Liberian President George Weah's long absence from the country has raised eyebrows and prompted criticism, leading one opposition figure to ask if the West African nation is running on "autopilot."
Weah went abroad at the end of October for a string of political gatherings in numerous countries — and to watch his footballer son represent the United States at the World Cup in Qatar.
Since then, the president — himself a former football star — has not been seen in his homeland where people are battling soaring prices and shortages of basic goods.
Even those with an understanding of the demands of top-flight diplomacy, or the enduring love of the beautiful game, are beginning to wonder.
Weah has shared pictures and video of himself with his son in Qatar on Twitter, speaking of being a "proud daddy" as the United States national team qualified for the knockout stages.
But images of Weah enjoying himself in the stands in Qatar — where he is a "guest of honor" — while Liberians struggle has not gone down well with many compatriots venting their anger on social media.
Well-known media personality Henry Costa joked online that the president would extend his absence to January if his son Timothy scored against England last month.
"Weah continues to insult the intelligence of Liberians and exhibit a high degree of don't-care attitude by abandoning the entire country and citizens to witness soccer matches," opposition politician Lewis Browne said.
Browne also accused Weah of misusing public money to lead a celebrity lifestyle.
The opposition has also condemned what it sees as the president's gallivanting between Qatar and international summits in Morocco, Egypt, France, Monaco and the US, with former vice president Joseph Boakai saying Liberia was "on autopilot."
Weah last month extended his stint abroad, the longest since he became president, by another 25 days and is due back in Liberia on 18 December.
