By Amos Harris
Former warlord turned preacher Evangelist Joshua Milton Blahyi, widely known as “General Butt Naked,” has issued a blunt warning to individuals and political groups pushing for the return of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) to power, declaring he will not remain silent if the party attempts to regain the Liberian presidency.
Speaking to journalists in Monrovia, Blahyi stated that his firm stance stems from concerns over Liberia’s fragile peace and civil stability. He cautioned that political activities and rhetoric perceived as threatening national harmony must be taken with utmost seriousness.
“I just came to warn y’all. Y’all try it and let’s see,” Blahyi said, accusing certain political actors of allowing themselves to be manipulated by misleading political narratives.
General Blahyi targeted prominent CDC figure Pauletta Wie, telling her to cease actions he described as capable of jeopardizing national peace. Questioning her understanding of the devastating consequences of armed conflict, he warned against irresponsible political conduct.
“This war thing, y’all ain’t know anything about war,” he said, emphasizing that those issuing statements threatening to national stability need to reconsider their stance.
The former warlord dismissed the possibility of former President George Manneh Weah winning another presidential election, urging CDC supporters not to waste their effort pursuing a return to the executive office.
“I can never sit in this country and allow the CDC to come back to power here, No way,” Blahyi declared, positioning himself as a guardian of Liberia’s peace.
In contrast, Blahyi noted he would readily accept a future election victory by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the ruling Unity Party, provided it were legitimately earned through a free and credible electoral process. He emphasized that a robust, reasonable opposition remains vital for holding the current administration accountable.
Blahyi voiced disappointment over key opposition figures aligning with Weah and the CDC, arguing that such consolidation undermines viable political alternatives and weakens public scrutiny of the Boakai administration.
Specifically addressing Alexander Benedict Cummings, leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Blahyi urged him to distance himself from the CDC camp. He warned that partnering with Weah’s party risks depriving voters of a credible alternative and blurring the lines between competing political options.
Blahyi’s aggressive statements have ignited fresh debate around the tone of Liberian political discourse and the impact of confrontational language on national reconciliation. While political parties retain the right to campaign and oppose the ruling government, threats and rhetoric invoking past conflict risk deepening political divisions in a nation still recovering from its civil war past. His comments highlight the ongoing necessity for peaceful political engagement, mutual respect, and strict adherence to democratic principles as Liberia looks toward future elections.
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