A Liberian living in the United States who actively campaigned for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in the 2023 election has publicly expressed regret over his support, accusing the administration of pursuing forced demolitions and overstating development gains.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Solomon B.G. Teh, a Minnesota-based Liberian, said he backed Boakai believing the Unity Party-led government would improve living conditions and restore dignity to governance. He said he and other diaspora supporters encouraged relatives at home to vote for Boakai--sometimes tying family assistance to political support.
"Now those same relatives are calling us in tears," Teh wrote, alleging that communities are facing demolitions without compensation or clear relocation plans.
Demolitions Draw Public Anger
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
Teh's comments come amid growing public concern over demolitions and evictions in parts of Monrovia and nearby communities, where residents say they received little notice before homes and structures were cleared for road corridors and other urban projects.
Government officials have defended some actions as necessary for public infrastructure, traffic safety and urban planning. Critics, however, say enforcement has been heavy-handed and insufficiently humane.
Human rights advocates note that demolitions tied to public projects should follow due process, including adequate notice, fair compensation and resettlement options, consistent with Liberian law and international standards. The government has yet to publish a comprehensive resettlement framework for affected communities.
Claims of Betrayal and Comparison With Past Practice
Teh described the situation as a personal and political betrayal, saying the administration he supported is "hurting the very people who trusted it."
He contrasted the current approach with that of former President George Weah, asserting that Weah engaged communities in informal settlements and facilitated improved housing. Teh accused the Boakai administration of targeting residents living in "decent homes" and proceeding without safeguards. Those assertions reflect Teh's views and could not be independently verified.
Some supporters of the government have dismissed displacement as the "pain of development," a phrase that has drawn backlash online.
Questions Over Development Record
Beyond demolitions, Teh challenged official development claims, citing figures referenced in the administration's 2026 State of the Nation Address and subsequent statements. He questioned reported achievements in road construction, job creation and price stabilization, arguing that many visible road projects were initiated under the previous administration and are being continued.
The Boakai administration has pointed to improvements in macroeconomic indicators and ongoing infrastructure delivery, while officials say constrained fiscal space and inherited projects limit how quickly new initiatives can begin. The Information Ministry and line agencies have previously defended government data as reflecting cumulative outputs.
Public skepticism persists amid rising living costs and unemployment, particularly among youth. Civil society market surveys and media reports show fluctuating prices for staples such as rice and flour--politically sensitive measures of household welfare.
Diaspora Voices Grow More Critical
Liberians in the diaspora played an active role in the 2023 elections, providing financing, messaging and mobilization. Analysts say public disillusionment among overseas supporters can carry reputational costs, given the diaspora's influence on social media and remittance-dependent households.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"When diaspora supporters publicly recant, it signals a deeper credibility challenge," said a Monrovia-based political observer.
Government Response Awaited
As of publication, the Executive Mansion and relevant ministries had not responded to Teh's claims. Officials have previously said urban decongestion is necessary to modernize Monrovia and improve drainage and safety, and that fiscal constraints affect the pace of new projects.
Civil society groups are urging community consultations, independent audits of infrastructure claims and a humane framework for any future evictions.
"This is not rescue. This is betrayal," Teh wrote. His remarks have resonated widely online, amplifying calls for the administration to pair reform rhetoric with transparent, people-centered outcomes--especially for families facing the loss of their homes.
