The Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), a leading civil society organization in Liberia, urges President Joseph Boakai to urgently reshuffle his cabinet and swiftly prosecute officials implicated in corruption.
In a release dated October 6, 2024, STAND warned that any delay or failure to act decisively risks exacerbating the government’s inability to meet its obligations and worsening the ongoing economic crisis, leaving millions of struggling citizens without essential social services.
STAND emphasizes that the widespread corruption plaguing the administration is severely eroding public trust and has reached a critical juncture that demands immediate action to prevent further deterioration.
In its commitment to alerting Liberians to the dangers of corruption, STAND expresses profound disappointment that the nation’s political leaders appear to lack a sense of historical awareness. It is deeply concerning that they seem to have forgotten the devastating consequences of corruption, human rights violations, and economic inequality—forces that justified the 14-year civil war, claiming the lives of 250,000 innocent souls and resulting in the destruction of property estimated between $100 billion and $150 billion. This tragic past should serve as a powerful reminder of the necessity for integrity and accountability in governance.
To safeguard our democracy while there is still time, STAND emphasizes the urgent need for swift and impartial investigations into all allegations of corruption. It is essential that all accused individuals are held accountable, regardless of their political, religious, or ethnic affiliations.
Furthermore, STAND asserts that Liberia is at a critical crossroads where corruption, internal divisions, underperformance, and economic mismanagement are undermining the Boakai administration’s capacity to deliver essential services, pushing millions of Liberians deeper into poverty and despair. STAND warns that without bold and decisive actions to replace compromised officials and restore integrity within the government, further alienation from the citizens is dangerously unavoidable.
The CSO said there is an urgent necessity for a thorough restructuring of the administration, pointing out that cronyism and unchecked impunity pose significant barriers to progress, and President Boakai must demonstrate bold leadership by surrounding himself with principled and competent technocrats who prioritize the nation’s long-term welfare over political expediency.
“This moment demands courageous leadership, as a complete reorientation of governance is essential for restoring public confidence. Therefore, President Boakai must prioritize integrity, accountability, and transparency to ensure that the mistakes of past leaders are not repeated and that Liberia’s future is secured,” the release said.
While STAND earnestly appeals to the moral conscience of the President, it said his reluctance may serve as a carte blanche for the continuous corruption and economic marginalization that have plagued the nation.
“Mr. President, as we rally behind the urgent fight against corruption, we passionately implore you to reassess the current economic policies that leave our ordinary citizens struggling to survive,” STAND said.
The group said instead of nurturing the people, the Liberian economy appears to favor foreign interests, allowing them to overshadow our local market while citizens endure tremendous hardship.
“It is time, Mr. President, to champion policies that uplift and support our hardworking shopkeepers, gas station attendants, shoeshine boys, teachers, police officers, security guards, farm workers, soldiers, students, housemaids, petty traders, civil servants, and construction workers who form the backbone of our society,” STAND said.
Meanwhile, the group has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advocating for the people by championing principles, policies, and services that genuinely prioritize their needs and pave the way for a brighter future for all.
