Former Foreign Minister and political leader of the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., has launched a scathing critique of the Boakai administration, accusing it of weaponizing justice to target political opponents while shielding its allies. Speaking to journalists in Monrovia on Liberia’s 178th Independence Anniversary, Ambassador Kemayah, who served under the George Weah administration and is now MOVEE’s standard bearer, warned of a “relentless political witch-hunting” that he believes threatens the country’s democratic fabric.
“We must end the relentless political witch-hunting and persecution because of political association,” Kemayah declared. “We must choose equal and impartial justice for all over selective justice.”
While Kemayah refrained from naming specific individuals, his accusations come at a time when the Boakai administration has intensified its anti-corruption campaign, leading to suspensions, arrests, and investigations. Critics argue that these moves disproportionately target opposition figures and dissenters, while close allies of the regime remain untouched.
Kemayah emphasized that Liberia is facing a critical test of its commitment to democratic values, stating that the current political climate is drifting away from the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence of July 26, 1847. “Let this Independence Day imbue in us the need to choose unity over division, reconciliation over resentment, peace over chaos, political tolerance over political intolerance, and freedom of speech over suppression,” he urged.
According to Kemayah, instead of promoting healing and inclusion, the Boakai administration has fostered an environment of division, using state institutions as tools of political reprisal.
Observers note that Kemayah’s critique echoes a growing chorus of concern from segments of the opposition, civil society organizations, and even international actors. These groups have warned that Liberia’s governance trajectory under President Joseph Boakai is becoming increasingly partisan and punitive.
Kemayah argued that while the government publicly preaches reform and justice, its actions suggest a calculated effort to suppress alternative voices and consolidate power under the pretext of fighting corruption. “The liberties we should have been enjoying today are being undermined,” he stated, “but with renewed courage and collective resolve, we can still redeem Liberia for a better future.”
He criticized what he described as the “weaponization of the rule of law,” asserting that justice must not be used as a political hammer to silence opposition but must be impartial, inclusive, and protective of all citizens, regardless of affiliation.
Despite his scathing indictment of the administration, Kemayah also used the national platform to rally supporters of MOVEE and the newly energized “Genuine New Insurmountable Movement for Economic Empowerment – The Orange Revolution.” He praised party members for their continued commitment and resilience, pledging to lead the movement with humility and determination. “The trust you have placed in me is an honor I carry with humility and resolve,” Kemayah said. “Let us work side by side to sustain the gains our party is making within the country’s political landscape.”
Political analysts view Kemayah’s address not just as a critique of the current administration but also as a calculated reentry into the political spotlight as Liberia inches closer to its next election cycle. His speech positions him as a leading voice in the opposition block pushing back against what they perceive as Boakai’s increasingly authoritarian posture.
Kemayah closed his Independence Day message with an urgent call for national introspection, urging Liberians to look beyond partisan lines and focus on the foundational pillars of nationhood, democracy, rule of law, transparency, and equal opportunity. “We must prioritize the rights and well-being of all Liberians, irrespective of political, religious, social, economic, ethnic, and geographic background,” he concluded.
Ambassador Kemayah’s comments stand in sharp contrast to the message delivered earlier by President Boakai, who emphasized peace, reconciliation, and national development. However, critics argue that the President’s themes ring hollow in the face of what they allege is an aggressive political climate marked by intolerance for dissent and selective enforcement of laws.
This year’s Independence Day celebration was meant to symbolize unity and healing, but the underlying political tensions underscore the fractures within the country’s governance. Kemayah’s remarks have added fuel to an already volatile discourse surrounding justice, reform, and the rule of law in post-conflict Liberia.
While supporters of the Boakai administration dismiss the criticism as mere political rhetoric from former officials seeking relevance, the tone and timing of Kemayah’s speech reflect a deeper anxiety among many Liberians about the direction of the country. With multiple investigations, suspensions, and dismissals dominating recent headlines, questions are now being raised: Is Liberia truly on the path of transparent and equitable governance, or is it slipping into a pattern of revenge politics under the cloak of reform?
As Liberia’s democracy matures, the battle between accountability and political persecution continues to shape the nation’s narrative. Whether the Boakai administration can strike a balance between reform and inclusion remains to be seen, but if Kemayah’s warning is any indication, the path forward is fraught with challenges.
Comments are closed.