President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s message to his Cabinet during the first meeting of 2025 raised some valid concerns about the priorities of his administration and the pressing needs of Liberia. His call for government officials to focus on the present and abandon any thoughts of political ambitions ahead of the 2029 presidential elections resonated with those who demand concrete action from Liberia’s leadership. However, while the message appears to be one of urgency, the broader question remains: can President Boakai’s directives translate into genuine change, or is this just another example of political theater meant to silence growing discontent?
At a time when Liberia faces numerous challenges – including widespread corruption, a struggling healthcare system, dilapidated infrastructure, and the blatant misuse of public funds – the President’s call for Cabinet members to stay focused on “serving the Liberian people” sounds like a familiar refrain. The Liberian people have heard promises before, yet they continue to wait for tangible improvements in their daily lives. President Boakai’s announcement that no one should be distracted by future political aspirations begs a critical question: Is it the fear of political opposition that is pushing for these directives, or is there truly a desire to fix Liberia’s broken governance system?
What is particularly troubling about this new directive is the fact that Liberia’s history is full of well-meaning government pronouncements that ultimately fall short in execution. President Boakai’s administration has been criticized for its lack of concrete actions to address long-standing issues, particularly those involving corruption and accountability. By warning Cabinet members about their political ambitions, he is essentially issuing a veiled threat to his own team. This move, rather than acting as a call to action, may be more about consolidating political power within his administration and preventing dissent than it is about achieving real progress for Liberia.
While the President emphasized the need for investigations into high-profile deaths and cases of public concern, such as the missing boys and auditors’ suspicious deaths, it is difficult not to view these promises with skepticism. Previous administrations have launched investigations into similar issues, but little has come of them. The reality of Liberia’s investigative processes often involves delays, limited resources, and a lack of political will to pursue justice when it involves those in power. President Boakai’s declaration that “no case will be ignored” may sound reassuring, but Liberians have heard this before. Until the administration demonstrates an unyielding commitment to transparency and justice, such declarations ring hollow.
Beyond the investigations, the President’s other directives, such as strengthening public financial management and improving road infrastructure, are no doubt important. However, they represent a list of ongoing issues that have never been sufficiently addressed. Road networks in southeastern Liberia, for instance, have remained in a deplorable state for years. The administration’s pledges to tackle these issues seem more like political promises rather than genuine commitments to action. If the President truly wants to be seen as serious about national development, he needs to do more than issue orders and directives. Concrete, measurable steps must be taken to ensure that promises do not become another round of broken pledges.
The focus on infrastructure and addressing youth unemployment is also a step in the right direction, but these problems cannot be solved with the same old strategies. The youth population is growing rapidly, yet the government’s efforts to create job opportunities have been insufficient. More innovative approaches are required, and they must involve partnerships with the private sector, improvements in education, and a commitment to empowering the youth with the skills necessary for the future.
Security concerns, including illegal mineral trafficking, also need urgent attention. While the President’s directive to increase security at Roberts International Airport is necessary, it should be seen as part of a larger strategy to protect Liberia’s resources and ensure that law enforcement agencies are not only reactive but proactive. Strengthening the capacity of Liberia’s police force and customs officers is essential to combat such illicit activities, which rob the country of its wealth and leave communities vulnerable to exploitation.
President Boakai’s orders to upgrade the Ministerial Complex and enhance streetlight functionality across Monrovia are commendable in theory, but these actions must be seen within the broader context of Liberia’s governance challenges. The lack of proper infrastructure has long been a problem, yet the solutions have often been delayed or inadequately funded. Without a clear timeline for these initiatives and a rigorous accountability framework, these promises could once again fall into the trap of empty gestures aimed at garnering political goodwill.
Eventually, Liberia is at a crossroads. While President Boakai has taken a bold step by making these public pronouncements, the Liberian people are right to demand more. The country cannot afford to be distracted by political maneuvering, nor can it afford the continued cycle of unfulfilled promises. If President Boakai is truly committed to reform, he must take decisive action, not just talk. His Cabinet must be held to account, and every directive must be matched with transparency, implementation, and visible progress. Anything less will only perpetuate the cycle of disillusionment that has plagued Liberia for decades.
