Liberian president slammed for long stay abroad

Liberian President George Weah's long absence from the country has raised eyebrows and sparked criticism, leading an opposition figure to ask if the West African nation is operating on "autopilot".

Weah traveled abroad at the end of October for a series of political rallies in numerous countries and to see his footballing son represent the United States at the World Cup in Qatar.

Since then, the president - himself a former soccer star - has not been seen in his homeland where people are struggling with soaring prices and shortages of basic commodities.

Even those who understand the demands of high-flying diplomacy, or an enduring love of the beautiful game, begin to wonder.

Weah shared photos and a video of himself with his son in Qatar on Twitter, talking about being a "proud father" as the US national team advanced to the knockout stages.

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But footage of Weah enjoying himself in the stands in Qatar - where he is a 'guest of honour' - as the Liberians struggle has not gone down well, with many compatriots venting their anger on social media social.

"This one's over the line now... who (did he) leave us with?" Abraham Kaneh, 23, told AFP in the capital Monrovia.

"He won't do the job of the Liberian people. He went to do his own son's job. He didn't follow our plea, he went to other friends," said fellow Monrovian Momo Fully.

Well-known media personality Henry Costa joked online that the president would extend his absence until January if his son Timothy scored against England last month.

– ‘Abandon the whole country’ –

New York-born Timothy Weah is one of many people to hold American and Liberian nationality, the countries having close ties dating back to the Americans' role in establishing the West African state in the 19th century.

Many football-loving Liberians follow young Weah's performance for his French club Lille, but for opposition politician Lewis Browne, that doesn't justify the president's globe-trotting activities.

"Weah continues to insult the intelligence of Liberians and show a high degree of indifference by abandoning the entire country and its citizens to attend football matches," he said.

Browne also accused Weah of misusing public money to pursue a life of celebrity.

The opposition has also condemned what it sees as the president's gallantries between Qatar and international summits in Morocco, Egypt, France, Monaco and the United States, former Vice President Joseph Boakai saying Liberia was "on autopilot".

“We continue to witness other acts of poor leadership, irresponsible behavior, recklessness, impunity and misuse of our finances,” added the Unity Party heavyweight , suggesting that others could have represented the country in Weah's place.

– A ‘necessary’ absence –

Other Liberians defended Weah, who achieved iconic status after becoming the first and only African to win football's most prestigious individual award, the Ballon d'Or, in 1995.

"I support the president. The man wants to see his son play, what's wrong with that? Alex Bono, 31, told AFP.

Entrepreneur Antoinette Anderson praised Weah for "trying to do service for the people of Liberia" and "raising money to make Liberia a better place to live."

“I have no problem with the events he organized. The fact that he went there on behalf of the country, I think it is necessary,” Tarlue Zeyon added in Monrovia.

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Last month, Weah extended his stay abroad, the longest since he became president, by another 25 days and is due to return to Liberia on December 18.

His government is also being criticized for its handling of a census that is due to take place before the 2023 elections.

Weah, who came to power in 2017 on a pledge to fight poverty and corruption, was chosen by his party for re-election, but critics say he has failed to honor his pledges .

AFP

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