PAYNESVILLE – The Citizen Movement for Change (CMC) solidified its grassroots momentum over the weekend as its newly formed Girls Brigade convened a major “Meet and Greet” event. The gathering, held on Saturday at the Bishop Matthew High School Compound in Paynesville, attracted hundreds of young women.
The event, distinct from the party’s official launch which occurred previously, served as a focused platform to introduce the Brigade’s mission and embody the CMC’s overarching philosophy. Party leaders used the occasion to articulate a vision of pragmatic action and national unity directly to Liberia’s next generation of female leaders.
A Foundation of Character, Not Tribe:
Speaking on behalf of the party’s Political Leader, Musa Hassan Bility, Bong County District #3 Representative Marvin Cole grounded the movement’s ideology in the principle of the “contents of character,” positioning it as a deliberate alternative to politics based on tribal or religious affiliations.
This message of inclusive nationalism resonated with the diverse audience, framing the CMC as a vehicle for a new, unified political identity in Liberia.
The CMC’s core principle of “action before ask” moved from slogan to tangible reality during the event. In a demonstration of its commitment to education, Representative Cole presented $20,000 USD in scholarships to support four students for the current semester. The recipients, comprising two college and two high school students, received the aid as a direct example of the CMC’s problem-solving ethos. The scholarships were presented not as a gift, but as evidence of a new political pact.
Cole articulated this shift in dynamics clearly to the young women. “We’re not going to tell you ‘come and join the party.’ We’re going to be asking you, ‘What is your problem?’ How can we help to solve your problem?” he stated. This approach seeks to build trust through demonstrated action, suggesting that the CMC aims to earn support through service rather than simply asking for it through campaign promises.
Empowerment as a Core Tenet:
The very existence of the Meet and Greet underscored the party’s dedicated focus on empowering Liberian women. Cole announced that the Brigade itself was the foundation for a larger, more formal young women’s empowerment program to be launched soon. He spoke directly to the challenges faced by young women in the country, stating the party’s focus on “the young, vulnerable, Liberian women who when their hearts break, they are only looking up to the sky.” He pledged, “This party is here to wipe your tears and give you hope, to give you dignity and freedom.”
The commitment to action was shown to extend far beyond the day’s event. Cole announced that CMC leader Musa Bility is personally funding the construction of a crucial bridge in Bong County, with 90% of materials already procured. Additionally, the lawmaker addressed the national drug crisis, calling for the arrest of the suspended Deputy Minister for Sports and promising a policy focus on supporting affected families, thus linking the Brigade’s event to broader national issues.
Montserrado County District #12 Representative Jerry Yargbor provided a personal testimony on why he chose to align with the CMC after the party’s launch. He addressed the brigade members to explain that the party represents a necessary alternative. “This is my first political party,” Yargbor revealed, highlighting his past as an independent voter and elected official. “Our records at the Capitol Building will tell you why we joined a party. Because this party is bringing to Liberia, to Liberians, things that we… have been looking for.”
Born from Frustration, Built for Action:
Yargbor framed the CMC as a “people movement” created out of necessity. “We came together because some of us are frustrated, we are just in the same cycle, and we have no other alternative,” he stated, giving voice to a sentiment he attributed to many citizens. “So this party is actually a new breath.”
The representative drew a sharp distinction between the traditional political model and the CMC’s approach. “Other parties always tell you, ‘Vote for us, we will do this.’ But if you look at this party… we are building water pumps. We are building schools. We are empowering men and women,” he asserted.
His words: “We are not here to tell you to vote. No, no, no. We are here to tell you to join us. Let’s carry on with what our people want now.” Yargbor grounded the party’s appeal in an unwavering commitment to integrity, a quality he claimed is proven by its founders. “The guy that is speaking in front of you today… is one of the lawmakers who can boast of accountability and integrity. The records are there,” he said, staking his own reputation on the party’s promise.
Yargbor passionately argued that the CMC is the only party truly dedicated to a national unity that transcends ethnic divisions. “We are not a party of Mandingo people, we are not a party of Bassa people, we are not a party of Gola people. We are the party for the Liberian people,” he declared, promising a government that would include every citizen.
The Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) is a political movement. Rooted in integrity, driven by values, and committed to transparency, the CMC champion inclusive, people-centred reforms that empower youth and women, strengthen unity, and promote social justice. The movement says it believes that quality education, accessible healthcare, and accountable governance are fundamental rights for all, not just for a privileged few.
