BY SHALLON S. GONLOR | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Nimba County Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar has openly criticized what he described as a growing lack of internal democracy within the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), warning that the party risks weakening itself if it continues to silence the voices of its elected leaders.
Addressing participants at the MDR National Youth Retreat in Ganta City, Senator Kogar expressed concern that the party’s representatives and senators, despite being democratically elected by the Liberian people and faithfully contributing their party dues, are not being given a meaningful role in shaping the party’s direction and decision-making process.
According to the senator, elected officials should be regarded as key stakeholders whose experience, public mandate, and political insight are essential to strengthening the party. He argued that excluding them from important discussions undermines the democratic values upon which political institutions should be built.
Kogar questioned why those entrusted with representing the party in government are often left without a voice in critical internal affairs, describing the situation as unhealthy for the growth and future of the MDR.
He emphasized that political parties thrive when there is room for constructive criticism, open dialogue, and mutual respect among members at every level of leadership.
“No political party can succeed by suppressing the very voices that are expected to defend and promote its vision,” Kogar asserted. “Internal democracy is the foundation of a strong and united political institution.”
The senator further cautioned that sidelining elected officials could breed disunity, discourage active participation, and weaken public confidence in the party’s leadership.
His remarks come at a time when the MDR is seeking to consolidate its political base and strengthen its organizational structures ahead of future national political engagements. Political observers say Kogar’s comments are likely to reignite discussions about transparency, inclusiveness, and decision-making within the party.
The MDR Youth National Retreat, which brought together hundreds of youth leaders, party executives, elected officials, and grassroots members in Ganta City, was organized to promote leadership development, strengthen party cohesion, and outline strategies for the party’s future.
In a related development, the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) has demanded an immediate retraction from Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar following remarks in which he appeared to describe the party as a political transformation of a former rebel movement.
During the MDR National Youth Retreat in Ganta City, Senator Kogar reflected on the political evolution of the party’s late political leader and founder, Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
Addressing hundreds of youth delegates and party supporters, Kogar recounted Johnson’s journey from military service to leading an armed movement during Liberia’s civil conflict before later entering democratic politics.
“Senator Prince Johnson was an army man. From the army, he led a rebel movement and transformed it into a political group today. Where is Senator Johnson? He died,” Senator Kogar said.
The senator used the remarks to encourage young people who consider themselves revolutionaries to channel their energy into constructive political participation rather than violence. He urged the youth to become active participants in the democratic process and cautioned them against allowing politicians to manipulate their political choices through financial inducements or handouts.
However, Kogar’s characterization of the MDR drew a swift response from the party’s leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the party, MDR National Vice Chair for Mobilization, Melvin Yealu, strongly rejected the senator’s description, insisting that the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction is a legally constituted political party founded through democratic processes and should not be portrayed as the continuation of a former rebel movement.
Yealu acknowledged that the party’s founding political figure, the late Senator Prince Johnson, had previously led an armed faction during Liberia’s civil war. However, he emphasized that the MDR itself was established years later by Liberians committed to democratic governance, many of whom were young people with no involvement in the country’s armed conflict.
“We reject Senator Kogar’s characterization of our party in such a manner and immediately request that he withdraw his statement,” Yealu declared.
According to Yealu, the senator’s comments risk creating a false public perception of the party’s identity and history, particularly among younger Liberians and the international community.
He further warned that the MDR considers the matter serious and expects Senator Kogar to publicly retract the statement. Failure to do so, he said, could compel the party to consider additional actions in accordance with its internal procedures and other available avenues.
The exchange has sparked fresh debate within the party over its historical identity and public messaging, highlighting broader discussions about Liberia’s post-war political evolution and the legacy of leaders who transitioned from armed conflict to democratic politics.
As of press time, Senator Kogar had not publicly responded to the MDR’s demand for a retraction. The public exchange has exposed what appears to be growing internal tensions within the party, raising fresh questions about unity, internal communication, and the management of differing views among its senior leadership. Political observers say the dispute could further intensify ongoing debates over the MDR’s direction and internal cohesion if left unresolved.
