Liberia: A Nation Under Siege of Ineffective Leadership
By Seltue Karweaye Sr.
Liberia, a nation endowed with abundant natural resources and a rich cultural heritage, stands at a crossroads, grappling with the shadows of ineffective and often corrupt leadership. The landscape of governance is marred by a troubling phenomenon: individuals who ascend to positions of power often enter office with little to their names but depart as affluent figures, their newfound wealth starkly contrasting with the persistent struggles of everyday citizens. This disheartening reality paints a vivid picture of a systemic failure that not only deepens the chasm of inequality but also results in widespread disenchantment among the populace.
Two of the most significant barriers to effective governance in Liberia lies in the deep-rooted issue of regional and ethnic-based politics. When election season approaches, political affiliations dictated by tribal lines and regions overshadow the qualifications, vision, and integrity of the candidates. This pervasive allegiance often leads to a political culture steeped in division and distrust, where the interests of select groups take precedence over the collective needs of the nation. Consequently, the dire challenges ordinary Liberians face—such as lack of access to quality education, inadequate healthcare, and insufficient infrastructure—are exacerbated by leaders more focused on personal gain than on the welfare of their constituents.
While many Liberians possess a keen awareness of how their electoral decisions shape the future of their country, they often find themselves trapped in a cycle of despair, repeatedly voting for candidates who fail to bring about meaningful change. Despite this frustrating cycle, it is crucial to emphasize that Liberia is our home, a land of promise and potential, deserving of unwavering loyalty, genuine support, and active citizen engagement in the journey towards nation-building.
To foster genuine transformation, citizens must transcend passive allegiance and actively demand accountability from their government. This entails more than just casting ballots during elections; it requires an ongoing commitment to engage with leaders, advocate for transparency, and insist on integrity in governance. Every Liberian yearns for a nation characterized by justice, equity, and fairness, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the greater good. In such a society, no citizen, in their right frame of mind, would wish for the downfall of their country or harbor animosity towards it.
However, Liberia’s government has failed to create an environment conducive to earning the respect and trust of its citizens. Leadership that embraces effective governance, prioritizes public welfare, and operates with transparency and accountability can cultivate a sense of loyalty and patriotism among the people. Those in power must understand that their actions shape the nation’s direction and its citizens’ identity. By committing to the principles of good governance—rooted in integrity and justice—Liberia can rise as a nation that nurtures opportunity, fosters unity, and empowers all its citizens for a brighter future.
How did we reach this point in our nation’s journey? It is crucial to underscore that our current crop of leaders and past leaders have played a significant role in shaping the myriad problems we face today. Political offices have become commodities, often sold to the highest bidder, stripping away the integrity of governance. Many politicians have manipulated the electoral system to secure positions they are ill-equipped to fulfill, leading to a government that lacks the necessary expertise and vision to lead effectively.
The corruption rampant among our leaders, particularly the embezzlement of public funds intended for essential infrastructure projects, has become a troubling norm. This misappropriation not only deprives the nation of vital resources but also fosters a culture of impunity, where only a select few are held accountable for their reckless and morally questionable decisions. As a result, the vast majority of the population bears the brunt of these failures, suffering from the consequences of mismanaged resources and inadequate public services.
We find ourselves in a state of stagnation, largely due to government policies that are not designed with the well-being of the citizens in mind. Instead, these policies seem aimed at fulfilling the insatiable greed of a small elite entrenched within the corridors of power. The pervasive notion that many Liberian politicians are above the law undermines the very foundations of our democracy. Furthermore, our institutions of governance are not only weak but also largely compromised, which ultimately renders the law ineffective. This systemic failure, coupled with a blatant disregard for good governance, has led to the extreme hardships that countless Liberians endure daily.
In this landscape, it is disheartening to note that the majority of our leaders act more like purveyors of empty hope rather than genuine change-makers. They often engage in performative patriotism, adopting a façade of national pride and commitment to service once they assume public office, while conveniently forgetting the very issues that propelled them to positions of power. Their rhetoric often revolves around lofty ideals and promises that they have consistently failed to deliver on, creating a disconnect between their words and their actions.
Nations gain respect and admiration from their citizens when their governments actively engage in initiatives that significantly improve the quality of life for the populace. This is achieved through thoughtful, people-oriented projects and policies that address the real needs of citizens. However, as long as our leaders prioritize personal gain and indulge in the pretense of patriotism, the country will continue to grapple with stagnation and despair. We must demand a more accountable and responsive leadership, one that prioritizes the welfare of the nation over personal ambition.
What respect can we expect citizens to show for a nation that carelessly announces economic policies, resulting in rampant inflation, a free-fall of the Liberian dollar, and an exponential increase in the cost of living? What honor can we accord a nation where the security of lives and property is treated with indifference? How can we respect a nation where professors assist politicians in rigging elections and then blame their accomplices for poor remuneration and governance? Have we critically examined how judges have tarnished the judiciary with their recent cash-for-judgment rulings?
Liberia has not demonstrated sufficient determination to improve its leadership style. The average Liberian feels that the country has not treated them fairly. There is no consensus on views regarding competence and leadership. A significant trust deficit exists between the leaders and the citizens. How leaders come to power, how they manage our divisions, and how they address our diversity are contentious topics of national discourse.
Unfortunately, suffering has become the norm in Liberia, despite the country’s potential for abundance. Many nations would struggle to remain intact if they faced the level of hardship and the severe leadership challenges that Liberians have endured since the end of our civil wars.
The pervasive issues of drugs and crime have increasingly taken hold in various ungoverned spaces throughout the country, resulting in a significant and alarming security crisis. Citizens find themselves living in a state of constant fear, with horrific occurrences of violence and slaughter becoming a tragic daily reality. In response, the government has merely issued statements, failing to take substantive or effective action that could genuinely address and alleviate the situation. This alarming state of affairs is occurring under administrations that are fundamentally responsible for ensuring the security and safety of their citizens’ lives and property.
Unfortunately, the government’s attempts to provide relief have been minimal and ineffective, characterized by inadequate palliative measures, hollow reassurances, and empty promises of a better future. Such approaches reflect a lack of seriousness and urgency in addressing the pressing national crisis. Those in positions of authority—who may feel insulated from the hardships faced by ordinary citizens—must be made aware that a fractured and non-functional social system poses a threat to everyone. If swift and decisive action is not taken to reverse this troubling trend, they will inevitably be exposed to its dire consequences.
Moreover, the tactics employed by the government, such as levying false accusations, intimidating dissenters, and manipulating public sentiment against critics of the current regime, are deeply problematic. Such attempts to gaslight citizens into believing that expressing dissatisfaction is unpatriotic will ultimately fail, as the populace grows increasingly aware of their circumstances and the ineffectiveness of their leaders.
The daunting task of redeeming Liberia primarily rests with its political leaders, including legislators, ministers, governors, and President Boakai. These officials must recognize their responsibilities and demonstrate authentic commitment to their roles. Only after they have genuinely engaged in fulfilling their duties can they hope to earn the trust and loyalty of the citizenry.
The atmosphere throughout Liberia is one of pervasive uncertainty; many face hunger and deep anxiety about their futures. Given the country’s rich resources, its citizens rightfully deserve a far better quality of life than what is currently being offered. The population is growing increasingly weary of the persistent patterns of mismanagement and the manipulative strategies employed by politicians seeking to maintain power.
It is evident that Liberia is in a state of distress and is gradually descending into uncertainty. It falls squarely within the government’s mandate to take the necessary steps, make informed and effective decisions, and implement sound economic policies that truly serve the interests and well-being of the people. Only through honest, transparent governance can Liberia hope to overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for all its citizens. I rest my pen.
