Liberia: Luther Tarpeh Quits Lone Star Mobilization Role Amid Backlash Over Political Attacks

The Unity Party chairman says persistent criticism, including alleged radio attacks involving his late mother, has made his position untenable. His resignation follows a politically charged reaction to Liberia’s 1-0 defeat to Mali in the AFCON qualifiers, exposing tensions between partisan politics and national football. By Jaheim T. Tumu jaheim. tumu@frontpageafricaonline. com MONROVIA, Liberia — Unity Party National Chairman Dr. J. Luther Tarpeh has resigned as chairman of Liberia’s Lone Star mobilization team, citing persistent personal attacks and public criticism that he says have made it increasingly difficult for him to continue in the role.

In a resignation letter addressed to Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji, Tarpeh announced his immediate departure, arguing that the attacks against him had crossed personal boundaries, including alleged radio commentary targeting his late mother. “There is no human being who will not respond to these unprovoked attacks,” Tarpeh wrote. The resignation comes amid growing tensions over the intersection of politics and football, following criticism of Tarpeh’s involvement in mobilizing public support for Liberia’s national team. Tarpeh alleged that some radio stations had repeatedly subjected him to hostile commentary since his appointment, with some remarks extending beyond his political activities to his family. While expressing frustration over the criticism, he said he did not want the controversy surrounding his leadership to distract from the Lone Star’s objectives. Defeat to Mali Fuels Political Tensions The controversy comes against the backdrop of Liberia’s 1-0 defeat to Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, a result that prompted renewed criticism and political exchanges over the national…