The anti-impunity advocacy organization, Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), welcomes the Boakai-led government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign as a positive step in the right direction.
This important effort, which goes beyond the interests of a few individuals or their associates, needs the united support of all Liberians, regardless of their ethnicity, politics, religion, or social background.
STAND supports the prosecution of any current or former government official for corruption when there is evidence. We hence, commend the Boakai administration for taking firm action to prosecute former officials based on legitimate audit findings and look forward to similar actions against current officials where proof is available. We view these bold steps as a significant shift from Liberia’s past tolerance of corruption, demonstrating a clear commitment to justice and accountability.
STAND urges all citizens, including leaders of all political parties, to support these efforts. We must recognize corruption as the real threat to peace, not the fight against it. Therefore, we all need to condemn this national problem that continues to hinder our country’s progress and hold those responsible accountable.
Recognizing that transparency is crucial in combating corruption, we urge the Boakai government to maintain a comprehensive approach (without fear or favor) in holding accountable those responsible for crimes against the country. By demonstrating a steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability in all aspects of governance, the President will be better positioned to foster ethical leadership and uphold these principles across all levels and dealings.
In this spirit, we again insist that the fight against corruption must be wage within the confines of the rule of law, with impartial and comprehensive goals. It should uphold the principle that the law requires treating all accused as innocent until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction, free from any political bias or unlawful interference.
At the same time, while STAND seeks to foster a unified and collective national front in the fight against corruption, pushbacks should be expected, given Liberia’s long history of corruption and its closely intertwined community of complex ethnic, political, cultural, and religious dynamics.
Regardless of these intricacies, STAND encourages all Liberians to overcome party zealotry, religious biases, and ethnic solidarity. Rising above these vices will enable us to unite against the cancer of corruption and stand together as one nation to ensure that accused individuals of yesterday, today, and tomorrow will face justice in courts of competent jurisdiction based on substantial evidence, not one’s political, ethnic or religious affiliation.
Unless we support the unbiased fight against corruption, no matter who is president, and insist that every accused person faces equitable justice regardless of their affiliation, our patriotism is nothing but lip service.
Hence, we call upon all Liberians to put aside biases and unite against corruption in the same way we are united for peace and development.
