My fellow Liberians, sons and daughters of this proud land,
A storm has gathered over our beloved Liberia. It is not a storm of rain or wind, but a storm of division and uncertainty, threatening the very heart of our democracy. The recent crisis in our House of Representatives has laid bare vulnerabilities in our governance framework, jeopardizing the hard-won peace and progress we have striven for.
This is not merely a political squabble; it is a crisis that touches your life, and the lives of every Liberian. When the House cannot function, the ripple effects are felt across the nation. It is the farmer in Lofa County watching his crops rot because the roads are impassable – his livelihood withering away. It is the mother in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County weeping over her sick child because the clinic has no medicine – a hollow echo in the storeroom where life-saving vials should be. It is the teacher in Nimba County, her voice silenced, her students left behind because her salary is delayed. This is the cost of inaction – a heavy burden you bear.
But we, the people of Liberia, are not a people who surrender to despair. We are a people forged in the fires of adversity, a people who have time and again risen from the ashes, stronger and more determined. We carry within us the indomitable spirit of our ancestors and progressive leaders, who fought for freedom and justice. Let us summon that spirit now, let us stand together as one nation, and let us forge a path towards a brighter future.
The Price of Paralysis: A Nation Adrift
The consequences of inaction are not abstract threats; they are stark realities that cast a shadow over our nation’s promise.
Economic Decline: The International Monetary Fund, in its October 2023 report, warns that political instability could cripple our economy, slowing growth by 1.5 percentage points in the coming year. This means lost jobs, shuttered businesses, and dreams deferred – your dreams.
Service Delivery in Ruins: The World Bank, in its 2023 assessment, stresses the critical link between a functioning government and essential services, especially for our rural communities. Yet, the budget delays have wrought havoc:
Remember Snortee, a mother of three in Vobardee, Sinoe County? She walked for days to reach the clinic, her youngest child feverish and weak, only to find it empty. Her child died in her arms on the journey home. This is the reality when medicine shelves remain bare, leaving 50,000 Liberians vulnerable (Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, November 2024).
Teachers in the 15 counties going without pay, their classrooms silent, robbing over 100,000 children of their education (Ministry of Education, December 2024). What will become of these children, our future, if we fail them now?
Crumbling roads in Lofa and Nimba, cutting off 200,000 people from markets and essential services (Ministry of Public Works, November 2024). Imagine the isolation, the lost opportunities, the lives disrupted.
Broken Trust: The Afrobarometer survey of 2024 paints a grim picture: public trust in our legislature has plummeted by 15%. This erosion of faith in our institutions is a wound that festers, threatening the very fabric of our democracy. Can we, in good conscience, allow this decay to continue?
A Call to Action: Securing Our Future, Together
To heal our nation and secure a future worthy of our children, we must act with courage and determination. We must not merely resolve the current crisis; we must build a stronger, more resilient democracy that can withstand future storms.
Constitutional Clarity: A Foundation of Law
We must learn from the past. The removals of former Speakers Snowe and Tyler revealed a recurring pattern of allegations of corruption, politicization of the process, and a lack of clear procedures. To safeguard our democracy, we must amend our Constitution and laws to establish a clear, fair, and impartial process for removing the Speaker. This will ensure that any future leadership transitions are conducted with integrity and uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Quorum Requirements: Our Constitution, the sacred covenant that binds us together, must be a beacon of clarity. We must amend it to define with precision what constitutes a quorum and how it is enforced, ensuring the integrity of our legislative process. (Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the legislature, to draft amendments within 60 days.)
Speaker Removal: The process for removing the Speaker must be transparent and predictable, safeguarding against abuses of power and ensuring stability. (To be included in the constitutional amendment process.)
Dispute Resolution: To prevent future gridlock, we must establish a clear mechanism for resolving constitutional disputes, perhaps empowering the Supreme Court to provide definitive interpretations. (Legislature to propose legislation within 90 days.)
Strengthening Legislative Processes: Upholding Integrity
Independent Ethics Committee: To safeguard the honor of our House of Representatives, we must establish an independent body to investigate allegations of misconduct, ensuring that those who serve us do so with integrity. (House to establish the committee and appoint members within 30 days.)
Code of Conduct: A comprehensive code of conduct will set clear ethical standards for our lawmakers, guiding their actions and upholding the public trust. (Ethics Committee to draft the code within 60 days.)
Capacitating Institutions: Investing in Our Future
Training and Development: We must invest in the continuous learning of our lawmakers and legislative staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of governance. (Civil Service Agency to develop and implement training programs within the next fiscal year.)
Resource Allocation: A well-functioning legislature requires adequate resources. We must prioritize budgetary allocations to ensure that our lawmakers have the support they need to serve the nation effectively. (Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to prioritize budgetary allocations in the upcoming budget.)
Promoting Transparency and Accountability: The Pillars of Democracy
Public Access to Information: Openness is the lifeblood of democracy. We must ensure that legislative proceedings and documents are readily accessible to the public, empowering citizens to hold their elected officials accountable. (Legislature to implement measures for public access within 12 months.)
Citizen Engagement: A vibrant democracy thrives on the participation of its citizens. We must create avenues for public hearings, consultations, and feedback, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and heeded. (Legislature to establish and implement mechanisms for citizen engagement.)
A Nation United: Our Shared Responsibility
This is not just the task of our government; it is the sacred duty of every Liberian. Civil society organizations, media outlets, community leaders – all must play their part in holding our leaders accountable and demanding a government that serves the people. We must engage in constructive dialogue, foster national unity, and work together to build the Liberia we all deserve.
Let us reach out to our international partners, seeking their support in strengthening our institutions and building a more resilient democracy. Let us create a national platform for dialogue, where representatives from all walks of life can come together to forge a common vision for our future.
A Vision of Hope: Liberia Resurgent
We, the people of Liberia, are heirs to a proud legacy of freedom and resilience. We have overcome war, disease, and poverty. We have shown the world that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, the human spirit can triumph. Today, we face a new challenge, a test of our commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Let us rise to this challenge with courage and determination. Let us draw inspiration from our history, our values, and our shared dreams for a better future. Let us stand together, shoulder to shoulder, and proclaim to the world: Liberia will not falter, Liberia will not fail, Liberia will rise!
Imagine a Liberia where justice and equality prevail, where every child has the opportunity to learn and grow, where every family has access to healthcare and clean water, where every citizen can live in dignity and security. This is the Liberia we can build – a Liberia where the promise of democracy is fulfilled, where peace and prosperity reign, and where the light of hope shines brightly for all.
This is our call to greatness. This is our moment to shine. Let us answer the call, together, and build the Liberia we all deserve.
Sando Wayne-A patriot and progressive minded Liberian
