Random Thoughts
An opinion by Abdoulaye Dukuly
On one hand, Mr. George Weah the incumbent and on the other hand, facing him, an opposition determined to end his reign.
Both sides of the Liberian political class were anticipating some earthshaking news from Washington DC. Sanctions against top level government officials. Or a $300 million package for “passing” the MCC. Both are somewhat disappointed.
Many were excepting US sanctions on the Weah administration on December 9. People circulated ghost lists of officials who were targeted by the US Treasury, as it happened in August 2022, when three close collaborators of the President were put under sanctions. There was a hope that a new batch of sanctions would weaken Weah, going into the elections.
On the other side of the road, the Weah administration was expecting a good pay-off, through the MCC. They were talking about $300 million at least. The government “had passed” the test. President Weah would close his 48 day trip with a check from Washington DC. There were pictures of Weah and Biden. His son had scored a World Cup goal for thé US. Biden went to the African Business meeting and called the names of African nations receiving the MCC grants. Liberia was not on the list.
Campaign for the 2023 elections is in full swing. If the US government had taken any of the actions above, it would have helped one side or the other.
However, all things being equal, the fact that Liberia did not get the MCC compact grant is another form of sanction on the Weah administration. By granting a passing grade and not providing fundings is a snob.
For the past many years, every branch of the US government called on the Weah administration to put a break on the stealing. The Department of State, Congress and the White House have all made the same call. The fact that Liberia passed the test but did not get money means the US does not trust the Liberian administration with money.
This all goes back to President Weah himself. The sanctions on his Chief of Staff and others were targeting him. The US has never been shy at expressing their mistrust in certain government officials. Usually, they would discreetly tell the President that they are concerned about an individual. Then it’s up to the President to take action. It has happened.
Some may say that too much of our politics depends on what the US says or does.
That is sad but it happens because of the failure of local leaders to take care of the nation. I don’t think US Ambassadors want to play babysitters.
Liberians always look at the US for salvation. For twenty years, there have been calls to establish a war and economic crime court. President Weah was all for it until he decided to cohabit with the party of Charles Taylor. As campaign starts, people are again calling for it. Again, eyes turned to Washington.
The greatest damage of the war is certainly the acute dependency mentality that exists in the political class as well as in the larger population. The conflict did not just destroy infrastructure and caused death. It broke down the psyche. For decades, Liberia lived on handouts. Food, medicine, peace, everything was served on a platter. The dependency syndrome set in.
America never wants to be bothered to have dependents or colonies. But Liberia wants to be a stepchild at all cost. You pass but no reward. You get the selfies.
The campaign will be ruthless. There is a given expectation that Mr. Weah will make it to the second round. The challenge for the opposition is how do you fight to get in the second round without fighting others in the opposition?
Corruption, education, rule of law, agriculture, health, infrastructure, governance. are both local and universal campaign themes. Who will be the best salesperson? Who has more charisma? Who has a record to defend? Who is trustworthy?
By next Christmas, Liberia will have a new president.
WHO?
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
