Africa-Press – Liberia. The opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has accused the Liberian judiciary of being “compromised” under the leadership of President Joseph Boakai, following the recent demolition of the party’s National Headquarters in Congo Town.
In its first official press conference since the incident, CDC Acting Chairman Janga A. Kowo labeled the demolition as illegal and politically motivated, claiming it was carried out in violation of the Liberian Constitution and civil procedure laws.
Chairman Kowo said the action by the Liberia National Police and Civil Law Court came while an appeal related to the party’s property was still pending before the Supreme Court — the nation’s highest judicial authority.
“On announcement of an appeal by a defendant, no execution shall issue a judgment against him nor shall any proceedings be taken for its enforcement until final judgment is rendered,” Kowo quoted from Liberia’s Civil Procedure Law.
He argued that the timing of the demolition — just days before the National Elections Commission (NEC) began its annual inspection of political party headquarters — raises serious suspicions.
“The timing of the demolition of our National Headquarters on the eve of the NEC’s annual inspection is deeply concerning. It appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine our legal standing as a political party in the Republic of Liberia,” he stated.
Kowo expressed frustration that CDC’s legal efforts to protect its rights were ignored, asserting that the action sets a dangerous precedent for the country’s fragile democracy.
“It is saddening to note that the judiciary has become apparently compromised. It has become an instrument and a vehicle for the government to abuse and violate the rule of law in Liberia,” he said.
The CDC leader described the destruction of the party’s headquarters, including the symbolic “Sycamore Tree,” as irreversible, even if the Supreme Court eventually rules in the party’s favor.
“Our appeals before the Supreme Court have become efforts in futility. A legal victory at the high court will not restore what has already been destroyed. The damage is done,” Kowo lamented.
He said the Boakai-Koung administration’s alleged interference with the judiciary poses a serious threat to peace and democracy in Liberia.
“The eviction was clearly an illegal act carried out under the pretext of executing a court order. Our democracy is at risk when the justice system is weaponized and biased,” Kowo asserted.
He also accused the administration of selectively enforcing court rulings, stating that several Supreme Court decisions have been ignored by the government, while lower court judgments—especially those unfavorable to the CDC—are executed with speed.
“This is sheer mockery and not justice,” he added.
Chairman Kowo warned that Liberia’s past is filled with examples of judicial manipulation leading to national unrest, including military coups and civil war.
“The abuse of power and manipulation of judicial processes led to Liberia’s bloody civil wars,” he said. “Citizens lost faith in governance and resorted to violence.”
Despite the challenges, Kowo praised former President and CDC Political Leader George Manneh Weah for what he called “exemplary leadership” in maintaining peace during difficult times.
“Thanks to His Excellency President George Manneh Weah for taking the hard and difficult leadership role of maintaining peace amid these glaring abuses. This is a testament to leadership and patriotism,” Kowo concluded.
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