By: Alfred P K Cassell, Your Humble Servant, Chairman,
In the Liberty Party, “proximity” refers to closeness to the leadership and influence within the party. The “proximity war” was the struggle among factions to be near Senator Nyonblee Karnga‑Lawrence’s inner circle, especially in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, which has long been the symbolic seat of the party.
Historical Journey of the Liberty Party
1. Founding Vision (2005–2019)
– The Liberty Party (LP) was founded by Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine, a respected lawyer and statesman.
– His vision was to build a party rooted in rule of law, democracy, and accountability, offering an alternative to Liberia’s dominant political forces.
– LP quickly became a pillar of the opposition, contesting elections in 2005, 2011, and 2017, though never winning the presidency.
– Brumskine’s leadership style was known for a tight inner circle, which set the tone for later struggles over “proximity” to power.
2. Transition and Turmoil (2019–2023)
– After Brumskine’s passing in 2019, Senator Nyonblee Karnga‑Lawrence of Grand Bassa County was endorsed as political leader.
– Internal disputes erupted over control of the party constitution, leadership legitimacy, and alliances.
– This period was marked by court battles, factionalism, and competing claims to leadership, nearly collapsing the party.
– The “proximity war” emerged here: factions fought to be in closed proximity to Karnga‑Lawrence, symbolizing influence and recognition.
3. Buchanan Proximity
– Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, became the epicenter of Liberty Party politics.
– Sitting with Senator Karnga‑Lawrence in Buchanan meant being part of the trusted circle—the “proximity” that defined who had real influence.
– For many partisans, this was not just about politics but about loyalty, legacy, and identity.
4. Rebirth and Reconciliation (2024–2025)
– In November 2024, the party reinstated Karnga‑Lawrence as political leader until 2029, signaling reconciliation.
– By February 2025, she announced reunification and a national convention to finalize leadership structures.
– In May 2025, Liberty Party celebrated its 20th anniversary, honoring Brumskine’s legacy and reaffirming its role in Liberia’s democratic journey
—“Patience is a virtue in life”—captures the essence of Liberty Party’s journey.
– Those who endured the years of disputes and factionalism eventually saw the party reunite.
– The “proximity war” ended with compromise: Karnga‑Lawrence retained leadership, and factions agreed to rebuild together.
– Patience allowed the party to move from collapse to rebirth, echoing Brumskine’s founding ideals.
Memories Lane
– From Brumskine’s founding vision to Karnga‑Lawrence’s leadership, Liberty Party’s history is a story of resilience.
– The “proximity war” was not just about closeness to a leader but about who would carry the torch of Liberty Party’s legacy.
– Today, the party stands reunited, reflecting both the struggles of the past and the patience of its partisans.
In short: proximity in Liberty Party politics meant closeness to Senator Karnga‑Lawrence’s leadership circle. The historical journey runs from Brumskine’s founding, through factional wars, to reconciliation and rebirth under Karnga‑Lawrence.
Alfred P K Cassell
Your Humble Servant
Chairman,
Democratic Alternative -DA
+231775386418
