MONROVIA – On July 17, amid mounting public frustration over Liberia’s worsening economic conditions, presidential hopeful Matthew Nyanplu issued a sharp critique of the ruling Unity Party (UP) government, blaming it for failing to address the hardships facing ordinary Liberians.
While commending the courage of protesters who took to the streets to voice their anger, Nyanplu warned that the government benefits from the ongoing poverty, using it as a tool to maintain power. He argued that the economic difficulties are not solely the fault of the current administration but the cumulative result of successive governments that have systematically disenfranchised the average citizen.
Nyanplu criticized the structure of Liberia’s government, describing it as designed to keep citizens impoverished and dependent while enriching those in office. He claimed that even low-level officials become complicit in perpetuating a system that prioritizes personal gain over public service.
“The system silences any dissenter and sustains itself by buying out any perceived resistance,” Nyanplu said, asserting that the quest for political power in Liberia has become synonymous with the pursuit of personal wealth at the expense of the population.
Highlighting the disconnect between political leaders and the public, Nyanplu pointed to recent events where inflation data was released by LISGIS, Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan unveiled new transport buses for ministry employees, and President Joseph Nyumah Boakai defended his use of a private jet on the BBC. “Where do these people put their priorities? Sustain power using poverty as a weapon!” he charged.
Nyanplu argued that Liberia’s leadership has consistently failed to pursue meaningful economic transformation, citing administrations under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, George Weah, and Joseph Boakai as examples of governance that has done little to improve ordinary citizens’ lives.
He concluded by calling for a fundamental restructuring of Liberia’s government to make it smaller, more efficient, and focused on redirecting resources to the people rather than officials.
“We are working towards that goal. That’s why in 2029, we will be entering the presidential race, to change government for good for every Liberian. We encourage you to join us,” Nyanplu said.
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