MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has launched an investigation into the discovery of firearms, including sniper rifles, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons found during the recent court-ordered eviction of the former headquarters of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)—a move that has sparked national alarm and intensified political tension.
The eviction, executed on Saturday, August 23, 2025, followed a longstanding property dispute between the CDC and the estate of the late Martha Stubblefield Bernard, who was declared the rightful owner of the compound by the Civil Law Court. The operation was conducted under tight security, with court sheriffs and heavily armed police personnel overseeing the demolition and eviction of the once politically symbolic CDC headquarters.
Among the buildings demolished was the Munah Tech Building, which was used as vocation institution and the main headquartered building, which was once occupied by CDC’s former Standard Bearer and ex-President George M. Weah, along with other high-ranking party officials.
Weapons Discovered Amid Eviction
In the midst of the demolition, police reported the discovery of two high-powered rifles, live rounds, petrol bombs, machetes, narcotic substances, and other weapons—items authorities say pose a serious national security threat.
During the operation, police also arrested William C. Wea, the former Township Commissioner of West Point, who was allegedly found inside one of the buildings. According to LNP spokesperson Cecelia Clarke, Wea reportedly used pepper spray on officers attempting to remove him. He was taken into custody. He is probably being investigated.
“These discoveries are deeply concerning,” Clarke said. “They raise serious questions about the intended use of these weapons, especially in the current political climate. Our investigation will determine who is responsible for storing these arms at the site.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, no formal charges have been filed against any individual or group for the illegal possession of the firearms as of press time. The police say investigations are ongoing but have not provided a timeline or identified suspects.
CDC: ‘We Own No Weapons – It’s a Smear Campaign’
The CDC has categorically denied ownership of the weapons and accused the government of orchestrating a smear campaign aimed at discrediting the party ahead of future political contests.
In a strongly worded statement issued by CDC Chairman Atty. Augustine J. Kowo, the party labeled the allegations as “false, malicious, and politically motivated.”
“The Congress for Democratic Change has no connection whatsoever to any firearms or illegal materials allegedly found on the premises,” Kowo stated. “An official inspection was conducted by the sheriff’s office before the demolition, and an inventory report confirmed that no weapons were present at that time.”
Kowo further argued that the allegations are part of a broader effort to politically neutralize the CDC, a party that once held power for six years before being unseated in the 2023 presidential election by President Joseph N. Boakai of the Unity Party.
“We view these accusations as deliberate distractions designed to divert attention from the real challenges facing Liberians today — unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship,” he said.
Public Demands Clarity Amid Growing Suspicion
The discovery of weapons in such a politically sensitive location has ignited widespread speculation and concern among the Liberian public. Political commentators and civil society actors are now calling on the LNP to expedite its investigation and release findings to the public.
“The CDC has denied owning the weapons. The public deserves to know who put those arms there and for what purpose,” said one Monrovia-based political analyst. “This can’t be allowed to fade into silence. The integrity of our democracy is at stake.”
The presence of sniper rifles—typically associated with military or specialized security operations—has raised further eyebrows, with many questioning how such weapons made their way into a political party’s compound in the heart of the capital.
Observers also point out that the LNP’s delay in bringing clarity to the matter could fuel dangerous conspiracy theories, especially in a country with a history of civil conflict tied to arms proliferation and political instability.
Historical Context
The CDC compound, located in Congo Town, was once a bustling hub for Liberia’s largest opposition party. It served as the epicenter of political organizing, campaign rallies, and party conventions during the rise of George Weah from football icon to president in 2017.
Following Weah’s defeat in the 2023 presidential runoff election, the party was ordered to vacate the premises after a protracted legal battle over land ownership. The demolition marked the end of an era for the CDC, but the discovery of weapons has now opened a new and more troubling chapter.
Call for Independent Investigation
In light of the controversy, some civil society organizations are now calling for an independent investigation—potentially involving international observers or forensic experts—to ensure transparency and prevent politically motivated conclusions.
“If the government is serious about national security and the rule of law, it must allow independent scrutiny of this investigation,” said a representative of a prominent advocacy group in Monrovia.
Meanwhile, the CDC has called on the media, public, and international community to treat the allegations with skepticism and avoid fueling division or unrest through unverified claims.
What’s Next?
With the 2029 General Elections not on the horizon yet and political temperatures already rising, the ownership of the weapons discovered at the CDC’s former headquarters has become more than a law enforcement matter—it is now a defining political test for both the government and the opposition.
For now, one question remains unanswered: Who owns the sniper rifles? Until the Liberia National Police completes its investigation and provides credible findings, the mystery will continue to hang over Liberia’s fragile political landscape like a dark cloud.
