By Lincoln G. Peters
MONROVIA, Liberia, August 31, 2026: Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) political leader Rep. Musa H. Bility has reversed his earlier position and accepted an invitation from former President George Manneh Weah to participate in an opposition political leaders’ roundtable, but with reservations over how any opposition alliance should be structured.
Bility, who had initially rejected the proposed roundtable, announced in a Facebook post Monday that he would attend the September 6 meeting and participate in discussions on national issues, opposition unity and the way forward.
The CMC leader said he believes opposition parties should first identify the major problems confronting the country and agree on the principles, priorities and standards that would guide any collective political arrangement.
He proposed that opposition parties develop what he described as a clear contract with the Liberian people, outlining what they intend to defend, change and deliver should they return to power.
“Agree upon a governing framework, decision-making procedures, conflict-resolution mechanisms, and the responsibilities of every participating institution,” Bility said.
He also called for an open and mutually accepted process to determine the leadership of any opposition collaboration.
According to Bility, the process should operate at four interconnected levels, beginning with political leaders agreeing on a broad vision and principles.
He said national chairpersons of participating political parties should coordinate the institutional process, while secretaries general develop operational arrangements.
A technical team comprising an equal number of qualified representatives from each major participating political party should then draft a proposed framework for consideration, amendment and final adoption, he added.
“Only after that framework has been discussed and adopted should any collective leadership, secretariat, coordinating authority, or other office be established,” Bility said.
Weah Extends Invitation
Former President Weah, political leader of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), formally invited Bility on August 29 to attend the Roundtable of Political Leaders of Opposition Political Parties.
The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, September 6, at Jamaica Resort in Paynesville, Montserrado County.
According to the invitation, discussions will focus on the state of national affairs, issues of national concern, opposition unity and solidarity, and the way forward.
“I present my compliments and have the honor to invite you to a Roundtable of Political Leaders of Opposition Political Parties,” Weah stated in the communication.
Following his earlier rejection of the initiative, Bility confirmed Monday that the CMC had now formally accepted Weah’s invitation.
“I have humbly and formally accepted the invitation of former President George Manneh Weah,” Bility said, commending the former Liberian leader for what he described as an important and timely effort to bring opposition political leaders together.
Bility said he would personally represent the CMC at the roundtable and participate in what he expects to be frank and constructive discussions.
“I will represent the Citizens Movement for Change at the roundtable and participate in frank and constructive discussions on all matters raised in the invitation, including issues of national concern, opposition unity and solidarity, the way forward, and any other matter affecting the opposition and our country as a whole,” he said.
He argued that greater cooperation among opposition parties is important not only for their political interests but also for Liberia’s democratic development.
“I firmly believe that opposition unity is not only in the best interest of the opposition, but is also vital to the preservation, strength, and sustenance of Liberia’s democracy,” Bility said.
According to him, Liberia’s democracy will be strengthened by an opposition that is united, responsible and constructive while holding the government accountable and advancing the national interest.
Bility’s decision clears the way for the CMC to participate in the planned opposition talks, although his conditions suggest that questions surrounding the structure, leadership and decision-making authority of any broader opposition collaboration could feature prominently at the roundtable.
