MONROVIA — Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has forcefully dismissed social media rumors suggesting she provided US$15,000 and several thousand bags of cement to the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) for their new headquarters construction. Her statement coincided with renewed scrutiny of the party’s eviction and recent demolition of its long-standing headquarters of 20 years since 2005.
Speaking from her farm during an interview with journalist Julius Jeh on Monday, September 1, Sirleaf described the claims as “damn stupid,” emphasizing that no CDC official has contacted her for support, adding, “I’m out of their damn politics.” She criticized the prevalence of sensational misinformation in Liberia’s social media landscape and called on people to focus on nation-building instead.
“Those people who put this crap… they must just love my name … anybody who put that crap out there, I say they are damn stupid,” said Sirleaf.
CDC Headquarters Demolition Sparks National Debate
Her denial comes on the heels of the demolition of the CDC headquarters compound in Congo Town, clearing the way for heightened political symbolism and debate.
Judge George W. Smith of the Sixth Judicial Civil Law Court endorsed the eviction, stipulating that the property legitimately belongs to the Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard. Despite an appeal from the CDC, enforcement was carried out promptly by sheriffs with support from the Liberia National Police.
President Joseph Boakai defended the demolition, stating unequivocally: “The law is the law … the police were ordered to carry out the action, and they did,” insisting that the removal was purely legal and not politically motivated.
In contrast, CDC Standard-Bearer and former President George Weah condemned the move as “partisan political mischief”, warning that it undermines both the rule of law and Liberia’s fragile peace.
The Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) labeled the eviction a “sad day for Liberian politics,” asserting that such enforcement fosters humiliation rather than democratic competition.
New Beginnings Amid Displacement
Following the demolition, the CDC quickly relocated its operations to its Montserrado District 8 office, designating it as a temporary national headquarters.
Former President Weah also launched a National Headquarters Construction Committee, tasked with building a new party headquarters within the next year. The committee will manage fundraising, ensure transparency, and involve representatives from youth and women’s leagues.
Demolition Reveals Troubling Discoveries
Amid the enforcement of the eviction, the Liberia National Police reportedly discovered rifles, ammunition, machetes, and other suspicious items hidden inside the demolished camp—inciting widespread concern over national security and political stability.
Conclusion
As the CDC embarks on rebuilding and reorganization, Former President Sirleaf’s categorical denial aims to refocus attention on political maturity and unity. “Put it on every way you want… all over the country,” she urged, challenging media to broadcast her message far and wide.
Ultimately, Liberia finds itself at a crossroads—balancing judicial enforcement, political expression, and national reconciliation. The demise of the CDC’s physical headquarters may be less symbolic than the hope that their resilience, along with principled leadership, will preserve democratic inclusivity and truth in public discourse.
