leadership.
“Twenty-two years ago, a movement was born—not in the corridors of power, not among the wealthy and privileged—but in the hearts of ordinary people,” he said.
He described the CDC as “a revolution of hope” built by market women, students, farmers, workers, motorcyclists, and young people determined to have their voices heard.
Weah also reflected on his own political journey, saying his rise from humble beginnings to the presidency symbolized the opportunities the CDC sought to create for all Liberians.
“When I walked into the Executive Mansion, millions of Liberians walked through that door with me,” he said, arguing that his administration focused on improving the lives of ordinary citizens through investments in roads, market facilities, housing, and expanded access to education.
Turning to the country’s current political and economic situation, Weah said many Liberians are facing significant hardship and questioned whether the current administration had fulfilled the promises it made during the 2023 elections.
He asserted that families are struggling, businesses are closing, and young people have been left behind, saying Liberians deserve answers to what he described as widening gaps between campaign promises and current realities.
The former President also accused the Unity Party-led government of rolling back democratic gains, alleging that political opponents, particularly former government officials, are being persecuted, while freedom of speech is under pressure.
In his remarks, Weah further alleged that the government has undermined the rule of law, compromised national security, and failed to adequately address border concerns in Lofa County.
He also claimed that Liberia has become a “narco state,” alleging that individuals involved in drug trafficking are being protected by officials within the current administration.
Those allegations reflect the former President’s views expressed during his address. The statement does not include a response from the Unity Party-led government regarding the claims.
Despite his criticisms, Weah called on the opposition to remain united and continue holding the government accountable through democratic means.
“This is not the time for division. This is not the time for complacency. This is the time for mobilization,” he told supporters.
He urged CDC members and opposition supporters to carry the message of renewal throughout Liberia as preparations begin for the next electoral cycle.
The Congress for Democratic Change celebrated its 22nd anniversary under the theme of political renewal, bringing together party members, supporters, and representatives of several opposition parties in one of the largest opposition political gatherings held in Grand Gedeh County in recent years.
