MONROVIA – The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Liberia’s largest opposition political party at the moment, faces imminent eviction from its headquarters in Congotown, following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia.
The court upheld its 2016 decision that affirmed the property is owned by Mr. Ebrima Varney Dempster, who initiated eviction proceedings against the CDC earlier this year.
Despite the CDC’s attempts to challenge the eviction through a Bill of Information—contending they were not properly notified prior to the judgment—the Supreme Court dismissed this appeal.
As a result, the CDC is required to vacate Mr. Dempster’s property, where it has been headquartered.
This eviction raises critical questions regarding the future location of the CDC’s headquarters.
Political analysts and party supporters are eager to understand the implications for the party’s operations and potential new sites for its political activities.
The Court has reiterated its 2016 ruling that the property where the headquarters of the CDC is located, across from the Lone Star Cell MTN, is owned by Mr. Ebrima Varney Dempster.
This follows Mr. Dempster’s notifications to the CDC to vacate his property, which began in 2023. In September 2023, he secured a court order for the eviction of the Congress for Democratic Change from his property, reinforcing his ownership rights and formalizing the request for them to leave.
As the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) prepares for its impending eviction from Mr. Ebrima Varney Dempster’s property, political analysts and observers are speculating about the party’s next steps regarding a new headquarters. Given the significance of having a stable and accessible political base, several factors will likely come into play as the CDC searches for a new location.
The new location should be easily reachable for party members and supporters, ensuring that it remains a hub for political activities and community engagement.
Political significance: The CDC may seek a site that holds political relevance or visibility, particularly if it wants to maintain its presence in the public eye ahead of upcoming elections.
Cost and Lease Terms: Financial considerations will also be crucial. The party will need to find a location that fits within its budget while negotiating favorable lease terms.
The new headquarters should ideally have sufficient space for meetings, events, and administrative functions to support the party’s operations effectively.
The CDC will likely consider how their new location will resonate with constituents and whether it can foster positive community relations.
As they navigate this situation, the CDC’s leadership will need to act swiftly to secure a new headquarters that fulfills these criteria and ensures continuity in its operations and outreach.
Political analysts will be closely watching this development, as the choice of a new political home may also reflect the party’s broader strategy and objectives heading into future electoral contests. Further details regarding the Supreme Court’s decision and the legal opinion can be found in the court’s ruling attached here.
