By Emmanuel wise Jipoh
President George Manneh Weah has assured Liberians that there will be no more war in the country.
“I will say to you, to God be the glory and in God, we are confident that our country there will be no more war and rebel checkpoints,” Mr. Weah said upon his return from the UN General Assembly last week.
Mr. Weah’s statement comes amidst growing apprehension among opposition actors that the ruling establishment could rig the October presidential elections and stir conflict.
President Weah told citizens that gone are the days when rebel checkpoints were erected across Liberia and tons of guns were fired in their ears.
Last week, Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson told a press conference that the impressive turnout exhibited during the opposition Unity Party’s (UP’s) campaign launch on 17 September 2023 is an indication of the people’s resolve to remove President Weah from power.
But Mr. Johnson, a political ally of UP standard bearer Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai raised a concern about alleged potential election interference by the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
The former Liberian warlord threatened to fight back for the cause of the people if the elections were rigged.
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“Before the October elections, Liberians are coming out under the banner ‘Don’t Try It’ – any attempt, the people’s power would be exercised like the Arab Spring,” said Sen. Johnson.
“You’ll shoot your gun; you’ll kill us or you’ll die. No more fear, Liberians don’t have fear anymore,” Sen. Johnson said.
However, President Weah described the statement from the opposition as reckless, urging citizens not to panic.
Mr. Weah faces a tremendous headache for a second term bid against 19 opposition presidential candidates.
His administration faces criticisms for insecurity, the rising importation of illegal drugs by individuals, and economic hardship, among others.
His critics have alleged that he does not deserve a second term because his lack of leadership has allegedly led the country to face tough conditions.
President Weah’s main challenger and former Liberian Vice President Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai is seen pulling the crowd to mount a political resistance against the incumbent’s return to the Executive Mansion.
Amb. Boakai and Mr. Weah battled at the runoff in 2017 and Weah emerged victorious.
In a related development, President Weah has attended a special thanksgiving and intercessory prayer service held at the Dominion Christian Fellowship Center in Oldest Congo Town.
During the service, he assured Liberians of a lasting peace.
The incumbent acknowledged the difficulties the nation has faced over the years while rallying them to remain patient as his administration takes drastic steps to mitigate some of those challenges.
He said under his administration, the nation is on the right path of prosperity.
Mr. Weah reechoed his administration’s commitment to uphold the tendency of democracy and belief in peace.
Weah noted that going forward, the country will remain peaceful, adding that a stable government will come and the government will go without any sound of guns, war, torture, and erecting of rebel checkpoints.
“There’ll be no more rebel checkpoint in the Republic of Liberia. We are on the path of prosperity, Liberia has been through a difficulty, and we believe in the tendency of democracy,” said President Weah, adding, “And we believe in peace and there will be a lasting peace in this nation.”
