- Says the Alliance Is a Complete Disappointment

It appears like all is not well with the Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia or EFFL, a member of the ruling Unity Party Alliance of political parties.

In a strongly worded statement recently posted on his Facebook page, EFFL’s Commander-In-Chief, Emmanuel Gonquoi, said the group is highly disappointed in the Alliance, amid what he says is  growing internal tensions.

‎In his statement titled “The Difficult Truth,” Gonquoi noted that repeated calls by the EFFL to quell the internal wrangling have fallen on deaf ears.

‎‎Quoting the African proverb, ‘The wine that is not enough for the entire village should not intoxicate one man’, Gonquoi said power within the alliance is not evenly distributed.

“It undermines the spirit of partnership that defines the Alliance during the 2023 electoral campaign,” the EFFL Commander-in-chief recalled. ‎

‎“We are not just unhappy; we are deeply dissatisfied within the UP Alliance,” Gonquoi said, pointing to what said was a breakdown in communication and cooperation amongst members of the Alliance.

‎‎His statement did not directly blame any specific person or in the UP Alliance, but observed that the ruling UP’s standard bearer and President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai, Sr., was poorly being advised by some individuals within his inner circle.

“The actions of these individuals are politically damaging and contrary to the founding principles of the Alliance”, the EFFL commander-in-chief further added.

‎‎Gonquoi alleged that President Boakai is surrounded by advisers, who he said continue to disappoint him politically and undermine the spirit of the Alliance.

‎‎According to EFFL leader, the leadership of Alliance has failed to convene a single meeting since the 2023elections, leaving key governance issues unaddressed.

‎‎The original intent of the UP Alliance, Gonquoi said, was to serve as a coordinating body that was meant to represent the voices of member parties, strengthen collaboration with the national leadership and among other reasons, promote unity within the coalition.

‎‎“Poor leadership has crippled that purpose,” Gonquoi.

‎He however said in spite of the Alliance’s shortcomings, the EFFL remains committed to dialogue and has formally taken its concerns to President Boakai, whom he described as the “final authority” in resolving the dispute.

‎‎Gonquoi dismissed rumors of a planned EFFL protests, saying that the group, a registered political party, is focused on its mobilization efforts across Montserrado County and other parts of Liberia in preparation ahead of the 2029 elections.

‎‎“Our ongoing mass mobilization is not meant for protest against the Government,” the EFFL leader further clarified.

‎he disclosed that the party has an ambitious plan to secure a legislative majority in both houses of the national Legislature.

‎‎“EFFL is a radical, disciplined, and honest political force, if protest were our path, we would take it without hesitation,” Gonquoi further clarified.

‎His statement is a glaring attestation of a growing disunity and lack of coordination within the UP Alliance. There has so far not been any official reaction from neither the leadership of the ruling Unity Party nor the Alliance.