MONROVIA – Veteran anti‑corruption lawyer Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has issued a searing critique of Liberia’s proposed US$1.2 billion fiscal year 2026 national budget, calling into question whether it truly delivers on the Boakai administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. On paper, the budget devotes US$280 million, some 23 percent, to Public Sector Investment Projects (PSIPs) aligned with agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism. But in his analysis issued on Friday, November 14, 2025, Gongloe argues that the allocations mask deeper imbalances that favour a privileged few over the country’s most vulnerable.
Gongloe commends the fact that the Boakai government is seeking to align its spending with the ARREST Agenda, a national development framework launched in early 2025 that aims to transform the economy through key sectors like infrastructure and human capital. Yet he warns that the PSIP allocation, while symbolically attractive, falls far short of the massive social needs in education, health, and food security, areas that support the vast majority of Liberians.
The budget’s comparatively modest emphasis on justice and accountability is particularly troubling to Gongloe. He argues that establishing and operating a War and Economic Crimes Court, an institution many Liberians see as central to ending a culture of impunity, is not receiving the serious investment it demands. “Without justice, there can be no lasting peace, no confidence in investment, and no genuine civic trust,” he contends.
In his critique, Cllr. Gongloe warns that the failure to fund a specialized court for war crimes and corruption is more than a policy gap; it is a moral failing. He writes that “justice delayed is justice denied,” calling for a significant portion of the national budget to be allocated to permanent, independent mechanisms that will investigate and prosecute serious crimes.
Gongloe also takes aim at what he describes as extravagance in public administration. He voices dismay at foreign travel by officials, oversized delegations, and luxury vehicle convoys, calling them morally unacceptable in a country where many struggle to access basic services. In his view, every dollar spent on such excesses is money not put toward classrooms, hospitals, or agricultural extension services.
To counter these excesses, Gongloe proposes a series of austerity measures. He recommends strict caps on overseas travel, requiring strong justification for each mission, limiting vehicles for government officials, and publishing quarterly travel and procurement reports. “Let Liberia’s true prestige be defined by the dignity and well‑being of its citizens, rather than the ostentation of a privileged few,” he argues.
His calls for frugality are tied to deeper institutional reforms. He urges the government to commit to performance-based budgeting, ensuring that disbursements are strictly linked to measurable outcomes. Further, he demands transparent budget reporting in formats accessible to ordinary Liberians, so citizens know exactly how public funds are used and who benefits.
On justice, Gongloe stresses that a legitimate nation cannot ignore its past. He argues that even a small allocation, 1 to 2 percent of the budget, devoted to rebuilding and operating the War and Economic Crimes Court would send a powerful message. It would affirm Liberia’s commitment to accountability, reconciliation, and the rule of law.
In addition, Gongloe calls for a reprioritization of social spending. He recommends that at least 30 percent of the national budget go toward education, health, and agriculture, echoing models in other African nations where sustained investment in human capital has driven social progress. He believes that without such a shift, Liberia risks undermining the promise of its development agenda.
He also proposes raising infrastructure investment from its current share to at least 35 percent over the next two fiscal years, arguing that quality roads, reliable sanitation, and safe schools are not luxuries but essential foundations for long-term growth. “Our future depends on these building blocks,” he asserts.
For accountability, Gongloe recommends institutional reforms to curb waste and build public trust. He calls for anti-luxury spending laws, tighter procurement rules, and financial oversight bodies with real teeth. He argues that only a transparent government, disciplined in its spending, will earn the respect of citizens and international partners alike.
He also stresses that budget information must be democratized. He proposes citizen‑friendly budget summaries, easily understood by ordinary Liberians, so that everyone can see how much is spent on roads, health, or justice, and who benefits. This, he argues, is crucial for inclusive governance and public accountability.
As Liberia embarks on this new fiscal cycle, Gongloe’s critique serves as a stark warning: the rhetoric of inclusive development must be matched by substance. He insists that without bold investment in justice, realigned priorities, and frugal governance, the ARREST Agenda risks remaining a lofty slogan rather than a lived reality.
In conclusion, Cllr. Gongloe implores the Boakai administration and the legislature to seize this moment. The FY 2026 budget must be more than a political milestone; it must become a moral and institutional turning point. “Government is a place to serve, not to steal,” he writes. “We demand less privilege for a few and a stronger commitment to the welfare of all citizens.”
Gongloe’s analysis challenges leaders to choose: will they deliver on the promise of transformation, or will power continue to enrich the few while leaving the many behind? The coming weeks may determine whether the budget becomes a genuine driver of inclusive development or simply another chapter in unfulfilled promises.
