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Liberians need to Change the Nation's Trajectory

Political Map of Liberia

  Liberians go to the polls in October 2023 to elect a president and the legislators. Despite the growing poverty, unemployment rate, insecurity, poor educational system, and massive corruption in government, Liberians' right to peacefully elect their leaders is alive. However, it is unclear whether many voters know this opportunity's significance. The nation elected President Mr. George Weah, a soccer player, in 2017. In the past five years, the people have experienced the worst lawlessness, economic hardship, government disinformation about development, and poor performance of government ministries and agencies. The lesson learned is, do not allow a celebrity to influence your leadership choices. Mr. Weah was one of the greatest soccer players but did not have the leadership ability to lead as president.

Liberians need to put aside social and economic relationships with potential candidates. It is essential to evaluate candidates based on their integrity, knowledge about people's needs, ability to create jobs in the private sector, and ability to maintain adequate national security. Here are a few indicators:

  • Presidential aspirants are clandestinely trying to buy votes instead of relying on their experience, education, contributions to society, and ability to inspire voters.
  • Does the presidential candidate plan to recycle government officials? Who are the presidential candidates' political associates? Are they suspected financial criminals? It is crucial to support an innovator who wants to change the political landscape.
  • Ask those running to become lawmakers about their intentions. What are their positions on the lawmakers' high salaries and benefits? We need to know if they will reduce their wages and benefits to support development programs in Liberia. 
  • What are the contributions of the lawmakers seeking another term to their communities?  

Liberians from all walks of life must see these general elections as an opportunity to change the trajectory of Liberia. The key is not to allow any bribe to influence your vote. One of the senior government officials suggested that when government officials give you money as a bribe, you must take it because it is yours, but vote for the right candidate.

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How Are Liberians Doing under the Pro-Poor Agenda?

Road Network of Liberia

According to local and international researchers, Liberians are not doing well under the Pro-Poor Agenda. More than 50% of Liberians live in poverty, while corruption is increasing and disproportionally affecting the poor. The World Bank reported in 2021 that poverty increased from 50.9% to 52%. President Weah immediately abandoned the pillar of the Pro-Poor Agenda that was supposed to change the people's lives after the 2017 presidential election that brought him to power because he wanted to focus on building a road network across the country. Building roads could benefit the people, but he failed to persuade the Liberian people to endure the present social and economic challenges for the long-term benefits of better roads. According to the World Bank, Liberia needs $350 million to $600 million annually for the roads. 


The president's dream of building roads collapsed when the international financial institutions and governments detected the continuation of massive corruption, incompetent officials, and higher salaries and benefits for executive officials and lawmakers and disapproved of road loans. Most of the money could end up in the pockets of officials. For example, Mr. Samuel Tweah, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, claimed he used the funds donated for the road construction to pay salaries. 


Liberia is not likely to improve under President Weah because he and his die-hard supporters are unaware of the immediate issues in the country or are not interested in solving problems facing ordinary Liberians. Instead of tackling the challenges, they appear comfortable with misleading reports from government officials and unreliable information from abroad.

  • The unemployment rate in Liberia is 4.01% (Central Bank of Liberia.)
  • Investments in the private sector increased by less than 1% (Central Bank of Liberia.) 
  • The current inflation rate of Liberia is 6.09%(IMF.) 

These are not accurate about Liberia. The president returned to Liberia after more than a month away and boasted that the inflation was under control while ignoring the suffering in the country. He did not explain the strategy he used to control inflation. Inflation is increasing prices of goods and services persistently. Usually, it happens when consumers have more money and are willing to buy, but a few goods and services are available. Actual inflation never happens in Liberia. Many Liberians have no jobs and live on less than $2,00 a day. Liberians have no buying power. Poverty controls the demand for goods and services and the inflation rate of Liberia, not the government's policies. 


It is correct President Weah inherited several challenges, but not acknowledging them is a misrepresentation of the people. Liberians are suffering. The government needs to provide accurate information about Liberia to the world for appropriate support. 


Note the Liberian Future Defender wants to create awareness to help the Liberian government, Liberians worldwide, international institutions, and foreign governments make educated choices in Liberia's best interest.  

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Liberian Presidency is up for Grab

Presidential Candidates in Liberia

             There is no clear leading candidate in the 2023 presidential race in Liberia. Therefore, the presidency is up to be taken by potential candidates. According to reliable sources, the incumbent, President Weah, no longer enjoys the trust and support of the people, including many of his party members and supporters, due to a poor economy, lack of understanding of people's needs, and unacceptable governance. The president spent the first three years of his presidency building personal houses, including apartment complexes, while many Liberians could not feed their families. Liberia: President George M. Weah Re-Develops And Expands Private Sinkor Home To A Palace | African Star Newspaper  In addition, the president did not focus on creating an attractive investment opportunity in the private sector to help Liberians, including his partisans, find jobs. One source in Liberia stated, "President Weah is not committed to the rule of law, accountability, and transparency. For example, what happens to the investigation of Nathaniel McGill and other former officials sanctioned by the United States government for corruption." Allowing suspected financial criminals to walk away without a thorough investigation sends a dangerous message. Treasury Sanctions Senior Liberian Government Officials for Public Corruption | U.S. Department of the Treasury

            The president, inner circle, and died-hard partisans are promoting free college tuition, paying examination fees, building hospitals, and refurbishing roads as accomplishments without realizing the insignificant or negative impacts of those so-called developments. Many public colleges and universities in Liberia are struggling financially and not performing due to a lack of resources. Liberia's scrapping of tuition fees splits opinion | African Arguments Paying testing fees without quality teachers and education has no significant benefit. 17 Interesting Liberia Education Facts - kevmrc.com

Many hospitals in the country have no equipment, medicines, or doctors. The ruling party needs to listen to the people and critics. The people need jobs and good governance in the country. 

            It is difficult to predict the performance of other presidential candidates. However, evaluating their professional experiences and current platforms or agendas is fair. Former Vice President Joseph Boakai, Unity Party (UP), has many years of remarkable public experience. However, he still needs to provide a credible platform or plan with the potential to address the challenges facing Liberia. He is a well-known personality in Liberia. However, the former Vice President needs to release his strategy and how he will address the challenges facing Liberia.

              Mr. Alexander Cummings, Alternative National Congress (ANC), has many years of experience in the private sector. According to reliable sources in Liberia, he is gaining popularity due to his willingness to talk about Liberia's challenges and how to solve those challenges. He indicated that the government could only employ a few people who want to work but should create investment opportunities in the private sector to create jobs for many people. He demonstrates an understanding of one of the critical responsibilities of the government.  

Liberian Voter: Duty to your Country and Future

Hon. Michael A. McCarthy, US Ambassador to Liberia

          The Liberian Future Defender wants to thank Hon. Michael A. McCarthy, the United States Ambassador to Liberia, for creating awareness about the significance of conducting free and fair elections in Liberia. The ambassador organized a contest entitled “Poll Worker: My Duty, My Country, My Future” to educate poll workers (US Embassy, Liberia). All senior officials of the National Elections Commission (NEC) should recognize the essential of their responsibility to Liberia.

         Liberian voters need similar education to know their responsibility at the polls. The nation needs a “Liberian Voter: Duty to Your Country and Future” contest. The people need to understand that accepting money or anything of value to vote for dishonest and incompetent candidates can result in bad governance. The voters’ choices determine the nation’s trajectory. The voters must think about the state of the economy, education, healthcare, security, and the country’s international standing. Liberia is a donor-depending nation. It needs the support of the international community. Therefore, Liberia must have credible leadership.   

Liberian Lawmakers Want to Reduce Corruption

Capitol Hill, Liberia

  

          Recently Liberian lawmakers amended the Liberia Anti-corruption law granting the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) the autonomy to prosecute suspects (World Report). This action is a milestone in the fight against corruption or dishonesty in the government. Notably, relying on the Ministry of Justice of Liberia to prosecute suspected financial criminals accomplishes nothing. A lack of action provides no deterrence. Therefore, corruption becomes rampant across the country. 

      The above new approach reveals three things:

  • There are still credible people among the lawmakers of Liberia who recognize the need to hold officials accountable.
  • The willingness of the lawmakers to listen and take appropriate action to protect the future of Liberia is remarkable. 
  • Lawmakers take the responsibility seriously to ensure the government's smooth and effective operation.

The Liberian Future Defender also applauds the lawmakers' rejection of an unqualified nominee to lead the international airport.  

Presidential Candidates Declare and Publish Assets

Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, Political Leader, ANC

           Liberia's Political environment is a minefield that requires careful analysis and evaluation. Do not rely on the words and promises of every politician in the 2023 presidential race. We have witnessed those considered the sons and saviors of the motherland become murderers and financial criminals driven by greed, incompetence, tribalism, sectionalism, cronyism, and disrespect for human rights. The people have endured so much suffering for too long. The hell needs to end in 2023.

          Recently, Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, one of the leading presidential candidates, said he would declare and publish his assets when elected president. Naturally, Liberians and the international community will embrace his idea. However, Mr. cummings needs to be aware that several leaders before him did not fulfill their promises to the people after the elections. We have no evidence that Mr. Cummings would not, but the game is over, and there would be no repeat. For example, the trademark of the Pro-Poor Agenda was "The Change is Coming," which ended in massive sanctions first time in our nation's history against executive officials.

            Mr. Cummings needs to declare and publish his assets to change the political landscape as a presidential candidate. However, this is not a requirement according to our Constitution. Nevertheless, it will send a clear message. Likewise, former Vice President Joseph Boakai needs to do the same. Also, President Weah and his officials should publish the assets they declared in 2018. We want to see accountability and transparency to reduce corruption in Liberia.

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Get Rid of Incompetent and Corrupt Officials

President George Weah

           The United States could sanction President Weah's administration if he continues harboring corrupt and incompetent officials to the detriment of the Liberian people. Therefore, the minister of finance and development planning, Samuel Tweah, Minister of Presidential Affairs Nathaniel McGill, and others must be dismissed for corruption, inability to perform their duties, and lack of democratic values. The United States sanctioning Mr. McGill and others is a warning for the administration. 

           Liberians and the international community identified corruption as the leading cause of the poor economy, lack of efficient public services, and increasing poverty in Liberia. Corruption is out of control due to president Weah's lack of ability and willingness to address the country's most challenging issue. The president ignores the public outcry and the United States Government's new strategy for countering corruption in Liberia. The Americans indicated that corruption in government consumed billions of dollars of assistance to Liberia after the civil war. Click here for details: https://www.liberianobserver.com/liberia-us-deputy-ambassador-realities-corruption-liberia

            When corruption is uncovered, Weah's common strategy is to remain quiet until the situation goes away from the public discussion. It happened with those recently accused of corruption at the ministry of agriculture by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). They are likely to walk away without prosecution. Liberians at home and abroad must recognize that corruption is destroying the country. Therefore, Liberians must work together to stop this deadly disease (corruption) that is destroying the fabric of our society. We need to reject corrupt practices regardless of who is president. The most likely effective strategies for fighting corruption are prosecution, years in jail, and restitution or rejection of any administration at the poll that engages in corruption. 

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Liberia Turns 175:How Can It Overcome Its Challenges?

A Flag of Liberia

               Fellow Liberians and friends worldwide, thank you for celebrating our 175 years of independence. The Liberian Future Defender appreciates your support during a prosperous and challenging time in our history. Despite our overwhelming challenges, Liberia has a rich history. It is the first independent republic on the continent of Africa. The nation has an unbreakable relationship with the United States, one of the world's greatest, great nations. Liberia was built based on the blueprints of the United States. Logically, Liberia should be one of the best in Africa regarding innovation, development, and human progress.

             Of course, our nation is 100 years behind its time. However, that is not a life sentence for the country. There is still time and opportunity to revert the course or trajectory of our beloved nation to improve ordinary people's lives. We cannot allow the past and present challenges to determine our nation's future. Several nations emerged from civil wars and other difficulties to become prosperous countries. For example, after a national genocide, Rwanda has achieved impressive economic growth lifting its citizens out of poverty in recent years.

               What does Liberia need to become a prosperous nation and lift its citizens out of poverty?

  • The nation needs government officials who work for the people, not personal interests. Making unproductive laws, deceptive      governance, and misguided judiciary system must be replaced with equitable practices. For example, the recent dual citizen bill restricting natural-born  Liberians from holding key national offices while the nation's literacy rate is 48% has no social, economic, or political benefits. Our best minds abroad may not be willing to abandon their citizenship to return to Liberia to serve. Other nations with such restrictions have different, better circumstances. For example, Ghana has a literacy rate of 79%, with massive skillful professionals at home, which is far better than Liberia. 
  • The country needs to develop a governing master plan that includes well-defined, measurable objectives for all ministries and      agencies for transparency and accountability. 
  • The nation's support institutions such as political parties in Liberia and their auxiliaries abroad, human rights groups, and advocacy organizations must strive for best practices. Engaging in      activities for personal benefits is counterproductive. For example, in the  past and present, several diaspora organizations supported corrupt  administrations in Liberia for individual interests.
  • The government must create opportunities to enable the people to build their communities. For example, attracting foreign investors or supporting Liberian businesses will create jobs in the private sector, especially in the rural areas. Appointing qualified people as ambassadors to collaborate with the National Investment Commission of Liberia to promote investment opportunities in the country could be a game-changer.
  • Strengthening our independent democratic institutional      structures is not only essential for receiving international recognition      as a genuinely democratic nation but produces competent leaders. For example, Liberia needs an actual independent national elections commission to help select visionary leaders.

           A written idea is not a silver bullet or magical solution to address complicated problems. It requires monitoring and support to ensure success. Therefore, the nation needs a full-time president to be successful. We want all Liberians and our international friends to continue to support Liberia to overcome its challenges. Thank you, may God bless Liberia! 

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Liberian Dual Citizenship Creates a Political Class

Liberian Lawmakers

              A political class is a concept developed by Italian political theorist Gaetano Mosca in the 1900s. The theory refers to a group of citizens from whom the national leadership is drawn regardless of qualifications. The new dual citizenship bill passed in Liberia called for similar practice. Natural-born Liberians holding dual citizenships are not eligible to run for public offices and hold certain senior positions in the government. We want to call on President Weah to reject the bill to protect the future of Liberia. The nation does not need a political class society. It has no benefits. The bill is a time bomb with the potential to destabilize the country. This 19th-century practice could produce the followings:

  • Rebirth of a monkey works baboon draws that led to the military coup in 1980. It is unrealistic to expect well-educated and      experienced diaspora Liberians to accept this deprivation and abuse of  power.
  • Provides compelling reasons for forming political forces abroad to challenge the status quo in Liberia.
  • Hinders Economic development due to a lack of participation of Liberians returning home will technological skills and ability. We need diaspora Liberians to support economic growth in the      country.
  • The international community, human rights groups, donors, and financial institutions may express concerns about this bill's      impacts on their contributions to Liberia. These support groups could realize the challenges of relying on many incompetent officials to manage the nation's resources.

           Dual citizenship that gives natural-born Liberians equal rights could be a game changer. Many experienced, educated, and qualified Liberians abroad could return home to contribute to the country's development. The right to vote without an opportunity to serve in important positions is not in the country's best interest. Again, President Weah must reject this bill and request the removal of the restrictions that denied natural-born Liberians the right to hold critical positions in the country.

More analyses coming soon

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Is Weah Protecting War and Financial Criminals?

President Weahand Former President Johnson Sirleaf

              Former President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson's rejection of her Vice President Joseph Boakai and endorsing opposition presidential candidate George weah in the 2017 presidential election created several concerns. Many analysts believe she did that to protect herself from war and financial prosecution. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) identified the former president and others as war criminals.

               The human rights groups and the international community repeatedly called upon President weah to support the creation of war and financial criminal courts not only to heal the pain of so many Liberians but to deter others from repeating what happened. In the past four years, instead of telling the public his intention, the president went around asking people and Liberian lawmakers for guidance on the war crimes issue. Sixteen months before his reelection, he revealed through his top prosecutor, the solicitor general, that approving the court's creation violates the constitution of Liberia and could result in his impeachment. The administration proposes no solution to address its legal concerns to set up the court. The government should have suggested a constitutional amendment due to the significance of the matter. Several reliable sources believe the president is trying to protect war and financial criminals, including himself.

             About 250,000 Liberians died, thousands fled the country, and more than a million were displaced. Many have not recovered from the impact of the civil war. Regrettably, the president is more interested in protecting himself from being impeached than finding a healing solution for this genocide. Weah administration is sending the following dangerous messages:

  • Any  group can enter Liberia with arms to murder, rape, burn villages and towns, and even overthrow the government. There would be no action due to  our constitution.
  • The government will not defend the people during and after crises.
  • The financial crimes are here to stay because setting up a special court to deal with the problem is illegal under the constitution.
  • The officials and members of any ruling party may embezzle the national resources. There would be no financial criminal court to hold anyone accountable.

Providing security is one of the essential functions of all democratic governments. The government of Liberia cannot use a constitutional constraint as an excuse to protect people who committed genocide and human rights abuses. There are more legitimate concerns than constitutional issues. Many officials are directly or indirectly connected to the war and financial crimes, creating the need for international security assistance to establish the court. Liberia must find alternative solutions to address the war and economic crimes issues to deter potential criminals. 


Please click on the below report from the Liberia Daily Observation to learn more.

https://www.liberianobserver.com/liberia-slim-hopes-trc-report

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Corruption is Destroying Liberia

President George Weah, Liberia

         Liberians and the international community identified corruption as the leading cause of the poor economy, lack of efficient public services, and increasing poverty in Liberia. Corruption is out of control due to president Weah's lack of ability and willingness to address the country's most challenging issue. The president ignores the public outcry and the United States Government's new strategy for countering corruption in Liberia. The Americans indicated that corruption in government consumed billions of dollars of assistance to Liberia after the civil war. Click here for details: https://www.liberianobserver.com/liberia-us-deputy-ambassador-realities-corruption-liberia

              When corruption is uncovered, Weah's common strategy is to remain quiet until the situation goes away from the public discussion. It is likely to happen with those recently accused of corruption at the ministry of agriculture by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). They are likely to walk away without prosecution.

              Liberians at home and abroad must recognize that corruption is destroying the country. Therefore, Liberians must work together to stop this deadly disease (corruption) that is destroying the fabric of our society. We need to reject corrupt practices regardless of who is president. The most likely effective strategies for fighting corruption are prosecution, years in jail, and restitution or rejection of any administration at the poll that engages in corruption. 

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LIBERIANS MUST DEMAND A FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

Capitol Build, Monrovia Liberia

            There is nothing most dangerous to Liberia’s future than corruption. For nearly two centuries, there is no real chance of pulling many Liberians out of poverty due to corrupt practices in almost every facet of our society. Once again, the Liberian Lawmakers are facing a troubling investigation for corruption. According to Liberian Daily Observer, some members of this highest paying body in the country are suspected of taking bribes to approve the request to print 48 billion Liberian dollars.

            This development is a tragedy!  Some Liberian Legislators show no interest in reducing poverty, the well-being of every citizen, and improving the nation’s international standing. Recently, a long-serving member, Senator Varney Sherman, became an international suspect for taking bribes and other financial crimes in Liberia. This time ordinary Liberians must demand a thorough investigation and an appropriate action for proven criminal activities. Also, those who offered bribes must face investigations. It is time to stop the dishonest and unpatriotic officials in the country. Please see Liberian Future Defender on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Liberians Want a New Leader

President George Weah, Liberia

              After carefully investigating, reviewing, and analyzing George Weah’s presidency and the views of many Liberians in the country and abroad, we found that Liberians want a new leader. Mr. Weah was overwhelmingly elected as president in 2017 with the hope of extending and improving what former President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson had accomplished. Mainly, Liberia received the US 4.6 billion in debt relief from IMF and World Bank (Debt Relief for Africa, 2010), paving the way for weah to move the nation forward.  Our investigation discovered that many believe that Weah surrounded himself with the wrong advisers and a few members of his Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) political party as primary decision-makers, resulting in the following: 

  • Weah appointed several unqualified associates, friends,  and previous government officials for senior positions while ignoring the      qualified members of the coalition at home and abroad. The administration rejected several eligible Liberians who were available to serve their country. This act contradicts the purpose of a political party and why many citizens supported him. The people rely on their voting power to bring about change and development. The people expected the new administration to bring new officials with fresh ideas. It is logical for people to view what happened after the election as a betrayal. 
  • After more than three years in office, the people found      no evidence that Weah knows their needs, such as creating jobs, fighting crimes, and improving healthcare and education. In his most recent speech, he told the people that the economy of Liberia is solid and stable. Many people cannot find work. Armed robbery is rampant due to financial hardship, and there is no evidence of planning to change the situation. The United States Embassy in Monrovia issued an alert that the crimes in the country are linked to the current economic challenges (Liberia News Network). 
  • The international community or donors are no longer willing to support Liberia due to continued corrupt activities. Dr. Banks,      Special Assistant to the US president for Africa, revealed that the US is not interested in paying for unending corruption in Liberia. George Weah has not fully explained to the Liberian people what happened to the US 150 million he inherited as a national reserve, US 25 million used in the  streets as a currency-mopping strategy, and 16b Liberian dollars the administration received when he took office. 

           One of President Weah’s supporters stated, “It is challenging to continue defending Weah administration when there are no drugs in government hospitals across the country, reliable light at the international airport endangering travelers, and the United States’ unwillingness to support Liberia financially due to corruption.” Liberians want to elect a new leader in 2023 because there is no compelling evidence that Weah can recognize the challenges of his government, make necessary adjustments to convince donors, and mobilize resources to meet people’s needs. 


         You will find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for additional analyses in the months ahead. 


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