The campaigning activities ahead of Tuesday’s November 14, 2023 presidential runoff election between incumbent President George Weah and main opposition leader—Joseph Boakai ended Sunday with accusations from both the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change and the opposition Unity Party.

Joseph Boakai speaking during a news conference Sunday alleged that CDC supporters attacked opposition members in Nimba County leaving many injured.

Boakai highlighted a close call with gunfire during a campaign activity in Zor Zualay, Nimba County, where the UP’s vice standard bearer Jeremiah Kpan Koung and Senator Prince Johnson had to escape for their lives.

He accused the attackers of being supporters of President George Weah.

“On Friday, November 10, Koung and Senator Prince Johnson were leading scheduled campaign activities in Zor Zualay, when they narrowly escaped death when their convoy came under a hail of gunfire. We later learned that a certain Anthony Quiwonkpa, a staff in the office of Mr. George Weah, was responsible for this deadly and premeditated attack,” Boakai said.

He continues as saying: “As a result of this brazen disregard for human lives, about 7 persons were wounded and several vehicles were damaged,” he said. “This callous act of lawlessness was masterminded and orchestrated by President Weah and his operatives, hoping that they can instill fear in the People of Nimba and the Liberian Populace.”

In response, Coalition for Democratic Change Campaign Spokesman—Eugene Nagbe accused former warlord turned politician Prince Johnson, a major supporter of Boakai, of attacking the ruling party supporters.

According to him, CDC supporters were campaigning when they came under attack by a group of men on the order of Senator Johnson.

“Let me tell Sen.  Prince Johnson, and others that think violence is the way out.  Don’t try it! Do not take the government’s respect for the rule of law and civility as weakness! The people of Nimba County will come out to vote. Again, Sen. Johnson, do not test our resolve!” Nagbe said during a press conference at the ruling party headquarters.

He alleged that the plan from the Unity Party is to undermine the peace of the country and instill fear in the public, stressing that since the start of this campaign; the CDC has recorded three deaths due to campaign violence.

“We have had several meetings with our partners, one blood of an individual is important to this process. Nimba, Lofa, and Montserrado counties incidents…; this government is not weak as it had been carried out by this opposition Unity Party, This Party-CDC had always been a party of law but don’t push us…” Nagbe asserts.

Amid the claims and counterclaims, President George Weah ended his campaigning activities Sunday, by ensuring Liberians that the state will remain stronger and peaceful no matter what.

The incumbent is appealing to citizens to unite and put aside their differences as the nation heads to the presidential runoff election on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Washington is also concern

Meanwhile, the United States has unequivocally condemned the reported violence in Nimba county.

In a statement, Washington through its Embassy near Monrovia said its heartfelt condolences go to the victims and families of anyone affected by the reported clashes, calling on all Liberians to maintain the peace.

“The most powerful tool a democracy offers is your right to vote. Go vote and make your voice heard through the ballot box, not on the street,” the statement said.