Monrovia – Nimba County District #7 Representative and Political Leader of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), Musa Hassan Bility, has called on Liberia’s opposition to abandon what he described as the “politics of convenience” and instead build a “coalition of conviction” anchored on principles, discipline, transparency, and a shared vision for national transformation.
By Jaheim T. Tumu, jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com
Bility said Liberia cannot afford another political alliance focused solely on winning elections while leaving the country’s governance culture unchanged.
“Liberia does not need another arrangement that changes face while preserving the same old system,” Bility declared. “Liberia needs a coalition of conviction, discipline, transparency, and purpose.”
The CMC leader argued that the country’s history is littered with opposition alliances that inspired hope but ultimately collapsed under the weight of personal ambition, ego, mistrust, and leadership rivalries.
“Too often, they have raised the hope of the people and later collapsed under the weight of ambition, ego, distrust, and the struggle over who should lead,” he said. “That history must not be repeated.”
According to Bility, any credible opposition alliance must be founded on clear principles rather than political expediency.
“A serious coalition cannot be built only around the desire to win power,” he said. “It must be built around clear principles, a shared national vision, a credible governance agenda, and a transparent commitment to the Liberian people.”
He stressed that the most important question facing opposition leaders is not who becomes the standard bearer but what type of government they intend to establish.
“What kind of government do we want to form? What values will guide us? What standards will determine appointments and nominations?” Bility asked. “How will competence, integrity, patriotism, and public service become the foundation of governance?”
He warned that collaboration among opposition parties should never become merely a political power-sharing arrangement.
“Collaboration must not become a power-sharing arrangement for politicians,” he said. “It must become a national rescue project for the Liberian people.”
Bility reaffirmed the CMC’s willingness to engage other opposition parties but maintained that his party would only support an alliance committed to genuine governance reform.
“The CMC is ready to talk. We are ready to listen. We are ready to work with others,” he said. “But we will support only a coalition that places governance above ambition, country above ego, and the people above political convenience.”
His comments come days after he attended the 22nd anniversary celebration of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Grand Gedeh County, an appearance that sparked political discussion.
Explaining his decision, Bility said he accepted the invitation “in the spirit of democratic maturity, mutual respect, and responsible opposition politics.”
He described the gathering as more than a party celebration, saying it provided an opportunity for opposition leaders to assess the country’s political climate and begin meaningful discussions about Liberia’s future.
Bility disclosed that conversations with other opposition leaders have left him encouraged.
“There is a growing feeling that the opposition must begin to talk not only about elections but also about Liberia,” he said. “Not only about power, but about governance. Not only about removing a government, but about building a better one.”
Reiterating his central message, Bility cautioned against superficial alliances that merely replace political actors while preserving the same governance failures.
“If we must come together, let us come together around ideas before personalities, principles before positions, and governance before power,” he said. “That is the coalition worth building. That is the conversation worth having. That is the change Liberia deserves.”
He concluded by emphasizing that any future opposition coalition must establish mechanisms that guarantee accountability and respect for agreements beyond electoral victory.
“How will we ensure that any agreement signed is respected after victory?” he asked, underscoring the need for trust, integrity, and responsible leadership in Liberia’s next political chapter.
