Liberian opposition parties sign unity accord amid football politics

Five Liberian opposition parties—the CDC, ANC, MPC, ULDP, and MOVEE—have signed a joint communiqué to strengthen cooperation ahead of the 2029 general and presidential elections. Following a second roundtable in Monrovia, the parties established a joint technical committee to coordinate actions. The group issued several allegations against President Joseph Boakai’s administration, including claims of selective corruption enforcement, undermining the rule of law, suppressing free speech, and failing to protect national territory.

Simultaneously, the Liberia Football Association (LFA) is facing criticism over the politicization of national sports. The LFA appointed Rev. J. Luther Tarpeh, chairman of the ruling Unity Party, to lead the Lone Star Mobilization and Fundraising Committee. Critics argue this move entangles the national football team’s efforts to return to the Africa Cup of Nations in partisan rivalry, specifically noting a perceived lack of recognition for former president and football icon George Weah’s historic contributions to the sport.