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By Stephen G. Fellajuah
The opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has described a recent fire at the 9th Street residence of former President George Manneh Weah as a premeditated attack, and is calling for a forensic, international, and independent investigation into what it considers a threat not only to the life of its political leader but also to the peace and stability of Liberia.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday and signed by CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga A. Kowo, the party expressed deep concern over what it termed a “targeted and calculated” act, aimed at intimidating the former president and destabilizing the country.
“This unfortunate incident was a premeditated attack on the life of H.E. George Manneh Weah, intended to undermine his safety and destabilize the peace of our nation,” the statement said.
The party said the fire, which reportedly began in the bedroom of the former president, raises serious questions and should not be dismissed as an accident without a full, transparent, and internationally supervised investigation.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. According to reports, former President Weah was at home when the fire started and personally alerted nearby residents for help. Eyewitnesses say community members responded swiftly, helping to douse the flames before the Liberia Fire Service arrived on the scene.
While the fire was eventually brought under control, it caused significant damage to parts of the residence. Kowo, who visited the property early Wednesday, confirmed that the fire originated from Weah’s bedroom and described the destruction as “massive.”
“We are trying to understand what happened because this is very concerning, especially talking about the bedroom of the former president,” Kowo told reporters at the scene.
Though reporters were not allowed inside the compound, fire trucks and an ambulance were later seen leaving the premises. No injuries were reported, and the former president was confirmed to be safe and in good health.
The fire triggered swift reactions from key figures within the CDC and former Weah administration. Those who visited the residence shortly after the incident include, Fonati Koffa, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nathaniel McGill, former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Acarous Moses Gray, former Montserrado County Representative, and Maxwell Kemayah, former Foreign Minister.
Their presence at the scene signaled the party’s seriousness about the matter and added weight to calls for a comprehensive investigation.
In its statement, the CDC linked the fire incident to what it described as a broader pattern of political harassment and intimidation since Weah left office in 2024.
The party cited multiple previous incidents, including, a violent altercation at Roberts International Airport (RIA), where members of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) allegedly attacked CDC partisans awaiting Weah’s return.
Alleged police brutality during Weah’s most recent return to Liberia on Monday, where CDC supporters were reportedly manhandled, arrested, and in some cases detained.
Additionally, the CDC condemned the circulation of a fake, AI-generated image on social media, purportedly depicting the aftermath of the fire in the former president’s bedroom. The party blamed “Unity Party zealots” for the disinformation campaign.
“Such acts are not only deceptive but are also calculated attempts to mislead the public and tarnish the image of our Political Leader,” the statement noted.
While urging calm, the CDC reiterated its commitment to peace, democracy, and the rule of law. The party emphasized that only an international and independent investigation, free from “lies, deception, and fakery”, can uncover the truth behind the fire.
“We caution against reckless actions and urge all actors to respect the sanctity of human life, democratic principles, and the rule of law,” the CDC statement added.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Liberian authorities have yet to release an official report on the cause of the fire. An investigation is said to be underway.
Meanwhile, former President Weah, who returned to the country just two days before the incident, has yet to make a personal public statement but is reported to be “safe, well, and in good health.”
Weah’s return to Liberia on Monday, September 22, was marked by a large show of support from his base. At RIA, he received a rousing welcome from thousands of CDC supporters and assured them of his continued commitment to rebuilding the party.
He specifically promised to accelerate the reconstruction of the CDC headquarters, which was demolished in 2023. The fire incident now casts a shadow over those plans and further intensifies Liberia’s already polarized political climate.
