ANC Rejects “Weah Step Down” Campaign

The political leader of  the opposition Alternative National Congress (ANC) has  rejected calls by  some groups  calling for the  removal of president George Weah in a mass protest camping as unconstitutional.

The “Weah Step Down” campaign is being planned by the Council of Patriots (COP), organizers of the June 7, 2019 protest against the Weah government.

But Alexander B. Cummings described it as undemocratic and unconstitutional to Liberia’s desire for sustainable peace and democracy through competitive electoral politics.

The ANC said though it encourages the right of citizens to peacefully protest and express their grievances to government for redress, it does not approve and will not support the said campaign slated for December 30, 2019.

In a statement issue at the weekend, the ANC said it is aware that the current economic hardship, massive unemployment, open theft of public resources by government officials, abuse of state power and destruction of Liberia’s economy by the Weah administration are necessary and sufficient reasons for peaceful protest.

The statement indicated that the ANC is also concerned about the fast declining state of the country and agrees that Liberians have legitimate reasons to protest and demand reform in governance.

“We take responsibility to support any effort that will rouse the hopes of our citizens, and mobilize the collective outrage of our people to demand better paying jobs, schools and clinics, asset declaration by the president, better living condition, among others,” the ANC added.

Moreover, the opposition party further pledged its continued support to peaceful protests as it is necessary, noting that “just as we supported the June 7 protest organized by the Council of Patriot group when we believed it was in the interest of the people.”

The ANC re-emphasized its commitment to the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) and said it will continue to work with them and other democratic forces in protecting the rights of Liberians.

The “Weah Step Down” campaign is being planned by the Council of Patriots (COP), organizers of the June 7, 2019 protest against the Weah government.   

Meanwhile, Bomi County District #1 Representative, Edwin M. Snowe, has commended the ANC for its declaration on the issues of the planned “Weah Step Down” campaign and protests in the country.

“Let me publicly commend the Alternative National Congress (ANC) for the statement. This is how responsible and patriotic opposition should sound. Any dissatisfaction with your government should be expressed at the polls and not by unconstitutionally using your citizens to satisfy your greed for unconstitutional power.

“Gone are the days in all ECOWAS Member States for any person or group of people to think you can take power through the back doors or to setup any so-called interim government,” Snowe said in what could amount to one of the earliest top notch reactions to the ANC’s recent statement.

He also hailed the ANC’s reference to a similar campaign during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf by some political elements.

The ANC stressed that “It was wrong then with the Ellen Step Down Campaign and it is wrong now.” LINA