Vice President Koung Discusses Role and Challenges in Liberian Politics
Vice President Koung acknowledged the limitations of his role in the Liberian government, likening it to a “parked car” that can only assist the president upon request. His statements at a town hall meeting were met with protests from the diaspora community, reflecting dissatisfaction with the administration’s performance. Koung affirmed his commitment to working cooperatively with President Boakai while maintaining respect for the political hierarchy. His participation in the U.S.-Africa energy summit adds a layer to his ongoing political narrative.
Monrovia – During a recent town hall meeting in Pennsylvania, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung underscored the constraints of his position within Liberia’s government. Responding to an inquiry regarding his influence, he noted that under the Constitution, the vice president must assist the president only upon request. Should the president not seek his assistance, the vice president must remain inactive, likening the role to a “parked car.” This perspective reflects sentiments previously voiced by former Vice President Joseph Boakai in 2017, illustrating the challenges faced by individuals in such positions.
Koung’s remarks draw on a historical context where former Vice President Boakai’s opponents used the “parked car” analogy to critique his perceived inaction during the 2017 presidential race. Following Boakai’s term, newly elected Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor also struggled with her position, facing accusations of overstepping her boundaries. As of 2025, VP Koung is speculated to be a potential successor amid ongoing tensions regarding political ambition within the administration, as conveyed by Boakai’s directive to prioritize governance.
At the town hall, Koung addressed questions regarding his relationship with President Boakai, reaffirming their cooperation and asserting that any advice submitted would not be publicly disclosed should it be ignored. He maintained that the president holds the ultimate authority within the executive, stating that he respects this structure. Koung further emphasized that overstepping boundaries can lead to severe consequences, affirming that he intends to follow protocol.
The town hall meeting, organized by the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania and the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas, met with a hostile reception from some members of the diaspora community. Protesters, voicing discontent with the government’s performance, lambasted the administration for unfulfilled promises and alleged human rights abuses. Despite the disruptions, Koung acknowledged the demonstrators, expressing his commitment to engage with their grievances and stressing the importance of respectful discourse.
While in the United States, VP Koung is participating in the 10th Powering Africa Summit, aimed at enhancing U.S.-Africa energy partnerships. The unfolding nature of his visit raises questions about the implications of his remarks concerning the vice presidency’s limitations and the diaspora community’s criticisms on his future in Liberian politics and his role within the Boakai administration.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung’s recent statements highlight the inherent limitations of the vice presidency in Liberia, a sentiment echoing a historical context. Despite facing protests from the diaspora, he emphasized cooperation with President Boakai and the significance of maintaining a respectful hierarchy within the executive branch. Koung’s ongoing U.S. visit and his engagement with diaspora concerns may influence his political aspirations moving forward in Liberia’s political landscape.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
