MONROVIA, LIBERIA – A civil society organization, Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, delivered an intense criticism of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration, accusing it of deceit, incompetence, and unfulfilled promises. Through a strongly worded statement from its chairman, Mulbah Morlu, the group characterized the President’s first year in office as a “profound betrayal of the Liberian people.”
Morlu condemned Boakai’s State of the Nation Address, calling it “a masterpiece of falsehoods and exaggerations.” He argued that the President’s lofty claims of progress were disconnected from the harsh realities faced by ordinary Liberians, many of whom are mired in poverty and disillusionment.
“President Boakai has failed to honor his campaign promises, opting instead for political theater and empty rhetoric,” Morlu declared. “Liberians deserve leadership that delivers, not a government lost in its own propaganda.”
According to STAND, the administration’s flagship initiatives, including the much-publicized ARREST agenda, have yielded nothing but disappointment. The organization accused the government of paying lip service to accountability while fostering an environment rife with corruption and cronyism.
“Rather than rooting out corruption, this administration has become a safe haven for opportunists enriching themselves at the expense of the suffering masses,” Morlu said, citing a lack of action against high-profile corruption cases.
The group expressed outrage over the government’s handling of infrastructure projects, particularly its failure to improve road conditions across the country. STAND dismissed Boakai’s claim that his administration had eliminated vehicle hitches within 100 days, describing the statement as “utterly detached from reality.”
“Countless roads remain impassable, with entire communities stranded,” Morlu argued. “The much-vaunted Yellow Machine project is a sham, as visible progress is nowhere to be found.”
STAND also lambasted Boakai’s claims of strides in healthcare, portraying a system that is crumbling under mismanagement and neglect. The organization pointed to chronic shortages of medicine, inadequate funding for hospitals, and deteriorating facilities, particularly at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.
“The President boasts of reduced child mortality, but in reality, the healthcare system is failing our most vulnerable citizens,” Morlu stated. “Patients are dying preventable deaths due to sheer negligence and lack of resources.”
Turning its focus to the economy, STAND accused the government of grossly misrepresenting Liberia’s economic situation. The organization highlighted surging inflation, widespread unemployment, and an exodus of struggling businesses as evidence of the administration’s failures.
“Liberians are experiencing unprecedented economic hardships while the President fabricates tales of progress,” Morlu said. “This government is utterly clueless when it comes to economic recovery.”
In its statement, STAND also criticized the government’s neglect of agriculture, which it described as the backbone of Liberia’s economy. It accused the administration of abandoning local farmers and failing to address food insecurity, leaving many communities vulnerable.
Morlu further alleged that Boakai’s leadership was dividing the nation through politically motivated dismissals of civil servants. Thousands of workers, he claimed, have been removed from their positions without just cause, often for reasons tied to their perceived political affiliations.
“This administration speaks of unity while practicing blatant discrimination,” he said. “Such actions erode public trust and deepen societal divides.”
STAND also took aim at the President’s proposal to transition Liberia to a cashless economy, arguing that the idea was impractical given the country’s unreliable electricity, poor internet infrastructure, and widespread financial exclusion.
“This vision is detached from Liberia’s realities,” Morlu argued. “Without foundational reforms, the push for a cashless economy will only exacerbate inequalities.”
The organization concluded its critique by demanding immediate reforms to address Liberia’s governance and development challenges. It called on the administration to prioritize prosecuting corrupt officials, investing in healthcare and education, and implementing measures to rebuild public trust.
“President Boakai’s government has a choice: to lead with integrity or to continue down this path of betrayal,” Morlu declared. “Liberia deserves better than broken promises and unfulfilled dreams.”
