“Unity without Karfiah?”
Bongese condemn former lawmaker’s rejection of reconciliation.”
Citizens of Bong County have vowed to forge ahead with reconciliation efforts despite an alleged critique of the process by former lawmaker Edward Karfiah.
By Edwin N Khakie
Gbarnga, Bong County: Former District #5 Representative Karfiah is facing mounting criticism after distancing himself from Bong County’s highly anticipated reconciliation program, a move many residents have described as a betrayal of the people’s desire for unity.
The reconciliation initiative organized by civil society groups, traditional leaders, and religious stakeholders is designed to heal long-standing political and social divisions in the county, often attributed to greed, favoritism, and years of fractured leadership.
Karfiah’s absence from the program has sparked outrage among citizens, who accuse him of prioritizing personal pride over collective peace.
Matthew Martor, a resident of Gbarnga, voiced strong disapproval:
“Karfiah has shown us that he was never serious about the people. When the county needs peace, he distances himself. This is the attitude of a selfish politician who used the people for his own gain.”
Ruth Kesselyn, a women’s rights advocate in Salala, echoed similar sentiments, arguing that Karfiah’s refusal reflects fear of accountability.
“A true leader humbles himself and joins the people in reconciliation. Karfiah is running away because he fears accountability. History will remember him as a man who turned his back on unity.”
For Monue Hallawanger, the decision represents “nothing short of betrayal.”
“This is cowardice. He begged for our votes, but now when we are trying to reconcile, he refuses to join. Karfiah has exposed himself as a failed politician who doesn’t care about Bong County.”
Political analysts say Karfiah’s move reinforces perceptions that he has been more concerned with self-preservation than county progress. Some argue his reluctance may stem from fears of being confronted about his role in fueling political divisions during his legislative tenure.
Elder Joseph Gbotopaye, a respected traditional leader, stated firmly:
“Bong County will reconcile with or without Edward Karfiah. If he excludes himself, it only shows that he has excluded himself from the county’s future.”
While Karfiah has not publicly explained his decision, the backlash underscores a growing narrative that his political influence in Bong is waning. Many citizens now insist that the county will forge ahead without leaders they consider divisive.
As the reconciliation effort gathers momentum, one thing remains clear: Bongese are determined to pursue unity, regardless of whether their former representative stands with them. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
