Monrovia, May 25, 2025 — The Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), a political party led by businessman and lawmaker Musa Bility, has issued a scathing response to the Government of Liberia following a recent statement by the Ministry of Information accusing Bomi County Senator Edwin Snowe of attempting to undermine the state.
In a press release issued Saturday, CMC described the government’s statement as “reckless,” “anti-democratic,” and “built on lies,” warning that it sets a dangerous precedent by equating political dissent with sedition.
“This reckless communication from MICAT is not only laced with falsehoods and misrepresentations — it is a direct assault on free speech, political pluralism, and democratic values in Liberia,” the statement reads.
The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) had earlier accused Senator Snowe, who also serves as a member of the ECOWAS Parliament, of making comments deemed subversive, and called on international partners and regional institutions to take action against him.
CMC slammed the government’s position as “state-sponsored intimidation” and an attempt to weaponize national security rhetoric against political opponents. The group warned that such tactics could erode public confidence in Liberia’s democracy.
“To publicly accuse a sitting Senator of plotting to undermine the state without a shred of verified evidence is both irresponsible and vindictive,” the statement added. “More troubling is the government’s call for ECOWAS and international partners to act against a Liberian citizen on the basis of unsubstantiated claims.”
CMC called on ECOWAS and other international stakeholders to see through what it described as a “desperate attempt to scapegoat and deflect from the government’s own failures.”
The group further reminded the Boakai-led administration that “political dissent is not sedition,” and that the right to criticize and challenge those in power is fundamental in a democratic society.
CMC also demanded that the Ministry of Information retract its statement and issue a public apology, while urging Liberians to reject what it termed a “creeping culture of fear, distortion, and authoritarianism.”
The party concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, civil liberties, and the rule of law, vowing to remain a voice for “reason, truth, and hope for a better Liberia.”
As tensions continue to rise between the government and members of the opposition, this latest political clash has raised concerns about the state of political tolerance and press freedom in Liberia.
