Date: November 13, 2023
In a startling revelation, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, leader of the Opposition Unity Party, has accused President George Weah and the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) of employing harassment and intimidation tactics against Unity Party members and supporters.
Boakai expressed his concerns during a nationwide address on Sunday, citing numerous incidents of attacks on opposition figures across Liberia.
Boakai highlighted a particularly alarming event in Zor Zualay, Nimba County, where gunfire targeted the Unity Party’s vice standard bearer and Senator Prince Johnson.
The assailants, allegedly supporters of President Weah, narrowly missed causing harm, leaving several individuals injured and hospitalized.
The opposition leader pointed fingers at Anthony Quiwonkpa, a staff in President Weah’s office, as the alleged orchestrator of the attack. Boakai condemned the violence as a deliberate attempt by Weah and his operatives to instill fear in the population.
The accusations extended to the reported arrest of a Ghanaian national, Sumson Essien, providing technical assistance to the Unity Party.
Boakai claimed that Essien faced cruel and degrading treatment, with the government subsequently deporting him without due process.
While the government has initiated an expedited investigation into the incidents, doubts linger regarding its completion before the November 14 runoff elections.
Boakai stressed the crucial role of a fair and transparent electoral process, urging authorities to ensure an atmosphere free from intimidation and violence.
Observers and the international community are closely monitoring Liberia’s situation, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and democratic election process.
As the runoff elections draw near, the government’s response to these allegations will play a pivotal role in determining the nation’s electoral integrity and future stability.
