ZWEDRU, Grand Gedeh County — The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has named Alexander B. Cummings, political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), as keynote speaker for its 22nd Anniversary and Militant Month Celebration, a gathering expected to draw some of Liberia’s leading opposition figures to Zwedru as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2029 elections.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, is being held under the theme, “Zwedru Rises: 2029 Victory Is the Final Destination,” and is expected to serve not only as an anniversary celebration but also as a platform for opposition engagement and national political dialogue.
In an official invitation dated June 15 and signed by CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga A. Kowo, the party invited Cummings to deliver the keynote address, citing his role as Political Leader and Standard Bearer of the ANC and his contribution to Liberia’s democratic development.
According to the CDC, this year’s celebration marks a departure from previous anniversary observances, as the event has been redesigned into what the party describes as a National Political Renewal and Policy Dialogue aimed at encouraging reflection, accountability, democratic engagement, and discussions on Liberia’s future.
The gathering is expected to attract political leaders, lawmakers, former government officials, members of the diplomatic community, civil society organizations, youth and women leaders, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders from across the country.
Several opposition figures are also expected to participate, including former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor of the National Patriotic Party (NPP), Benoni Urey of the All Liberian Party (ALP), Simeon Freeman of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), and Musa Bility of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC).
The CDC said Liberia is confronting significant national challenges, including economic hardship, governance concerns, declining public confidence in public institutions, and growing questions surrounding democratic accountability.
“At a time when many Liberians are increasingly concerned about the direction of national governance, economic hardship, declining public confidence in state institutions, and the future of democratic accountability, the CDC believes that opposition leaders have a responsibility to engage one another and the Liberian people in serious discussions about the country’s future,” the party stated in its invitation.
The party further argued that Liberia stands at a critical crossroads requiring honest dialogue and decisive engagement on issues including governance, leadership, accountability, economic opportunity, and democratic stability.
By selecting Cummings as keynote speaker, the CDC said it hopes to encourage broader political engagement and strengthen cooperation among opposition actors as parties begin laying the groundwork for the 2029 elections.
Meanwhile, the Alternative National Congress has formally welcomed the invitation and congratulated the CDC on reaching its 22nd anniversary milestone.
In a statement issued Thursday and signed by ANC Secretary General Desmond U. Nimely, the party described the invitation extended to Cummings as a gesture of goodwill and mutual respect between political institutions.
“The ANC is particularly honored by the invitation extended to its Political Leader, Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, to serve as the Keynote Speaker for this important celebration,” the statement said.
The ANC confirmed that Cummings has accepted the invitation and will travel to Grand Gedeh County accompanied by senior officials and members of the party to participate in the anniversary activities.
The party emphasized that constructive engagement, political tolerance, and mutual respect among Liberia’s political actors remain essential to strengthening democracy and promoting national unity.
“We therefore welcome opportunities such as this that foster dialogue, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the progress of our nation,” the ANC stated.
The CDC’s weeklong anniversary activities, running from June 23 to June 27 in Zwedru, will culminate in Saturday’s main celebration and policy dialogue forum, where opposition leaders and stakeholders are expected to discuss Liberia’s political and economic direction as attention increasingly turns toward the 2029 elections.
