By Bill W. Cooper
In a surprising and controversial move, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) Senatorial candidate, Roland Duo, has called on residents of Nimba County to reward him with the county’s senatorial seat for participating in Liberia’s brutal civil conflict that claimed lives.
As Liberians prepare to go to the polls on October 10, to elect a new President and Vice President, as well as 15 Senators and 73 Representatives, the aspirant has said he and Senator Prince Johnson, along with Adolphus Dolo, fought during the war, but the county has rewarded the other two; as such, his plea is for them to do the same for him.
However, Duo’s assertion has since raised eyebrows, fueling discussions about the importance of transparency, justice, and ethical considerations in politics.
Liberia experienced a devastating civil conflict that erupted in 1989 and lasted until 2003, claiming the lives of thousands of innocent civilians, displacing many more, and leaving indelible scars on the nation’s socio-political landscape.
Countless individuals were involved, either directly or indirectly, in the conflict, each with their own stories of struggle, survival, and sometimes, regret.
But Roland Duo, an aspiring senatorial candidate from the CDC, has put forth the unusual proposition that his participation in the civil conflict should serve as a basis for his candidacy and support from the people of Nimba County.
He told a gathering of Nimbaians recently, that it is about time Nimbaians reward him with the senatorial position, emphasizing that Senator Prince Johnson Only fought the war for 9 months and was rewarded with 18 years, unlike him who fought for over 14 months.
He argues that his involvement, regardless of how one may evaluate it morally or ethically, constitutes valuable experience that uniquely qualifies him for the senatorial seat.
According to him, there is a need for inclusivity and representation of all segments of society, irrespective of one’s past record, religion, or political affiliation.
He contended that acknowledging his past experiences and the different perspectives he may bring to the table could foster reconciliation and healing on both a local and national level.
Duo added that his involvement in the civil conflict has given him firsthand knowledge of the issues faced by the citizens, making him qualified to advocate for their concerns and interests.
As elections draw near, and understanding the historical context and acknowledging the multidimensional nature of reconciliation, a careful examination of warlords’ consequences is essential.
Balancing justice for victims, societal healing, and political representation must be done with sensitivity and transparency to ensure a secure political landscape and promote national unity.
As debate continues concerning the recent assertion by Mr. Duo, ultimately, the residents of Nimba County hold the power to decide Duo’s fate at the ballot box, considering both his past and his proposed vision for the future.
