Monrovia – The analogy of a “parked car” has as soon as once more resurfaced in Liberia’s political discourse, this time with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung acknowledging the constraints of his function within the present administration.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh | [email protected]
Addressing a city corridor assembly in Pennsylvania, USA, throughout his ongoing go to, VP Koung responded to a query about his affect within the authorities, stating:
“The way our laws are written, every vice president is a parked car because under our Constitution, it says the vice president will assist the president. The president has to request that assistance first. If the president doesn’t request that assistance, Mr. or Madam Vice President, go sit down in your office and go to session. So, every vice president is a parked car. Any vice president who wants to be a running car, that vice president can get in trouble.”
His remarks echo a sentiment first made fashionable by President Joseph Boakai in 2017 when, as then-Vice President underneath former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, he likened his function to a race automobile parked in a storage, implying that his potential was stifled by his restricted constitutional authority.
‘Parked Car’ Reality for Vice Presidents
During the 2017 presidential marketing campaign, Boakai’s opponents, notably George Weah and his operating mate, Jewel Howard-Taylor, used the “parked car” analogy to mock him, portraying him as inactive. Howard-Taylor, upon profitable the vice presidency, vowed to be a “running car,” however by 2019, she discovered herself at odds with key officers within the Weah administration. Leaked audio revealed that some even accused her of performing just like the president, with one official calling her conduct “treasonous.”
Now, in 2025, VP Koung faces the identical actuality. His identify has been floated as a possible successor to President Boakai, who shall be 85 years previous by the top of his time period in 2029. However, Boakai lately despatched a powerful message to his officers throughout the first Cabinet Meeting of 2025, warning that these with political ambitions ought to both resign or keep centered on their work.
“If your focus is on 2029, you may respectfully resign. My priority is serving the Liberian people—right now. The time for talk is over,” President Boakai mentioned.
Political analysts consider these remarks had been not directly aimed toward VP Koung, fueling hypothesis about potential tensions between the 2 leaders. However, talking on the city corridor assembly, VP Koung dismissed any notion of a strained relationship.
“Is President Boakai working with me? Yes,” Koung mentioned. “As vice president, if I have advice, I take it to the president. Whether he accepts it or not, my role ends in that room. I cannot come out and say, ‘I told the president, but he didn’t listen.’ That would mean undermining my boss.”
He emphasised that final energy within the government department rests with the president, and a vp should respect that hierarchy.
“If President Boakai tells me to drop this mic and stop talking to you, I will do just that. If I want to travel, I must ask for his approval. If he agrees, I go. If not, I stay. Every vice president that wants to act like your head big [overstep their bounds], the histories are there. You have been seeing it. Me, it will not happen to me.”
Hostile Reception from Diaspora Liberians
VP Koung’s city corridor assembly, organized by the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania (LAP) and the Union of Liberian Associations within the Americas (ULAA), was meant to facilitate discussions on nationwide improvement, governance, peace, and safety. However, the occasion took a tense flip when segments of the Liberian diaspora greeted him with protests.
Protesters held placards and chanted anti-government slogans, accusing the Unity Party-led administration of failing to meet its marketing campaign guarantees. Some of the accusations had been notably harsh: “You are a murderer!” one protester shouted. “We need justice for the Kinjor massacre!” one other added. “We need justice for the killing of motorcyclists!” a 3rd protester yelled repeatedly.
The Vice President confronted intense criticism over alleged human rights abuses, poor governance, and unkept guarantees. Eyewitnesses described an environment of anger and disappointment, reflecting rising dissatisfaction with the Boakai-Koung administration, each at residence and overseas.
Despite the hostility, Koung later acknowledged the protesters, stating that he valued the voices of all Liberians. He mentioned their demonstration motivated him to attend the occasion and have interaction straight with the diaspora group. He urged them to stay civil of their engagements and reassured them that he’s dedicated to addressing their issues.
VP Koung’s U.S. Trip
VP Koung’s go to to the United States contains his participation within the tenth Powering Africa Summit, held from March 6-7. The summit serves as a premier platform for strengthening U.S.-Africa power partnerships, bringing collectively policymakers, buyers, and trade leaders to debate options for Africa’s power sector.
As his journey continues, it stays to be seen whether or not his remarks on the vice presidency’s limitations and his dealing with of diaspora criticism will have an effect on his standing throughout the Boakai administration and his potential future in Liberian politics.