The prolonged absence of Liberian President George Weah has drawn attention to himself and drawn criticism, prompting one opposition member to wonder if the West African country is operating on “autopilot.”
At the end of October, Weah traveled abroad for a series of political events in several nations, as well as to watch his footballer son play for the United States in the World Cup in Qatar.
The president, a former football player himself, hasn’t been spotted in his country since, where residents are coping with rising costs and shortages of essential items.
Even those who comprehend the requirements of top-tier diplomacy or who have a steadfast passion for the beautiful game are starting to have doubts.
Weah tweeted images and video of himself with his son in Qatar, calling himself a “proud dad” after the US team advanced to the knockout rounds.
But images of Weah enjoying himself in the stands in Qatar — where he is a “guest of honour” — while Liberians struggle have not gone down well with many compatriots venting their anger on social media.
“This one here has passed the limit now… who (has) he left us with?” 23-year-old Abraham Kaneh told AFP in the capital Monrovia.
“He’s not going to do the work of the Liberian people. He went to do the work of his own son. He did not go on our plea, he’s gone to see other friends,” said fellow Monrovian Momo Fully.
Famous media figure Henry Costa jokingly said online that if his son Timothy scored against England last month, the president would prolong his absence until January.