Monrovia, Liberia – With his apparent uncertainty about running in Liberia’s 2023 presidential election, outgoing President George Manneh Weah has once again stunned the globe.

President Weah believes that by 2029, he will be close to his retirement age, and his desire is not to remain in government until he reaches his retirement age.

This decision has left many Liberians and political analysts speculating on the reasons behind his unexpected statement, especially when he earlier encouraged his supporters to join him in preparing for the 2029 general elections.

“I cannot perform certain duties when I am old; our retirement age is 65; I am 57 now; six years from now, I will be 63; and I cannot work for two years, so the best thing to do is to promote peace.”

Speaking to his audience on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the Forky Klohn Jlaleh Family Church in Paynesville, President Weah declared that he had shattered records and that, at retirement age, there would be no need to fight for authority.

“Since I have broken uncontested records, I can assure you that it will only happen once.” The departing Liberian leader took advantage of the opportunity to inform the congregations of his potential departure from Liberia’s political scene.”

Weah’s remarks can be interpreted as an indication of his intention to hand the reins to a new group of leaders and let their opinions and ideas influence Liberia’s destiny.

After years of civil conflict and economic upheaval, Weah, a former football player, was elected president of Liberia in 2017, bringing optimism and hope to the people. His triumph served as a metaphor for Liberia’s transformation and new beginning.

Throughout his presidency, Weah implemented a number of initiatives to improve the lives of common Liberians. In addition to working to draw in foreign capital to strengthen the nation’s economy, he concentrated on the development of infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He has had difficulties and criticism, though, during his term.

The glacial pace of efforts to combat corruption and enhance governance has been one of the main complaints levelled during Weah’s leadership.

The public is worried about the party’s future because Weah is unsure if he would run in the next election. Weah’s resignation as party head could leave a void in the organization’s leadership and could spark internal power conflicts. It remains to be seen who the CDC chooses to run for president in 2029 and whether they will be able to keep the party’s support and popularity.