Monrovia (The Saharaa) – Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, speaking at the 64th National Unification Day official program, criticized past leaders for failing to unite the people of Liberia, stating, “The generations before us did their utmost best to keep our country alive but certainly fell short of the responsibility to keep our people united.”
VP Koung emphasized the current government’s duty to promote unity amidst historical challenges, including struggles for independence, integrating indigenous Liberians, establishing multi-party democracy, and overcoming civil war. He asserted, “It is now our task to champion the cause for a united people and maintain our growing peaceful coexistence.”
Highlighting Liberians’ resilience in pursuing national unity despite challenges, he noted, “Today, we have come not only to celebrate the 64th Anniversary of National Unification and Integration but also to salute our people for keeping our Nation peaceful irrespective of our political, ethnic, and religious differences.”
VP Koung emphasized the strength of the bonds uniting Liberians and called for changing negative narratives of historical divides between “Americo-Liberians” and “Indigenous Liberians.” He declared, “There are no ‘Americo-Liberians’ or ‘Indigenous Liberians’; we are one people with one common patrimony striving to achieve a shared destiny—a better Liberia for our children to inherit.”
Acknowledging stakeholders’ sacrifices for peace and stability, VP Koung highlighted Liberia’s progress in unifying society. He stressed, “We must remain aware of the past mistakes which plunged us into our darkest times.”
The theme of this year’s National Unification and Integration Day, “Healing the Past, Uniting the Present, and Embracing the Future through Arts and Culture,” signifies a pathway to achieve national unity, VP Koung noted. He urged intentional efforts by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism to promote Liberian cultural identity through programs fostering unity.
VP Koung concluded by emphasizing respect for elders, traditions, and compassion for all Liberians, aiming to ensure a united and harmonious future for Liberia.
