Liberia stands at a precarious crossroads as it navigates a deeply troubling chapter in its political history. Under the leadership of President Joseph Boakai, the nation is grappling with a state of affairs marked by lawlessness, constitutional violations, and a breakdown of governance that is leaving its citizens vulnerable and disenfranchised. When compared to the leadership styles of former Presidents George Weah and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, it becomes painfully clear that Liberia is on a trajectory of division and instability, pushing the country toward the type of chaos that it has fought so hard to overcome.
The Rise of Lawlessness and Constitutional Disregard
One of the most glaring issues under President Joseph Boakai’s government is the flagrant disregard for the Constitution of Liberia. The Constitution, as the supreme law of the land, serves as a guiding framework to ensure justice, equality, and the protection of citizens’ rights. Yet, under President Boakai’s leadership, there has been a troubling tendency to ignore or circumvent these legal standards. Key appointments and dismissals of civil servants have been executed without transparency or due process, leading to widespread frustration among the population.
Civil servants who once played crucial roles in the functioning of government have been summarily dismissed, often without explanation or recourse. This arbitrary removal from office leaves many people jobless, unable to provide for their families, and adds to the growing sense of insecurity and hopelessness within the country. Many of these individuals have dedicated years of service to Liberia, only to find themselves discarded at the whim of the current administration. This not only undermines the livelihood of many citizens but also erodes trust in the government, fostering an environment of instability and lawlessness.
A Government of Exclusion: Unity Party’s Power Grab
The most concerning aspect of President Boakai administration is its exclusionary approach to governance. Under his leadership, Liberia appears to be transforming into a country where only members of the Unity Party, President Boakai’s political base are considered true Liberians, eligible for top government positions. This stands in stark contrast to the policies of past governments under President George Weah and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, both of whom, despite their political affiliations, made efforts to bring together a diverse group of Liberians to serve the country.
Under Presidents Weah and Sirleaf administrations, Liberians from all walks of life, regardless of political affiliation were appointed to high positions in government, including ministers, ambassadors, and other key officials. These administrations understood that national development required unity, inclusivity, and collaboration across political lines. This inclusiveness helped stabilize the country after decades of civil war and civil unrest.
However, under President Boakai, this spirit of inclusivity has given way to a deeply divisive approach that threatens to unravel the progress made in recent years. The current government’s policies are dangerously focused on empowering one political group while alienating others. This has the potential to further fragment the nation, deepen political tensions, and breed resentment among different factions of society. A nation that once hoped to heal from its tumultuous past now faces a leadership that is sowing seeds of division.
Political Manipulation: A Descent into Corruption?
A troubling development in Liberia’s political landscape is the close relationship between President Boakai and defeated lawmaker for the speaker position, in January 2024, Rep. Richard Koon, who has been openly positioning himself for the role of Speaker of the House of Representatives. Rep. Koon, who lost the speaker election to Rep. J. Fonati Koffa, has been seen alongside Boakai in public meetings, suggesting that the two are working in tandem to undermine the will of the Liberian people.
The move to support Rep. Koon’s bid for Speaker, despite his electoral defeat, raises questions about President Boakai’s true intentions for Liberia. Is this an attempt to gain control over the legislature, allowing the executive branch to manipulate the legislative process to further its own corrupt agenda? Many believe that this could pave the way for a regime where power is concentrated in the hands of a select few, leading to the type of widespread corruption that plagued Liberia in the past.
Inducing lawmakers with money to undermine the Speaker and create chaos in the legislative branch is an alarming sign that President Boakai administration may be willing to resort to the same tactics that led Liberia down a path of self-destruction during the civil war. The use of bribery and manipulation to control the legislative branch undermines the core principles of democracy, while further alienating the people and deepening political polarization.
A Nation Divided and Vulnerable to Collapse
The actions of the Unity Party government ranging from the disregard for constitutional principles to the manipulation of political power, are setting the stage for further chaos and instability in Liberia. When people feel marginalized, oppressed, and voiceless, they become increasingly disillusioned with the political system. The frustration of Liberians who are being excluded from government employment and basic rights is pushing the country closer to the edge of social unrest.
History has shown that when citizens feel that their rights are being systematically stripped away, they resort to extreme measures. This was tragically demonstrated in Liberia’s past, with the outbreak of the civil war from 1989 to 2003. Historians widely agree that the civil war was sparked by the perception among many Liberians that their government had become corrupt, exclusionary, and unresponsive to their needs. The current climate under President Boakai’s rule is eerily reminiscent of that dark chapter in Liberia’s history.
If President Boakai’s government continues on its current trajectory, it risks pushing the country back into a state of disarray. The disregard for the Constitution, the exclusionary practices, and the political manipulation could serve as a powder keg, ready to explode into violence and civil strife. Liberia’s fragile peace, hard-won after years of conflict, could once again be threatened by the same forces that caused it to unravel in the first place.
Conclusion: A Call for Constitutional Integrity and National Unity
Liberia’s future hangs in the balance as the nation grapples with these dangerous trends. The leadership of President Joseph Boakai must be held accountable to the Constitution and to the people of Liberia. It is imperative that Liberia’s leaders remember that they are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the nation toward stability, growth, and unity, not division, chaos, and suppression.
The road to a prosperous Liberia lies in respecting the rule of law, fostering inclusivity in governance, and ensuring that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few at the expense of the many. If Liberia is to avoid the mistakes of its past and build a better future, it is crucial that the current government shifts course, prioritizing the needs and rights of all Liberians, regardless of their political affiliation.
If President Boakai administration continues on its current path of lawlessness, exclusion, and corruption, the risks of social unrest and political collapse will only grow. Liberia has the potential to thrive, but only if its leaders put the interests of the country and its people first—before the interests of political power and personal gain.
