The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has vowed to challenge a recent Civil Law Court ruling that orders the party to vacate its national headquarters in Congo Town.
The CDC is preparing to file an appeal at the Supreme Court of Liberia, requesting a stay of enforcement and a thorough judicial review.
On Monday, Judge George Smith of Civil Law Court “A” at the Temple of Justice ruled in favor of the Barnards Family Estate, affirming their ownership of the 4.23-acre property that houses the CDC headquarters.
The decision grants summary judgment to the estate’s legal representatives, concluding that no material facts remain in dispute to warrant a trial.
“The evidence before the court supports the legitimacy of the sale and purchase agreement entered into between the CDC and the administrators of the estate,” Judge Smith declared during proceedings.
However, he added, “that transaction does not override the Supreme Court’s final ruling affirming ownership in favor of the Barnards Family.”
This verdict enforces a 2016 Supreme Court judgment which already recognized the Barnards Family as the lawful owners of the land.
Despite the CDC’s contractual arrangements to occupy the premises, the judge emphasized the party’s continued presence was unlawful without legal title.
Just days earlier, the court rejected a CDC motion aimed at compelling the Barnards Estate to complete a sale of the property, stating there were no legal grounds to enforce such a transaction given the prior Supreme Court ruling.
In response, CDC legal counsel announced plans to petition Justice Cieana Clinton-Johnson in Chambers for a stay of the eviction order, citing good-faith negotiations with the estate and substantial investments made on the property since taking possession.
For nearly two decades, the CDC’s headquarters has been more than just an office; it has been a rallying point for supporters under the iconic sycamore trees, symbolizing the party’s political struggle and community mobilization efforts.
“The CDC’s national headquarters is not just a building. It is a monument of our political struggle,” said a party official on condition of anonymity. “We will exhaust all legal means to ensure that our supporters are not displaced from a space that has become a second home.”
The legal battle unfolds amid the CDC’s efforts to recover from its defeat in the 2023 presidential elections and prepare for the 2029 polls. Observers warn that losing the headquarters could impact the party’s morale and organizational cohesion.
“We believe justice will prevail,” said another senior CDC official.
“This is about more than property—it’s about preserving the legacy and future of our movement.”
The CDC’s ongoing fight evokes memories of the Unity Party’s eviction from its Congo Town headquarters in 2021 following unpaid rent arrears. Unlike the Unity Party’s financial struggles, the CDC insists on pursuing legal channels and negotiations to secure its position.
As the case heads toward Liberia’s highest court, many watch closely to see whether the CDC can maintain its political stronghold amid this contentious property dispute.
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