– Accuses Musa Bility of Defamation; Party Leader Urges Calm
MONROVIA, Liberia — An internal dispute has erupted inside the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) after the party’s former US/Canada chairperson, Grace Guar, threatened to sue the party and its political leader, Musa Hassan Bility, over what she calls “defamatory” claims about her resignation.
In a fiery Facebook Live broadcast, Guar said she stepped down because of “disorganization” and “lack of accountability” in CMC’s leadership—not over money, as she alleges some party figures have suggested. “I built your party—don’t use my name,” she said, accusing Bility of spreading “lies and wicked fabrications” that she resigned due to financial disagreements. “I left your party with money in your bank account. Don’t use my name for your mess, or I will sue you.”
Guar also alleged that decision‑making in the party has been centralized and unilateral. “There’s no order in the party. Your executives can’t even talk,” she said, adding that she “came with a clean heart” to help build the organization. She further accused CMC Global Chair Dr. Francien (Francien) Chenoweth Richardson of withholding required reports and mismanaging funds—claims The Liberian Post could not independently verify. “I have all the screenshots in the chatroom,” Guar said, adding that her resignation letter—allegedly withheld from circulation by leadership—details her reasons for leaving.
Guar Defends Her Integrity, Threatens Legal Action Guar emphatically denied any financial impropriety. “I didn’t take a dime from your party,” she said. “My lawyer already has your bank account information. If I hear my name in any financial issue again, I will sue this party in America.” She described her service as patriotic, adding that her initial faith in Bility’s vision had been “shattered” by “gossip” and “manipulations.”
Bility Calls for Restraint:
“This Storm Will Pass” Hours after Guar’s broadcast, CMC political leader Musa Hassan Bility issued a measured statement calling for discipline and restraint. “This is a crucial moment for our party. I ask everyone, please remain calm. Do not respond,” he wrote. “Grace served our movement with dedication, and we appreciate that. However, I am deeply concerned that our Global Chair has been unfairly insulted. Leadership comes with attacks, and I understand that. Let us stay calm. This is only a storm, and like every storm, it will pass.”
The party did not directly address Guar’s specific allegations in Bility’s statement, and no formal response from Dr. Richardson was immediately available.
What Triggered the Rift
- Guar’s claims: She says she resigned over governance concerns, not finances; alleges unilateral appointments, sidelining of executives, and poor accountability; threatens legal action over any suggestion of financial misconduct.
- Party leader’s stance: Bility publicly credits Guar’s past service while urging members not to engage publicly; describes the episode as a “storm” the party will weather; objects to “unfair” attacks on the global chair.
Why It Matters
CMC is a new opposition party founded by businessman and political figure Musa Hassan Bility, who previously led Liberty Party and was a prominent actor in the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP). Bility has also attracted controversy over the years, including a FIFA ban in 2019 during his Liberia Football Association tenure—history that critics say could complicate efforts to project discipline and credibility. Supporters counter that CMC’s emphasis on structure and reform will ultimately prevail if internal disputes are handled transparently.
Potential Legal Dimensions
Guar’s threat to sue for defamation could test the party’s internal controls and communications discipline. Liberia decriminalized press offenses in 2019 under the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act, but civil defamation suits remain possible, including in foreign jurisdictions where statements are published or cause reputational harm.
What’s Next
- Party response: It remains to be seen whether CMC will issue a detailed response to Guar’s allegations or publish the resignation correspondence she references.
- Mediation: Given Bility’s appeal for calm, insiders say a quiet, internal mediation is possible to minimize reputational damage.
- Governance signals: Observers will watch whether CMC outlines clearer structures for financial reporting, appointments, and diaspora leadership roles to stem further fallout.
Broader Political Stakes
Political analysts say public infighting could undercut CMC’s effort to attract undecided voters with a message of order and reform. Others note that early turbulence is not uncommon in new parties and argue that how CMC manages transparency and discipline now will define its trajectory.
The Liberian Post could not independently verify the specific financial claims and counterclaims raised by Guar. The party has not published an audit or a formal narrative of events surrounding her resignation. If additional documentation is released by either side, this story will be updated.
