- The Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change-Council of Patriots (CDC-COP), Foday M. Massaquoi, has broken his silence following his arrest during the April 14 "March for Jobs and Justice," declaring that his detention will fuel a renewed campaign of resistance against the government of Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Speaking at a major press conference Sunday, April 26, in Monrovia, Massaquoi described his arrest by the Liberia National Police (LNP) as unlawful and politically motivated, vowing to transform what he called his "incarceration" into momentum for sustained protests.
"Those who know me understand that I am a fast runner. But I refused to run because we committed no crime," Massaquoi said. "Why should the police fire live bullets and tear gas at harmless citizens demanding jobs and justice? Article 17 of our Constitution protects our right to assemble... I will never run even in another life."
From Arrest to Resistance
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Massaquoi, whose group endorsed the protest organized by the Students Unification Party (SUP), said he had received intelligence as early as April 6 that the Boakai-Koung administration considered him a national security threat ahead of the demonstration.
Despite those warnings, he said protesters remained peaceful, with students and citizens gathering in large numbers to demand jobs, justice, and accountability.
He accused police of using excessive force to disperse the crowd, alleging that officers fired tear gas and live rounds to prevent protesters from reaching central Monrovia.
Allegations of Abuse in Custody
Recounting his arrest, Massaquoi claimed he was subjected to inhumane treatment while in custody, alleging that police officers acted on instructions from senior government officials.
"My only luck of living today is that the Unity Party regime kidnapped me on camera. Killing me was difficult at that point," he said.
"My people, beyond what the public saw, I was treated like a common criminal--stripped naked, beaten with batons, kicked in the stomach, and taken into a separate room where officers demanded access to my phone."
He described the incident as part of a broader effort to silence dissenting voices, adding that he had long accepted the risks associated with political activism.
Escalating Political Rhetoric
In a sharply worded address, Massaquoi took aim at Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, accusing him of celebrating his arrest and drawing controversial comparisons.
"Mr. Jeremiah Kpah Koung celebrated my unlawful arrest and brutality... Unlike me, I committed no crime. I exercised my constitutional right and was unlawfully arrested by state security forces. We are not the same. VP Koung is a goat rogue; I am a political prisoner," he claimed.
Massaquoi further warned of intensified political action, signaling a looming campaign under the slogan "Boakai must lead or leave."
Opposition Solidarity and Calls to Action
The CDC-COP chairman thanked opposition leaders for their support and urged Liberians to act decisively in defense of their rights.
He warned that a government unwilling to allow peaceful protests may also undermine democratic processes, including elections.
"A government that cannot allow its citizens to march has no intention of conducting free and fair elections," he said.
He also praised the leadership of SUP, headed by Odecious Mulbah, for what he described as efforts to ensure his safety during the protest.
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Message to CDC Supporters
Addressing members of the Congress for Democratic Change, Massaquoi called for unity within the party.
"To my family in the Mighty CDC: the unity you demonstrated during my ordeal reflects the true spirit of our party--united, compassionate, and resilient. Let us set aside our differences and grow stronger together."
Beyond his arrest, Massaquoi used the platform to condemn what he described as the unlawful expulsion of former Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah.
He also criticized the government's economic direction, particularly plans by the Central Bank of Liberia to print an additional L$79 billion, calling the move reckless and politically motivated.
Massaquoi blamed Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Ngafuan for what he termed a failed economic strategy.
