Monrovia – Former President George Manneh Weah and Various Nationwide Congress (ANC) political chief Alexander B. Cummings held a non-public assembly Monday night at Weah’s residence on ninth Avenue in Monrovia.
By Selma Lomax | [email protected]
The unannounced closed-door assembly, which reportedly lasted over an hour, introduced collectively two of Liberia’s most recognizable political figures and was attended by a choose group of aides from each camps.
Whereas no official assertion has been launched by both Weah or Cummings, sources accustomed to the dialog say the dialogue targeted on the present state of nationwide affairs, the challenges going through the opposition, and the prospects of constructing a unified entrance.
“They talked about the way forward for the nation underneath the Boakai administration and what function accountable opposition management might play going ahead,” mentioned a political insider who requested anonymity. “There was a frank trade on how one can deal with the rising discontent throughout the nation.”
The assembly comes at a time when the nation is going through mounting financial hardship, political division, and rising dissatisfaction with the Boakai administration’s efficiency.
Public protests and civil society complaints about selective justice, delayed reforms, and the erosion of belief in establishments have elevated in current months. With the opposition bloc fragmented and struggling to claim a unified voice, many see the Weah-Cummings engagement as probably important.
Political observers say the assembly could sign the beginning of a realignment throughout the opposition because it searches for a viable technique forward of the 2029 common elections. “Weah and Cummings have completely different political identities, however they share a standard problem—how one can keep related and efficient in a rustic that’s clearly demanding extra from its leaders,” mentioned political analyst Samuel McCauley. “This assembly could possibly be step one towards a strategic partnership, or at the very least a coordinated response to the challenges going through Liberia.”
Although no formal declarations had been made following Monday’s assembly, observers notice that the dearth of speedy media engagement from both facet displays the sensitivity of the dialogue. “This isn’t the form of assembly the place you situation a press launch an hour later,” mentioned a senior diplomat in Monrovia. “If one thing substantial got here out of it, they’re doubtless taking time to weigh the political implications earlier than making any bulletins.”
Civil society teams have welcomed the information of the assembly with cautious optimism. “At a time when the nation appears divided and annoyed, it can be crucial that political leaders discover methods to speak,” mentioned Martha Nimley, a youth advocate and neighborhood organizer. “We don’t know what they mentioned, but when it results in extra cooperation on key nationwide points, will probably be good for the nation.”
Weah, who served as president from 2018 to 2024 earlier than conceding defeat within the 2023 runoff election, has saved a comparatively low profile since leaving workplace. Nevertheless, he has not too long ago begun making public statements criticizing elements of the present authorities’s efficiency, significantly what he describes as selective governance and missed alternatives for nationwide improvement.
Cummings, who completed third within the 2023 presidential election, has maintained a visual presence via coverage advocacy and civic engagement. He has constantly known as for a extra clear, accountable authorities and has positioned the ANC as a reformist motion.
His conferences with youth teams, worldwide companions, and civil society leaders have saved him within the highlight, whilst his political celebration works to rebuild its grassroots base.
The political distinction between Weah and Cummings is notable—one a former worldwide soccer star turned populist president, the opposite a former Coca-Cola government with a technocratic imaginative and prescient for governance. Nevertheless, their shared expertise as presidential contenders and their ongoing criticism of the present administration recommend potential areas of frequent floor.
Regardless of their variations, each males are seen as attainable catalysts for opposition reorganization. Political strategist Emmanuel Tarpeh says the prospect of even casual coordination between the 2 might inject vitality right into a struggling opposition panorama. “Neither Weah nor Cummings can win alone at this level,” Tarpeh mentioned. “But when they’ll discover frequent floor and produce collectively broader coalitions, they might reshape the nationwide political dialog.”
