Monrovia—Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), a prominent civil society organization in Liberia, has made an urgent appeal for President Joseph Boakai to promptly reshuffle his cabinet and take decisive action against officials implicated in corruption.
Increasing pressure from both within the Unity Party and external stakeholders has mounted on the Liberian leader to dismiss ministers who have either been inactive or are facing corruption allegations. STAND warns that a failure to act swiftly could worsen the government’s inability to fulfill its obligations, exacerbate the ongoing economic crisis, and deprive millions of struggling citizens of vital social services.
Expressing deep concern over the pervasive corruption undermining the Boakai administration, STAND asserts that the situation has reached a critical juncture that threatens public trust and necessitates immediate intervention. The organization has voiced disappointment at the political leadership’s apparent failure to learn from Liberia’s tumultuous history.
STAND highlighted the dire consequences of corruption, human rights abuses, and economic inequality, which were key factors in Liberia’s 14-year civil war that claimed 250,000 lives and inflicted destruction estimated between $100 and $150 billion. “This tragic chapter should serve as a powerful reminder of the need for integrity and accountability in governance,” the organization stated in a release on October 7.
To protect Liberia’s democracy, STAND is calling for swift and impartial investigations into all corruption allegations, asserting that accountability must extend to all accused individuals, irrespective of their political, religious, or ethnic affiliations.
Emphasizing that Liberia stands at a critical crossroads, STAND stated, “Corruption, internal divisions, underperformance, and economic mismanagement are eroding the Boakai administration’s capacity to provide essential services, pushing millions into deeper poverty and despair. Without bold action to replace compromised officials and restore integrity to the government, the administration risks further alienating the public.”
STAND insists that President Boakai must exhibit decisive leadership by restructuring his administration, surrounding himself with principled, competent technocrats who prioritize the long-term welfare of Liberia over political expediency. The organization argues that unchecked cronyism and impunity are major impediments to progress, demanding a comprehensive reorientation of governance to restore public confidence.
Additionally, STAND urged the president to reassess current economic policies, which it claims disproportionately favor foreign interests at the expense of ordinary Liberians. The organization called on the president to champion policies that uplift Liberia’s hardworking citizens—shopkeepers, gas station attendants, teachers, soldiers, security guards, civil servants, and others who form the backbone of society.
In its commitment to advocate for the people, STAND reaffirms its dedication to promoting policies and services that prioritize the needs of the population, ensuring a brighter future for all Liberians.
