CDC rejects political targeting

Liberia’s incoming ruling party Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has denied media reports about a controversial blacklist reportedly created by officials of the CDC.

In an official press statement issued in Monrovia by the CDC on 16 January, the party says its attention has been drawn to widespread reports on social and other media, referencing a so-called “Black List” or “Rest List” from the CDC.

The party which is due to assume state power on 22 January when President – elect George Manneh Weah is sworn has categorically denied, refuted and disassociated itself from the existence of any list targeting any group of Liberians for discrimination in any form or manner.

Social media have carried a long list of people alleged to be targeted on a blacklist by the incoming administration of Mr. Weah. But a statement under the signature of Augustus Janga Kowo, CDC National Secretary General denies the claim.

The blacklist carrying names of individuals that will not be allowed to work in the George Weah led – administration has been out for a number of days now.

The purported list allegedly circulated by the opposition party in Monrovia has listed several institutions, including media houses that it describes as “Axis of Evil,” and has asked all members and sympathizers of CDC not to transact business with the alleged blacklisted individuals and institutions.
“CDCians and patriotic Liberians are asked to refrain from doing business with the following state subsidized establishments; don’t buy, sell or do business with these heartless business persons or institutions,” the leaflet says.

But the CDC’s official reaction says President – elect George Manneh Weah and Vice President – elect Jewel Howard Taylor are committed to a peaceful and prosperous Liberia with equal opportunities for all Liberians as provided for under the 1986 Liberian Constitution.

The statement adds that the CDC thanks supporters of all political parties who participated in the recent Liberian electoral process, noting that indeed the 2017 elections have consolidated and strengthened Liberia’s democratic credentials thereby placing Liberia on an irreversible trajectory of democratic governance.

The CDC cautions all its partisans, collaborating political parties and Liberians in general to refrain from any acts insinuating political targeting of people and institutions after a highly competitive election.

“We wish to assure the Liberian people and all political actors and activists that the CDC led government will not engage in any act to undermine the democratic gains of Liberia,” the party concludes.

By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor– Edited by Winston W. Parley