The demolition of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) headquarters in Monrovia on August 23, 2025, represents a significant escalation in Liberia’s political tensions. This event pits the ruling Unity Party government against the main opposition party in a dramatic confrontation over property rights, judicial authority, and political space.

The Dawn Operation

In the early hours of Saturday, August 23, 2025, officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) accompanied by court sheriffs stormed the national headquarters of the former ruling Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Congo Town, Monrovia. The operation began as early as 4 a.m., with heavy security surrounding the area as demolition equipment moved onto the premises.

The police were enforcing a writ of possession issued by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Liberia, which ordered the eviction of the CDC from the property following a long-standing legal battle with the estate of the late Martha Stubblefield Bernard. Bulldozers tore down the perimeter fence, the decorated entrance, and parts of the Muna E. Pelham Vocational School located on the property.

Legal Dispute and Conflicting Interpretations

The property dispute stems from years of litigation between the CDC and the Bernard estate. Judge George W. Smith of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court had ruled in favor of the estate, granting eviction rights. However, the CDC maintained that the matter was still under litigation and had not reached final adjudication.

On Friday, August 22, the CDC filed appeals in two cases at the Civil Law Court and secured approval of appeal bonds worth L$30,000 from Judge George Smith. CDC Chairman Janga Kowo argued that the filing of an appeal should have automatically stayed execution of the judgment under Article 20(b) of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution and provisions of the Civil Procedure Law.

Table: Key Events Timeline

Date Event
August 22, 2025 CDC files appeals and secures L$30,000 appeal bond approved by court

August 22, 2025 Police Inspector General announces eviction enforcement for following day

August 23, 2025 (4 a.m.) Police deploy to CDC headquarters to begin eviction process

August 23, 2025 (morning) Demolition of CDC headquarters begins

However, legal experts including CDC’s own Senator Augustine Chea of Sinoe County contested this interpretation. Senator Chea stated: “The filing of a new suit does not automatically stay an eviction already ordered by the court. Unless the Supreme Court grants a stay, the sheriff has every right to carry out eviction with the help of the police”.

Political Reactions and Accusations

The CDC leadership vehemently condemned the operation, describing it as politically motivated and unlawful. CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo declared the heavy deployment of armed police as “a clear demonstration of the level of lawlessness the Unity Party government has sunk into”.

Kowo had earlier framed the police action as an “invasion” scheduled for the same day the CDC had planned a mass meeting of partisans and stakeholders at its headquarters. He called on partisans to attend the scheduled meeting peacefully while holding the government accountable for their safety and security.

Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman reaffirmed the police’s neutrality and constitutional duty to enforce the court’s writ of possession. “This planned action is not political,” Coleman said. “Our role is constitutional—to preserve peace, protect lives, and ensure that the decisions of our courts are carried out without fear or favor”.

Weapons Discovery and Security Implications

In a dramatic development, the Liberia National Police announced the discovery of rifles and other weapons inside the CDC headquarters during the eviction operation. According to police reports, two rifles were found in one of the apartments, along with bullets, petrol bombs, narcotics, and machetes.

The discovery added a new layer of controversy to an already tense situation, raising questions about security and accountability. The CDC has not issued any statement regarding the alleged discovery of arms at its demolished headquarters.

Historical Context and Political Significance

The demolished headquarters had served as the CDC’s political base for 20 years, functioning as a political fortress for former President George Weah’s party. Its destruction marks a historic turn in Liberia’s political landscape, symbolizing the shifting power dynamics between the ruling Unity Party government and its chief opposition force.

The event occurs in a post-election environment where political tensions remain high. Critics argue that the timing and scale of the police operation reflect a growing political confrontation between Liberia’s two dominant political forces.

Table: Key Stakeholders and Their Positions

Stakeholder Position
CDC Party Leadership Views eviction as politically motivated intimidation; argues appeal should stay execution

Liberia National Police Claims constitutional duty to enforce court order; maintains neutrality in political process

Judiciary Issued writ of possession based on property rights ruling; allowed eviction to proceed despite appeals

International Community CDC has called attention of U.S. Embassy, ECOWAS, African Union, and European Union to the situation

Regional Implications and International Attention

The CDC has actively sought international attention for its predicament, with Chairman Kowo tagging international organizations including the U.S. Embassy, ECOWAS, the African Union, and the European Union in his social media posts about the eviction. This suggests the party hopes to internationalize the conflict and bring diplomatic pressure to bear on the Boakai administration.

For the Pan-African community, this event raises questions about property rights, judicial independence, and political space in post-conflict democracies. The tension between upholding court orders and avoiding perceptions of political targeting represents a challenge seen across many African nations where former ruling parties transition into opposition roles.

Conclusion: Implications for Liberia’s Democracy

The demolition of the CDC headquarters represents more than just a property dispute—it symbolizes the deepening political fissures in Liberia’s fragile democracy. While the government maintains it is merely enforcing a court order, the opposition perceives it as an act of political repression aimed at weakening their organizational capacity.

The discovery of weapons, if verified, adds a concerning dimension to the situation, suggesting that some elements within the political conflict may be prepared to escalate beyond peaceful means. However, the CDC’s lack of response to these allegations leaves questions unanswered.

As Liberia continues its democratic journey, this event underscores the critical need for clear judicial processes that all parties perceive as legitimate, and for political leaders to prioritize national stability over partisan advantage. The manner in which both government and opposition proceed from this point will significantly influence Liberia’s political stability in the lead-up to future elections.

The international community, particularly regional bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union, will likely monitor whether both parties find a way to de-escalate tensions and ensure that political competition remains within the bounds of democratic norms and peaceful processes.

“Compliance with the law is not a weakness, but a strength, a demonstration of leadership and commitment to our democracy.” — Liberia National Police statement