Liberia: The Curse of Leadership: National Legislature  

By Seltue Karweaye

The enduring leadership challenge remains a significant issue across Africa, with Liberia standing out as a particularly striking example of this phenomenon. For nearly two decades, Liberia’s democratic landscape has been dominated by the same political figures, primarily from the Unity Party (UP) and the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC). This long-standing political rivalry has permeated all levels of governance: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Despite this established political framework, the reality is stark: Liberia is listed among the ten poorest countries globally, as indicated in the April 2024 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Economic Outlook. Furthermore, Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index reveals that Liberia ranks among Africa’s top 20 most corrupt nations.

The pressing questions surrounding Liberia’s plight prompt an urgent debate: Are we indeed witnessing a curse of leadership in Liberia? Is ineffective leadership the most significant hurdle to our national development? Is corruption the critical factor undermining progress? As citizens, what concrete steps can we take to confront these formidable challenges? Is there a plausible endpoint to this cycle of mismanagement and corruption? Are we approaching a tipping point where change becomes necessary and inevitable? And most importantly, is there still hope for a brighter future?

In the coming articles, I will delve deeper into the current leadership landscape in Liberia, beginning with an examination of our lawmakers and extending to other key figures in government. These individuals have been entrusted with the responsibility to govern and represent our interests, following the elections that brought them to power and various appointments that filled important positions. Alarmingly, many of these leaders receive considerable funding from the government, yet reports suggest that they often utilize these funds for extravagant personal expenditures while also misappropriating additional resources meant for public use. 

This brief overview merely scratches the surface of the systemic issues we face. I hope it inspires thoughtful reflection and encourages dialogue about the future direction of Liberia and the potential for genuine reform. As we explore these complex topics, I invite you to engage with the material and contribute your insights on how we can collectively pave the way for a more just and prosperous Liberia.

In the recently approved 2024 recast budget, a substantial allocation of 57.9 million has been designated for the National Legislature. This funding represents approximately 1.03% of the total population, which stands at 5.6 million people. This raises an important question: where are the lawmakers from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), the Unity Party (UP), the Independents, and other political groups? It seems that despite their differing platforms, they often act in unison, suggesting that they are identical twins.

The lawmakers currently earn more than $120,000 in gross annual salaries and benefits. In July of last year, a budget of $45,000 was designated for each of the 103 lawmakers, allowing them to purchase expensive new vehicles every three years. This raises the question: which roads will they be driving these luxury vehicles on? Will they continue to traverse the same worn and poorly maintained roads that the public has been using?

The Lawmaker’s Budget in Post-Conflict Liberia

• FY 2006-2007: US $ 9,456,230
• FY 2007-2008: US $15, 615,456
• FY 2008-2009: US $17,964,000
• FY 2009-2010: US $19,145,624
• FY 2010-2011: US $22,846,709
• FY 2011-2012: US $ 29,722,670
• FY2012-2013: US $35,166,002
• FY 2013-2014: US $38,776,14
• FY 2014-2015: US $41,937,423
• FY 2015-2016: US $54,027,021
• FY 2016-2017: US $44,113,357
• FY 2017-2018: US $44,780,997 
• FY 2018-2019: US $42,488,843
• FY 2019-2020: US $38,816,203
• FY 2020-2021: US $38,816,203
• FY  2021 Special Budget:  US $39,616,438
• FY 2022: US $65,683,920
• FY 2023: US $67,963,832
• FY 2024 Recast Budget: US $57,915,145

If our representatives and senators are compensated with such substantial salaries and benefits, it raises the question of whether we can truly expect them to defend our interests and represent the needs of the public effectively. This disconnect is evident in their decision to ignore the significant recurrent expenditures outlined in the national budget submitted by the president. Instead of addressing these financial challenges, they increased the overall budget. This suggests a willingness to prioritize fiscal expansion despite deficits over the responsible management of public funds, which could ultimately impact the quality of service and support we receive as constituents.

Corruption has become pervasive in Liberia, so much so that it has earned the country a notorious nickname reflecting this reality. Just two weeks ago, the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, facing a tumultuous tenure, raised serious concerns regarding the budget formulation process during a segment on Spoon Talk, a popular local talk show. During his appearance, he disclosed that members of the 54th Legislature’s Joint Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance were scheduled to convene in Room 1026 at the Boulevard Palace Hotel to engage in discussions about the national budget. Koffa explained that this meeting would involve various government ministries and agencies, which are typically invited to assess the initial budget allocations proposed by the Ministry of Finance.

However, Koffa did not hold back in his critique, revealing a troubling practice among some lawmakers. He noted that certain legislators planned to inflate the budget figures intentionally, with the ulterior motive of securing kickbacks for themselves—financial rewards that would come at the expense of public resources. 

What is particularly noteworthy is that Koffa, who previously held the role of Deputy Speaker in the 54th Legislature, only chose to voice these concerns publicly at this critical juncture. His decision to speak out coincided with ongoing efforts to remove him from his position as the Speaker of the 55th National Legislature, raising questions about the motivations behind his revelations and the timing of his statements. This situation exemplifies the challenges facing governance in Liberia and the complex dynamics at play within its political landscape.

On the evening of November 10, 2024, an alarming act of vandalism struck Liberia’s Capitol Building, creating significant concern among lawmakers and citizens alike. The Joint Chambers, which serves as the venue for the Majority Bloc’s regular sessions, was discovered in complete disarray. Broken chairs littered the floor, and extensive damage was evident throughout the area, raising questions about security protocols within the Capitol.

In the wake of this incident, Capitol security forces have launched a thorough investigation to determine the motives behind the vandalism and identify those responsible. Early reports indicate that the disturbance may be linked to Speaker Fonati Koffa’s supporters, who have been facing increasing scrutiny and pressure related to his leadership and political decisions.

The timing of this vandalism is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides at the time the impending visit of a high-profile delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This delegation was expected to examine the underlying causes of the ongoing legislative standoff in Liberia, evaluate the potential implications for the country’s stability, and engage with a variety of stakeholders to foster dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to the current political crisis. The convergence of these events underscores a heightened atmosphere of tension in the nation’s capital as various factions grapple with issues of governance and representation.           

Liberia has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, and if we do not take action to confront the systemic issues at play, it may continue to struggle indefinitely. The country is grappling with a severe infrastructure deficit, which hinders economic development and everyday life for its citizens. Additionally, Liberia bears a significant debt burden of $2.5 billion, a figure that underscores the financial difficulties we face as a nation.

In stark contrast, the combined budget for the House of Representatives and the Senate is an astonishing $57.9 million. This allocation raises important questions about the value we receive from our elected officials. What exactly do these leaders contribute to warrant such a high level of compensation for simply sitting in sessions to cast “aye” or “nay” votes? It becomes even more troubling when we consider the broader context: in a country where millions of people are facing hunger and poverty is not just prevalent but increasing, it is crucial to scrutinize how our resources are being allocated. The disparity between the needs of the people and the financial priorities of those in power calls for urgent action.

How did we come to elect these individuals to positions of leadership in our national affairs? What process led us to choose those who persistently fight among themselves, escalate waste, and increase government spending on frivolous expenditures? It is concerning that many of these lawmakers appear to be more focused on accumulating personal wealth than on serving the public interest. Their actions raise questions about their commitment to effective governance and accountability, as they seem to prioritize their financial gain over the needs and well-being of the constituents they are supposed to represent. This situation calls for a thorough examination of our electoral system and the values that guide our leaders.

What steps should we take to address the issues we face? First and foremost, we need to demand a substantial reduction in the exorbitant salaries that our National Legislature officials receive; a proposed cut of at least 50% would be a meaningful start. The current struggle between the so-called majority and the so-called minority blocs in the House of Representatives is not focused on serving the needs and interests of the public. Instead, it reveals a deeper issue: the legislators are primarily motivated by their selfish interests. This constant tug-of-war often results in decisions that prioritize political gain over the welfare of the constituents they are meant to represent. Both sides seem more invested in defeating one another than in addressing the pressing issues that affect the lives of everyday citizens. Also, the proposed cut of at least 50% is not merely about saving money but about aligning the compensation of our legislators with the realities faced by everyday citizens.

Citizen participation in the governance process or nation-building is key to growth and development.  The educated and informed individuals must actively reach out to the average citizen. The masses play a vital role in this equation; their engagement is essential for fostering change. If we do not actively ensure their involvement, we risk returning to a state of oppression, where the interests of the few overshadow the needs of the many. Often, the ‘ordinary man’ remains silent and unaware of the political dynamics at play, while the ‘enlightened’ individuals fail to adequately engage with them or take meaningful actions that reflect their concerns. This disconnect cannot continue. When we take the initiative to educate and empower everyday people, they will find their voice and stand up for their rights when they reach their breaking point.  Ultimately, the real power resides in the streets and among the grassroots. It is there, in our communities, that collective action can occur, and true change can be realized. We must mobilize efforts at the local level to ensure that every citizen feels empowered and equipped to advocate for their interests.

Liberia is currently grappling with a profound crisis of leadership, marked by a series of failures that have left the nation in a state of despair. The pervasive issues of ineffective governance and corruption have created an environment where hope seems elusive, turning the country into a metaphorical land of the living dead. 

We stand at a critical juncture where a reawakening is urgently needed. Citizens must come together to demand the change we crave and to cultivate a new vision for the future. It is time to mobilize, to inspire one another, and to take decisive action. This is not just a call for reform; it is a rallying cry for a transformation that can restore our nation’s dignity and potential. 

Let us recognize that this is just the beginning of a journey toward accountability, transparency, and renewed hope for all Liberians. A Better Liberia is Possible! I rest my pen.