IPNEWS: Augustine Janga Kowo, the chairman of Liberia’s opposition party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has made a powerful appeal to the Civil Law Court, urging them to accelerate the review of a critical petition concerning a land dispute with property owner Ibrahim Demsper. This piece of land is notably significant as it serves as the home for the partyβs national headquarters.
Chairman Kowo disclosed that the CDC has rented this property for over ten years and has been negotiating with Demsper to purchase it for a substantial sum of $4.2 million. He stressed that the party has diligently met all of its obligations throughout this process and has never engaged in any unlawful attempts to seize the property.
The controversy, according to Kowo, emerged when Mr. Demsper seemingly reversed his agreement to sell the land, reportedly under pressure from the government led by the Unity Party. Kowo contends that the government has exerted undue influence on Demsper, prompting him to reclaim the property despite the active negotiations that were underway.
In light of these developments, Kowo has reaffirmed that the CDC is committed to adhering to the law and is earnestly seeking a just legal resolution to the dispute. He has appealed to the presiding judge to prioritize their petition, which was submitted on August 29, 2024, stressing the importance of addressing the substance of the case swiftly to bring about a resolution to this pressing matter.
This unfolding situation highlights the complexities surrounding land ownership and the interactions between political parties and property rights in Liberia, reflecting the need for a clear and fair judicial process in addressing such disputes.
