CMC Rejects Opposition Leaders’ Roundtable Invitation

The Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) has declined an invitation from the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) to participate in an Opposition Leaders’ Roundtable scheduled for September 5, 2026, arguing that the proposed process has already predetermined the leadership and organizational structure of the opposition bloc.

In a formal communication dated August 28, 2026, CMC Political Leader, Musa Hassan Bility, said his party supports opposition unity but maintained that such unity must be negotiated among political parties as equals and should not be built around arrangements established before consultations begin.

The letter, addressed to Atty. Janga A. Kowo, National Chairman of the CDC, acknowledged the importance of dialogue and cooperation among Liberia’s opposition political parties.

However, Bility said the structure outlined in the invitation creates the impression that the leadership and institutional framework of a collective opposition have already been decided.

According to him, the proposed arrangement designates a presiding leader, establishes a National Convening Secretariat and places the Secretariat under the authority of an already appointed “Lead and Coordinator” of the Opposition Leaders’ Roundtable.

“The CMC does not accept this approach,” Bility stated.

The CMC nevertheless emphasized that its decision should not be interpreted as opposition to political unity.

“This is not a rejection of opposition unity. It is a call for opposition unity to be built correctly, credibly, and sustainably,” the communication said.

CMC Calls for Preliminary Consultation

The party proposed that the first step should instead be a preliminary dialogue among major opposition political parties, with each institution participating on an equal and independent basis.

The CMC said such a process should address several key issues, including developing a common assessment of Liberia’s political, economic, governance, security and democratic challenges.

The parties should also identify what has gone wrong in the country and agree on what must not be allowed to happen again, according to the proposal.

Additionally, the CMC wants opposition parties to establish common principles, national priorities and standards, as well as develop what it described as a “clear contract with the Liberian people” outlining what a united opposition would defend, what it would change and what an opposition government would commit itself to delivering.

The proposed process would also establish a governing framework, decision-making procedures, conflict-resolution mechanisms and clearly defined responsibilities for participating institutions.

Most importantly, the CMC wants the leadership of any opposition collaboration to be determined through an open and mutually accepted process, rather than being predetermined.

Four-Level Structure Proposed

Bility proposed a four-level framework for organizing the opposition dialogue.

Under the proposal, political leaders would agree on the broad vision and principles, while national chairpersons would coordinate the institutional process. Secretaries-general would handle operational arrangements, and a technical team composed of an equal number of qualified representatives from each major participating political party would draft the proposed framework.

That framework would then be presented to the political parties for consideration, amendment and final adoption.

The CMC insists that only after the framework has been discussed and adopted should any collective leadership, secretariat, coordinating authority or other office be established.

CMC Leaves Door Open

Despite rejecting the invitation in its current form, the CMC said it remains willing to participate if the proposed meeting is restructured.

Bility said  should the CDC and other major opposition parties agree to reconvene the meeting as a preliminary consultation among equals, without predetermined leadership, coordinating authority or expected outcome, the CMC would be among the first to participate.

The position places the emphasis on a negotiated and collectively owned opposition framework rather than one established by a single political institution.

The communication also recognized former President George MannehWeah as a former President of Liberia and Political Leader of the CDC, noting that he or the CDC could invite the CMC and other opposition parties to an exploratory dialogue.

However, the CMC stressed that hosting an initial meeting does not automatically confer leadership or coordinating authority over the collective opposition.

The latest development could add another layer to ongoing efforts to bring Liberia’s opposition parties together ahead of future political contests, with the CMC making clear that unity will only be meaningful if all participating parties have an equal voice in determining its leadership, structure and political direction.