ULAA President Mohamed Keita endorses Vice President Jeremiah Koung for the 2029 presidential election, a notable break from tradition. Koung’s intention to run is unclear, and he did not acknowledge the endorsement during a recent event. President Boakai’s directive complicates the political landscape as elections approach in October.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung is already garnering support for a potential presidential campaign for the 2029 election, despite not officially announcing his candidacy. The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) has notably endorsed him, which deviates from its customary policy of neutrality regarding presidential candidates. This endorsement was announced by ULAA President Mr. Mohamed ‘MSG1’ Keita after presenting a petition addressing immigration issues for Liberians in the United States.
During the recent Town Hall Meeting held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 8, 2025, Keita expressed unwavering support for the Vice President, stating, “Remember 2029 is coming; if you are ready, we are ready!” The decision to endorse Koung contradicts ULAA’s tradition of refraining from endorsing political candidates, although the organization aims to engage constructively with whatever Liberian administration is in power to benefit its diaspora members and the broader Liberian community.
While the Vice President has not confirmed his intention to run for office in 2029, the upcoming elections in October will present an opportunity for Liberians to elect new leaders. The endorsement from ULAA reflects a significant shift, as prior leadership focused on addressing issues such as government corruption and immigration concerns impacting the diaspora. Notably, during the Town Hall meeting, Vice President Koung addressed corruption but did not explicitly respond to Keita’s endorsement, likely due to a directive from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
President Boakai advised his cabinet members, including Koung, that they should resign if they are prioritizing the 2029 election, emphasizing the importance of focusing on immediate governance responsibilities. “If your focus is on 2029, you may respectfully resign,” he stated during his Cabinet Meeting on March 3, 2025. This warning underlines the political tensions as the 2029 election season approaches.
In summary, the endorsement of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung by ULAA President Mohamed Keita signifies a pivotal moment in Liberian politics, as it breaks from ULAA’s historical practice of not supporting presidential candidates. While Koung’s intentions for the 2029 election remain unconfirmed, the context of this endorsement occurs against a backdrop of significant political and ethical challenges in Liberia. The directive from President Boakai adds further complexity to the dynamics within the administration as election season approaches.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
