Africa
Liberia Opposition Leader Boakai Launches Campaign To Unseat President Weah
Weah rose to power amid optimism, with many believing that the former world soccer player of the year could usher in positive change
A multitude converged in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, on Sunday as opposition leader Joseph Boakai officially kick-started his campaign in anticipation of the forthcoming October elections.
These elections are poised to gauge the popularity of President George Weah, the former football superstar, who is seeking re-election after a turbulent first term in office.
Supporters of the soft-spoken Boakai, now 78 years old and the runner-up to Weah in the 2017 elections, passionately gathered at a stadium, undeterred by the rain. They danced, unfurled flags, and fervently demanded change.
Among the attendees were former Weah enthusiasts who have become disenchanted with what they perceive as his inability to improve living standards or root out corruption in Liberia, a West African nation beset by a series of challenges this century, including a civil war, a devastating Ebola outbreak, and fluctuations in commodity prices.
“We had hoped that President Weah would fulfil his promises of change, but unfortunately, we’ve witnessed no such progress,” remarked businesswoman Martha Gould. “We yearn for a brighter future.”
Weah rose to power amid optimism, with many believing that the former world soccer player of the year could usher in positive change despite his lack of political experience. However, his administration has been tarnished by a series of scandals.
Last year, the United States imposed sanctions on three officials, including Weah’s chief of staff Nathaniel McGill, over corruption allegations, including the alleged misappropriation of state assets. Weah promptly dismissed these officials, who staunchly denied any wrongdoing.
In 2018, a Liberian court issued arrest warrants for over 30 former central bank officials connected to the disappearance of $104 million. An accounting error related to fuel supplies in state-run tanks left Liberia grappling with a gasoline shortage in 2020, triggering widespread panic at fuel stations.
Nonetheless, the question persists: can Joseph Boakai and his Unity Party turn the tide? President Weah still enjoys popularity in significant parts of the country, and the economy recorded nearly 5% growth last year, primarily driven by advancements in agriculture and mining, according to the World Bank’s report.