MONROVIA, LIBERIA – As political divisions deepen between the ruling Unity Party (UP) and opposition political parties following the 2023 general and presidential elections, Bishop Kortu K. Brown, an outspoken clergyman and former president of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), has called for President Joseph Boakai to unite the country’s political leaders. In a recent press conference, Bishop Brown emphasized the importance of ‘stakeholders’ consultation’ as a pathway to national reconciliation, given the close results between the Unity Party and the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Bishop Brown expressed his disappointment that President Boakai has not yet brought together various political leaders, including former President George Weah and Alexander Cummings, the political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), to provide direction for the country. He believes that such a united front would set a powerful example for the Liberian people, reducing unnecessary contentions and reinforcing the democratic victory from the 2023 elections.
“When the people see their political leaders coming together, it will impact them and compel them to follow such examples,” said Bishop Brown. He advised that the government needs to engage with other stakeholders, including the religious community, civil society, and the business sector. “All Liberians have a contribution to make to the sustenance and development of their country,” he added.
Bishop Brown stressed that the primary purpose of a government is to “solve problems.” He highlighted the numerous challenges facing Liberia, including hunger, poverty, ignorance, disease, and disunity, and urged government officials to focus on addressing these serious issues. “It doesn’t make sense for government officials to spend their whole time just on unnecessary arguments without any results to show. They must get to work,” he stated. He specifically pointed to the urgent needs in education, healthcare, and food security as areas requiring immediate attention.
Despite the bishop’s calls for unity, Smart News Liberia has observed that social media commentary remains highly critical of the nearly seven-month-old Unity Party administration, clearly highlighting ongoing political divisions.
Bishop Brown’s appeal underscores the critical need for inclusive governance and collaboration among Liberia’s political and societal leaders to ensure national stability and development.
In addition to his call for political unity, Bishop Brown also emphasized the importance of community engagement. He suggested that local leaders and citizens alike must participate actively in the nation-building process. “Community involvement is key to driving the change we seek. Every Liberian, regardless of their status, has a role to play in shaping our future,” he remarked.
The bishop urged global partners to assist Liberia in its efforts to foster national reconciliation and development. He highlighted the role of international organizations in providing technical and financial aid to bolster the country’s governance and infrastructure. “We need our international friends to stand with us during these challenging times,” Brown said.
Lastly, Bishop Brown encouraged the youth to take an active role in the country’s political discourse. He stressed the importance of youth engagement in ensuring sustainable development and maintaining democratic principles. “The youth are the future of Liberia. Their involvement in the political process is crucial for the country’s long-term stability and growth,” he concluded.
