Bong County Chairman of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), James Zuannah, has accused the opposition Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) of ‘exploitation.’
Zuannah claimed that CMC had exploited the CDC political identity in an attempt to gain public recognition and political relevance.
Zuannah has meanwhile, warned against members of the CMC to desist from such practice, “because the two political organizations are separate entities, and should not be presented to the public as one political movement.”
Zuannah claims suggested that the CDC and CMC are not the same organization, and that spreading misleading propaganda could create unnecessary confusion among Liberians, particularly supporters who have followed the CDC’s political activities over the years.
He argued that the CDC has its own political history, leadership, organizational structure and ideology, all of which distinguished it from the “political just come CMC.”
Zuannah accused CMC officials of attempting to benefit from the CDC’s established political identity rather than build, and strengthen their own organizational based.
He said, political relevance should be earned through a party own leadership, policies, programs and relationship with the people.
While CMC is yet to respond to the allegation, Zuannah has urged the party to focus on developing its own political identity instead of seeking recognition by associating itself with the CDC.
His comments come amid disagreements among opposition political actors over coordination, leadership, and the future direction of the opposition block.
The dispute has become increasingly visible as opposition parties and political movements discuss possible cooperation. They have also maintained different positions on who should lead, or coordinate such efforts.
For Zuannah, however, political cooperation cannot be used as justification for erasing the distinction between political parties.
He spoke of how CDC and CMC may engage in dialogue, or cooperate on issues of mutual interest, but such cooperation does not make the two organizations identical.
Zuannah also warned CDC supporters against attempts to distort the party’s identity and political history.
He called on members of the CDC to remain focused, and defend the party’s organizational identity, and avoid “unnecessary distractions.”
