By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia – May 26, 2026 — The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) was conspicuously absent from the memorial service of its former National Chairman, George G. Solo, held over the weekend in Monrovia.
George G. Solo, who chaired the CDC from 2012 to 2014, was the party’s seventh democratically elected leader. However, his tenure ended in controversy when the National Executive Committee ousted him on August 3, 2014.
Solo’s more recent political journey culminated in his nomination by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai as Ambassador-Designate to Italy on August 12, 2025. The Liberian Senate never confirmed his appointment, and he passed away on April 25, 2026, with the nomination still pending.
Family, friends, and well-wishers gathered at St. Stephen Episcopal Church on 10th Street, Sinkor, for a solemn memorial service to celebrate Solo’s life and legacy. Solo was widely regarded as a key architect of the CDC and a driving force behind its early policies and vision. His influence shaped not only the party but also Liberia’s broader political landscape.
Given Solo’s stature, many had expected the memorial to draw significant attendance from CDC members, party officials, and political allies. Instead, observers noted a striking absence of CDC leadership, fueling speculation about persistent divisions within the party.
Political analysts warn that such a public boycott could deepen internal rifts and erode the CDC’s standing ahead of future elections. Once a dominant political force, the party now faces questions about its unity and ability to present a cohesive front.
Despite the CDC’s absence, speakers at the service offered heartfelt tributes to Solo, hailing him as a “servant leader” and “revolutionary icon.” Many emphasized that his legacy would live on in the young people he inspired and the ideals he championed.
The CDC’s decision to skip the memorial for its former chairman is likely to spark ongoing debate within the party and among its supporters, potentially shaping its direction in the months to come.
