— As CDC Executive Committee Distances Itself from Anti-U.S. Ambassador Protest
IPNEWS: It all began on Tuesday night, in a rather usual style of Broadcasting in Liberia when two pro-government Radio stations (owned and operated by CDC Executives) aired strong anti-American sentiments.
The well-orchestrated anti-American program by Bana FM and Freedom FM shocked many.
Listeners in dismay listened to program hosts Winston Blyden and Abraham Wion, initiate Anti-American sentiments urging Liberians to come out in full and protest against U.S. Ambassador, Michael McCarthy for allegedly disparaging the George Weah Government.
The callers on both Bana FM 98.5, and Freedom FM stations accused the United States Ambassador of allegedly melting in Liberian politics; and being against the George Weah Government; while wanting to install the standard bearer of the opposition Alternative National Congress (ANC), Mr. Alexander Cummings as president of Liberia.
They also accused the U.S. official of being a ‘trouble marker’, always calling the press to disparage the Liberian government, and threatened to force him out of Liberia through mass demonstrations.
The anti-U.S. sentiments have been growing among pro-government elements since Ambassador McCarthy urged institutions and individuals not to violate the Global Magnitsky Sanctions placed on three former Weah officials.
Both program hosts portrayed Ambassador McCarthy as an opponent of the Weah Government who accused Nathaniel McGill, Bill Twehway, and Cllr. Sayma Syrenius Cephus of fraud without any evidence.
In all this, Deputy Hosue Speaker, Fonati Koffa, in a show of solidarity and assurance, swiftly hosted U.S. Ambassador, Michael McCarthy, at his Capitol Building office.
Representative Koffa, condemned in the strongest term the anti-American sentiments, especially attempts to create an unfavorable environment for the U.S. Diplomat.
“This is not government policy, and it should not be Liberians Policy. Free speech comes with responsibility.” Deputy House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa stated.
Meanwhile, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has distanced itself from a report of a planned protest against United States Ambassador to Liberia, Michael McCarthy.
The National Executive Committee of the Coalition for Democratic Change in a release termed the report as “baseless assertions and the workings of detractors who may be impersonating as Pro-Government Supporters, with malicious intent to tarnish the government of Liberia’s reputation and ruin the cordial bilateral ties between the Weah administration and the United States of America.”
“Coalition for Democratic Change, irrespective of the political persuasions of the alleged masterminds of the outrageous utterances, condemns the verbal attacks against the United States Ambassador to Liberia Michael McCarthy, and cautions all members of the CDC to take due cognizance and refrain from making comments considered reckless, offensive and unpatriotic,”
“Such a statement is a calculated attempt to tarnish the CDC Administration,” CDC said in a statement.
The ruling establishment’s release reaffirms its commitment to peace, stability, and the rule of law including the respect for diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Liberia in conformity with Liberia’s international obligations under the Vienna Convention.
