President Boakai to step down ahead of 2029
- Michael T
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
As President Joseph Nyumah Boakai enters his second year in office, political maneuvering intensifies as highly placed sources hinting that he may step aside before the end of his term. Concerns over his age—Boakai is currently 80 years old—and health have fueled discussions about a potential transition of power around 2027, ahead of the next scheduled presidential election in 2029. Intelligence from high-level political operatives points to a growing split within President Boakai’s inner circle. While a faction within the Unity Party (UP) and the ruling coalition backs Vice President Jeremiah Koung as a successor, an influential bloc—around the President —believes Current Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan is a more suitable alternative.
The opposition to Koung is rooted not only in political calculations but also in historical ethnic tensions. Some members of the establishment are wary of handing power to a leader from the Gio ethnic group, citing Liberia’s turbulent past and the handling of power by previous Gio leaders. This skepticism has led to an internal realignment, with Ngafuan’s influence quietly expanding around President Boakai’s circle. But the constitution favors Koung over Ngafuan, so there are more questions than answers here.
Despite resistance from within the ruling class, Koung is aggressively consolidating power. His strategy revolves around forging a robust Northern-Central alliance, strengthening ties with influential figures such as Bong County Senator Prince Moye and former Representative Edward Kafiah. Sources indicate that Koung has been instrumental in mediating disputes, including the rift between Moye and Kafiah, while also working to compromise key political actors such as Musa Bility.
Koung’s broader objective appears to be securing a stronghold within the Legislature. By fostering relationships with former and current lawmakers and placing loyalists in strategic government positions, he is laying the groundwork for a seamless transition should President Boakai step aside. His alliance with Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah—once a key opposition figure—is particularly telling, signaling a calculated effort to bridge political divides in preparation for a potential takeover.
While Koung builds his base, intelligence sources suggest that election manipulation is emerging as a possible strategy. With the 2029 general elections still 4 years and 5 months away, insiders warn that factions within the government are exploring ways to influence the electoral process to secure Koung’s grip on power. Whether through legislative maneuvers, control of electoral bodies, or more covert means, the risk of electoral malpractice is growing.
As Liberia strives for stability, the political sphere is fraught with uncertainty and tension. The power struggle between Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan intensifies by the day, fueled by faction-led tensions and personal ambitions. With President Boakai's health and age casting a shadow over his leadership, the nation watches with bated breath, eager to see how this high-stakes drama will unfold.
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References
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cdcs-response-president-joseph-n-boakai-2025-state-nations-kowo-urtme.President Boakai to step down ahead of 2029
https://allafrica.com/stories/202503040289.html.President Boakai to step down ahead of 2029President Boakai to step down ahead of 2029President Boakai to step down ahe
http://wacsofoscao.org/liberia-senator-nimely-calls-for-president-boakais-resignation-amid-war-crimes-allegations/.President Boakai to step down ahead of 2029
https://www.emansion.gov.lr/sites/default/files/documents/FINAL%20VERSION%20NK-SAS-2025f1.pdf.President Boakai to step down ahead of 2029
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