This year has been both heartbreaking and merciful. I have laid my second son to eternal rest and will soon memorialize the loss of my first son. Yet, through God’s grace, I have found the strength to endure these trials. As I approach the 5th Anniversary of the EJS Center—an institution that has weathered unexpected setbacks, including the departure of a few valued friends and staff—I remain grateful.
I had intended to share more about this personal journey, but a higher calling now compels me: I must break my silence to defend the peace and democracy for which so many have sacrificed. As I have said before, “Silence makes us all culpable in wrongdoing.”
Our nation’s Capital building, erected in 1957 under President William V. S. Tubman, now stands ravaged by flames—an alarming symbol of the months-long discord between two political factions in the Legislature. This dispute remains unresolved, despite the Supreme Court’s involvement, due to an ambiguous ruling where clarity and finality were desperately needed.
I issue this call to our entire Nation: to churches, businesses, political parties of every persuasion, tribal leaders, and most importantly, our young citizens. Even if you feel aggrieved or disregarded, your right to free expression is held sacred. At the same time, no individual or group in authority has the right to respond with violence. In these tense times, reason and dialogue remain our most powerful tools.
Countless Liberians have paid dearly—in life and liberty—to build, maintain, and safeguard our peace, harmony, and democratic values. The current turmoil risks eroding these hard-won gains. It threatens to worsen our already fragile economy and deter the international technical and financial support we urgently need.
These consequences will spare no one: not the administration, not the political parties, not businesses or civil society organizations, and certainly not our fellow citizens who have had no hand in unlawful acts. Those, the poor who are already struggling will feel the sting of these setbacks most acutely.
Wake up, Liberia! The world is less forgiving now than in decades past. Nations are judged by their ability and willingness to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
Wake up, Liberia! No one will save us from our own shortcomings. We will rise, advance, and develop only if we accept that our dignity, prosperity, and credibility on the global stage depend on our collective actions. It truly is as simple as that.
May God guide us all through the challenges of this Christmas season and help us navigate the clouds that surround us.
Merry Christmas
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