Kolubah Akoi, acting chairman of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Lofa County, has thumped Deputy House Speaker Thomas P. Fallah’s apology to the governing Unity Party (UP) and Francis Nyumalin.
Fallah apology was over the violence in Foya that claimed the lives of two CDC partisans in 2023.
Akoi described the apology as a “complete mockery to the highest degree.”
He expressed disappointment that Fallah would apologize to the UP over an incident that resulted in the deaths of two-party supporters.
In a statement released following Fallah’s apology, Akoi said: “I was emotionally affected by the development, particularly the loss of lives of the two partisans, when they defended Fallah.”
Akoi recalled how on the day of the incident, he was accompanied by Mohammed O. Sheriff, Justice Mohammed Kelleh, and Makula Kamara to the scene.
“The two partisans had just left their guest house when the violence occurred.”
As he reflected on the incident, Akoi questioned what might have happened had they also been caught in the violence?
He expressed concern about the families, and children, who are left behind by the deceased.
Akoi noted how the orphans had continued to face difficulties since the deaths their loved biological parents, “just because of Fallah.”
He said, Fallah’s apology had raised questions about political loyalty, and the sacrifices made by party supporters, who are often behind political leaders.
Akoi warned CDC partisans against placing unquestionable trust in political leaders.
He argued that supporters could make sacrifices for political causes without necessarily receiving the consideration they expect in return.
Calls for victims to be include in reconciliation plan
Despite his criticism, Akoi acknowledged that reconciliation is necessary for peace, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
He argued however that any reconciliation process should also consider the suffering of victims, recognize the sacrifices of those who died, and address the concerns of their surviving families.
“Reconciliation is not a bad thing,” Akoi said as he cautioned that the process should not be driven solely by the political interests of leaders seeking to retain power.
He further urged CDC supporters, who remain politically loyal to Fallah to reflect critically on the circumstances surrounding the then Foya violence, and the implications of his apology.
Akoi: “Political loyalty should not prevent party members from asking the hard questions, or examine the actions of their leaders.”
The issue is about Foya, not Lofa
Akoi also emphasized that his concerns were specifically related to the Foya incident, and should not be interpreted as a general condemnation of the entire Lofa County.
Akoi said, his reaction reflected personal grief, and concern over the deaths of the two partisans.
He described the deceased CDC supporters as “revolutionary martyrs,” who sacrificed their lives when they supported a political cause, and pledged that their contributions would not be forgotten.
He meanwhile, renewed his loyalty to the CDC.
Akoi assured that the party, and its supporters remain committed to their political struggle.
