Monrovia – In May 2017, in a move that violated Section 8.1 of the Code of Conduct—which prohibits public officials and government employees from using state facilities for unofficial activities—19 Liberian senators gathered at the Senate to endorse the presidential candidacy of then-Vice President Joseph Boakai.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
This unprecedented action not only caused public outrage but also dealt a significant blow to the political prospects of then-Senator George Weah, a major contender in the race. The endorsement, widely seen as a coordinated effort to sideline Weah, sent shockwaves through the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).
In response to this challenge, Representative Thomas Fallah, after consulting with senior party officials, initiated swift countermeasures. Fallah personally mobilized resources, including five 4×4 pickup trucks, funds, and a team of loyal supporters, to launch an ambitious county-wide campaign dubbed the “CDC 500,000 Membership Drive in Rural Liberia.”
This grassroots initiative focused on engaging and mobilizing voters in towns, villages, and cities, particularly those influenced by the 19 senators’ endorsement of Boakai.
The strategy proved highly effective, helping to rebuild momentum for the CDC and neutralizing what had become known as the “Boakai Effect.” Fallah’s decisive efforts were instrumental in revitalizing Weah’s campaign, setting the stage for its ultimate success just months later.
Later that year, during the CDC’s general election campaign, Fallah continued to display unwavering commitment and energy. Partnering with the party’s operational department, he traversed the countryside, passionately fighting for a CDC victory.
Reports even suggest that Fallah and his team extended their campaign efforts into neighboring Guinea and Ivory Coast. When his staff cautioned him about venturing beyond the borders of Liberia, Fallah reportedly replied with determination, “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure Weah is elected to redeem our country.”
Fast forward to the present, Fallah’s expulsion from the CDC has thrown the party into uncharted territory. Many political analysts believe this could be a defining moment in the party’s history, with some suggesting it may become the CDC’s Achilles heel.
Others see it as a decision that could lead to significant setbacks and fragmentation within its ranks. While the full impact remains unclear, there is growing speculation that the CDC may never fully recover from this episode.
Compounding these challenges, leaked communications surfaced on social media last week, fueling rumors of a deepening rift between Senator Saah Joseph — another prominent figure from Lofa County — and the party’s standard bearer, former President George Weah.
These leaks have intensified speculations of a brewing regional and tribal divide within the CDC. Internal sources, speaking anonymously, have expressed concerns that key Lofa officials feel targeted in what is perceived as an effort to marginalize their influence within the party.
If left unresolved, these internal conflicts could have severe consequences for the CDC, particularly in Montserrado County, where the party is evidently strong but has also relied on support from Lofa communities. A stark reminder of this dynamic can be seen in the 2014 Senatorial election, when the party’s popular flag bearer, George Weah, won by a landslide against Robert Sirleaf but secured only 99,226 votes—significantly fewer than Thomas Fallah, who lost the 2020 senatorial election in the same county but outperformed Weah with an impressive 120,405 votes.
Then there’s vote-rich lofa County too, which may be very heavily impacted by the fallout. Analysts warn that the backlash from disillusioned party members could significantly weaken the CDC’s standing in future elections.
Since his expulsion, which he has termed as unilateral and arbitrary, public opinion, mainly amongst party faithfuls, appears evenly divided on social media as it is in communities in Montserrado, our investigation gathers.
The growing rift may serve as a testament to Hon. Fallah’s remarkable contributions to the CDC, which transcend political and ideological boundaries, extending into infrastructure development and the advancement of human resource services.
In 2021, with the unwavering support of the party’s leadership, Hon. Fallah took the lead in fundraising efforts for the construction of the CDC’s vocational training facility, the Munah-Tech Vocational Training School, nestled at the heart of the party’s headquarters. This initiative was more than just a project—it was a heartfelt commitment to the CDC’s vision of empowering Liberia’s youth with vital technical and vocational skills, paving the way for a brighter future and a stronger, more self-reliant generation.
Beyond leading the fundraising efforts for this transformative educational project, Hon. Fallah took on the responsibility of managing the school’s operations. He personally covered staff salaries for six months and oversaw key infrastructure improvements, including the concrete paving of the vehicle alleyway within the party’s headquarters. Additionally, he ensured the installation of solar light poles along both sides of the pavement, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics of the facility.
Unimpeachable sources report escalating tensions within major CDC chatrooms, with fears that these conflicts could spill into the public domain if not carefully managed. This paper has learned of threats from executive committee members to openly resist the decision, a move that could be potentially detrimental. Addressing these tensions promptly will be crucial to maintaining the party’s unity and electoral viability in future.
