From July 17 Protest

From July 17 Protest:

Weah ‘Distances’ Himself

By Godgift Harris

In a brief, but strongly worded statement, former President George Weah, firmly distanced himself from the planned Friday’s July 17, protest, themed: “Enough is Enough.”

Weah strappingly denied being part of the planned demonstration, while reaffirming his longstanding commitment to peace and national stability.

“I am not a part of any protest, neither am I sponsoring nor involved in the organization of the upcoming protest,” he told the nation in statement on Wednesday, July 15, while the protest is scheduled for Friday, July 17, 2025.

The protest is organized by some members and sympathizers of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), reportedly with other civil society organizations.

“I believe in peace, the world knows that I am a man of peace; the country needs peace now more than ever,” said Weah.

“I served this country as a peace ambassador under the auspices of the United Nations Children and Education Fund (UNICEF,” and as a former president. My legacy must always reflect my commitment to dialogue, tolerance, and national unity.” Weah said in yesterday’s statement.

His statement comes amid rising political tension in the country, as rumors swirl around the protest being planned to express dissatisfaction with the current administration.

Organizers of the protest, who are reportedly disenchanted CDC supporters, spoke of alleged growing economic hardship, nepotism and lack of accountability within the governing Unity Party-led government.

But Weah, who governed the country from 2018 to 2024, made it clear that while he respects the constitutional rights of all Liberians to protest and freely express themselves, any participation in the July 17 demonstration must be peaceful, lawful, and guided by personal responsibility.

“Let me be very clear, I am not preventing anyone from protesting, but I am not a part,” Weah clarified.

“Liberians,” he said, “have constitutional rights, including the one to peaceful assembly. However, I urge all citizens to put the country first above political and personal interest. Those who wish to protest must also understand that they alone are responsible for their actions and the consequences thereof.”

Political analysts and civil society actors have described Weah’s statement as a “responsible and statesmanlike intervention,” especially at a time when the country’s fragile peace remains a central concern for both national and international stakeholders.

“Pres. Weah’s decision to distance himself from the protest shows maturity and statesmanship,” said Reverend Aaron Kollie, a civil society leader and a peace advocate.

 “In post-conflict nations like ours, leaders especially former heads of state, must promote peace and discourage confrontation. His words may help cool tempers,” said Kollie.

Weah’s message also served as a subtle reminder of his past service as UNICEF Peace Ambassador, a role he occupied during the country’s post-war rebuilding process.

Prior to ascending to the presidency in 2017, Weah was widely celebrated for his contributions to youth empowerment, peace-building campaigns and his influence in discouraging electoral violence.

“As a peace ambassador, I worked to ensure that the country would never return to war,” Weah assured.

The July 17 protest has caused internal friction within the CDC. While some party stalwarts have encouraged public demonstrations against a “failing administration” others believe the party should focus on strengthening its political structure and preparing for future elections.

Reactions to Weah’s statement have been mixed. Supporters of the CDC, who believe the government is backtracking on promises of accountability and development; expressed disappointment that the former president would not stand with the protestors.

“This is the time he should be standing with his people,” said a CDC youth leader in Congo Town, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

 “We’re facing serious hardship under this new government; the protest is not about violence, but sending a message.”

Others, however, welcomed Weah’s call for peace, and said, street protests are not the only avenue for political expression.

“President Weah is right,” said Lucy Tarley, a market woman in Red Light, adding: “elections are over.”