MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Rule of Law Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed criticism of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on January 27, 2025, accusing the President of failing to offer concrete solutions to Liberia’s most urgent challenges. Led by Representative Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County District #7, the caucus pointed out significant gaps between the President’s optimistic portrayal of the country’s progress and the harsh reality faced by many Liberians.
While the President’s speech outlined various accomplishments under the ARREST Agenda—an initiative focusing on accountability, reform, empowerment, security, and transparency—the caucus questioned the validity of these claims. According to the lawmakers, Boakai’s assertions of economic improvement and a more robust national economy were inconsistent with the daily struggles of ordinary Liberians, who continue to grapple with severe unemployment, inflation, and stagnant living conditions.
One of the key points of contention was Boakai’s claim of a 5.1% growth in Liberia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which the President attributed to resource extraction and foreign aid. However, the caucus raised concerns about the inclusiveness of this growth, emphasizing that it had yet to significantly benefit the average citizen. They also criticized the government’s failure to address rising inflation, which has remained a persistent burden on the public despite claims of a slight reduction to 7.7%. For many Liberians, the prices of essential goods like rice and fuel remain prohibitively high.
On the subject of governance, the caucus expressed disappointment with the administration’s failure to take meaningful action against corruption. While new commissions and initiatives, such as the proposed State-Owned Enterprises Authority of Liberia (SEAL), were introduced, the group contended that these measures were mere band-aids for systemic issues rather than solutions. They demanded clarity on the progress of investigations into the misuse of public funds and questioned how many officials had been held accountable for alleged financial misconduct during Boakai’s first year in office.
Additionally, the caucus voiced skepticism about the administration’s handling of foreign investments, particularly the management of $3 billion in incoming capital. With Liberia’s national debt now surpassing 54% of the GDP, the lawmakers warned that this growing financial burden could further cripple the country’s ability to achieve long-term economic independence. They urged the government to prioritize the development of a strong private sector and local businesses as a path to sustainable growth.
Youth unemployment was another major concern raised by the caucus. Although the government has launched initiatives like the Liberia Youth Service Program (LYSEP) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission, the group argued that these programs have yet to produce significant results. They emphasized the need for a more strategic approach to aligning vocational training with market demands and creating real job opportunities through partnerships with the private sector.
Infrastructure, a key focus of President Boakai’s address, also came under scrutiny. The Rule of Law Caucus highlighted the country’s deteriorating roads, unreliable public services, and inadequate energy supply as evidence of the administration’s failure to follow through on promises of development. They called for clear timelines on the rehabilitation of roads and a comprehensive plan to extend affordable electricity access to all regions of the country.
In discussing national reconciliation and security, the caucus expressed concern over the lack of concrete steps to address Liberia’s internal divisions. While the President’s call for unity was welcomed, the group noted the absence of a clear strategy for bridging gaps along ethnic, political, and socio-economic lines. They also pointed to the increasing problems of drug abuse and youth violence, which remain largely unaddressed by the government.
The creation of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Courts (WECC) was praised, but the caucus expressed frustration over the lack of a detailed plan and operational timeline. The lawmakers criticized the delays in bringing war criminals and economic offenders to justice, stressing that these issues cannot continue to be sidelined.
Concluding their statement, the Rule of Law Caucus acknowledged the President’s optimistic tone but insisted that Liberia’s pressing challenges require immediate and effective action. They urged President Boakai to move beyond promises and rhetoric, calling for transparency, accountability, and concrete measures to deliver tangible progress. “Liberians have heard enough promises; now it is time for action,” the caucus concluded, reinforcing their demand for swift and substantive reforms to address the country’s crises.
