IPNEWS: Former Liberian President George Weah is engaged in talks with Alexander Cummings, leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), about potentially forming a unified front for the 2029 presidential election.
Cummings, a former Coca-Cola executive with a formidable international reputation, is being considered as a possible leader of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in a grand opposition coalition aimed at challenging incumbent President Joseph Boakai and his ruling Unity Party.
According to the information a faction within the CDC, led by influential Secretary-General Jefferson Koijee, supports the partnership with Cummings.
The ANC, which emerged as a splinter group from the CDC, stands as one of Liberia’s largest political party but has struggled in recent elections.
It is believed that Koijee has remained silent on the matter, not responding to requests for comment. Similarly, ANC’s National Chairman Horatio Gould neither confirmed nor denied the ongoing discussions, stating, “Nothing is static, and nothing is permanent in politics. We are talking to everybody, including the Unity Party.”
The appeal of Cummings lies in his international stature, social capital, and extensive network of global leaders, assets that are particularly enticing to the CDC, currently under U.S. sanctions.
Before losing power, the Weah administration saw nearly a dozen of its officials sanctioned by the U.S. government on charges ranging from human rights violations to corruption.
Since his electoral defeat in November 2023, Weah has been focused on rebuilding the CDC. The once-powerful coalition he assembled in 2017 to oust the Unity Party has fractured, resulting in a mass exodus of allies and partisans.
In a bid to reenergize its demoralized base, the CDC recently held a rally in Monrovia under the theme “Turning Setback into Comeback.” The event drew a substantial crowd of supporters, hinting at the CDC’s potential resurgence as a formidable opposition force.
Former National Chairman Mulbah Morlu, who resigned in February over policy disagreements with Weah, has advised the CDC to improve its international reputation and repair relationships with global powers to position itself for a comeback in 2029.
In a briefing note to Weah, Morlu emphasized the need for a skilled team of foreign policy experts to engage with key Western capitals, including Washington, Brussels, and London.
These engagements should involve discussions regarding international decisions made during our tenure, aiming to rebuild confidence and provide assurances to our international partners,” Morlu wrote.
He further stressed the importance of enhancing relations with Washington and its European allies, highlighting Liberia’s strategic significance within the United States’ sphere of influence.
“As we endeavor to revitalize the CDC’s domestic and global political standing, I stress the importance of prioritizing the enhancement of relations with Washington and its invaluable allies.
Neglecting to capitalize on our historical ties with the U.S. would be a missed opportunity, especially considering Liberia’s strategic significance within the United States’ sphere of influence.
Therefore, strengthening ties with the U.S. and its European counterparts is a good step forward, even for a major opposition party,” he added.
The potential alliance between Weah and Cummings could significantly alter Liberia’s political landscape. Cummings’ credentials, including his tenure as a top executive at Coca-Cola, and his extensive international connections, provide a stark contrast to the incumbent administration.
His entry into a coalition with the CDC would represent a merger of local political strength and international credibility.
The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, with both Weah and Cummings playing their cards close to the chest.
However, the possibility of a unified opposition presents a serious challenge to President Boakai’s re-election bid of deemed necessary.
As the political chess game unfolds, all eyes will be on how these alliances shape the future of Liberia’s political arena.
In a country where political dynamics can shift rapidly, the potential Weah-Cummings alliance underscores the fluid nature of Liberian politics.
Meanwhile, following report that incumbent Montserrado County Senator Saah Hali Joseph plans to leave the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) to challenge former President George Manneh Weah in the ensuing presidential election in 2029, is now taking root.
An investigation conducted over the last few days uncovered plans by Senator Joseph to indeed contest the presidency in 2029.
At a local restaurant in the suburb of Paynesville, Senator Joseph flank by former strategies of ALCOP, NPP, including some Executives of the CDC, brainstormed on the presidential bid of Senator Saah Joseph.
When IPNEWS bombed into the meeting inquiring on emerging report of his presidential ambition, Senator Joseph replied ‘no comment for now. We shall inform the public when the time is right’.
This week a local new outlet the Oracle Daily Newspaper reported plans by Senator Saah Joseph to contest 2029 presidential elections.
According to the report from insiders, the quest of Senator Saah Joseph now sends a significant blow to the CDC, which has been grappling with a series of high-profile defections.
Saah Joseph, one of Liberia’s popular politicians, is allegedly strategizing his departure to better position himself for the 2029 presidential race.
Sources close to the Senator revealed that his decision is driven by the need to establish a campaign free from the internal turmoil currently affecting the CDC under George Weah’s leadership.
One source involved in Joseph’s presidential campaign told Oracle News Daily, “Senator Joseph’s presidential ambitions can best be fostered outside of the CDC due to the party’s potential leadership and institutional crisis.”
Joseph, who has remained tight-lipped on the matter, made a formidable showing in the 2023 senatorial elections, securing over 300,000 votes.
This performance has fueled his confidence in pursuing Liberia’s highest office. “His strong voter base and work ethic make him a formidable candidate,” said an insider from his exploratory team.
Throughout his political career, Joseph has been known for his dedication to his constituents and his legislative initiatives.
Among his notable achievements is sponsoring a bill to amend the Alien and Nationality Law, granting women equal rights in passing on citizenship to their children born outside Liberia.
Joseph’s journey to politics is marked by resilience. During Liberia’s civil war, he fled to Sierra Leone and founded the Refugee Women and Orphans Assistance Program, which provided vital support to widows and orphans.
His humanitarian efforts extended to Senegal, where he built schools and offered relief to communities affected by the conflict in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
In 2013, Joseph was elected to the House of Representatives, where he became a national hero during the Ebola outbreak. He led efforts to combat the deadly virus, which ravaged households and economies across West Africa, including Liberia.
Joseph’s potential exit from the CDC to pursue the presidency could have far-reaching implications. His departure might destabilize the CDC further as it strives to regain power.
The party has already seen significant defections, and losing a prominent figure like Joseph could hinder its efforts to mount a strong opposition.
Moreover, Joseph’s presidential bid is likely to alter the dynamics of the 2029 elections. His popularity and track record could draw substantial support, challenging other candidates, including George Weah, if he chooses to run again.
Joseph’s campaign, built on a foundation of humanitarian work, legislative success, and a strong voter base, presents a formidable challenge to any opponent.
The political landscape in Liberia is set for significant changes as Joseph prepares to launch his presidential campaign. His decision to leave the CDC underscores the growing dissatisfaction within the party and highlights the shifting allegiances as the 2029 elections approach.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Senator Joseph and his next moves.
His potential bid for the presidency is poised to reshape the political narrative in Liberia, promising a competitive and dynamic race for the nation’s top office. Courtesy of Oracle News Daily
