She referenced a similar reconciliation ceremony her administration held in 2006, though on a smaller scale, and said the recent event fell short of being inclusive.
Monrovia – Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says Liberia remains deeply divided, despite efforts by the current administration to promote reconciliation.
By Webster Clayeh
Her comments follow a national event hosted by President Joseph Boakai aimed at fostering healing and unity in the country.
On Saturday, July 5, President Boakai led a high-profile event at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, described as a moment of reflection, healing, and a renewed commitment to lasting reconciliation.
The Liberia Reconciliation, Healing, and Unity Program brought together survivors of civil war and pandemics, traditional leaders, civil society groups, diplomats, women and youth organizations, and government officials.
The government said the purpose of the gathering was to acknowledge Liberia’s painful history and renew the country’s commitment to unity, peace, and justice. President Boakai emphasized that the initiative was not ceremonial, but a national imperative.
“This event offers a platform for Liberians, from every county, every background, and every walk of life, to come together, confront our shared difficult past, and begin to build a future rooted in truth, justice, and compassion,” he said.
However, notable absences included opposition political leaders such as former President George Weah, Alexander Cummings, Benoni Urey, Musa Bility, Dee-Maxwell Kemayah, and several others.
Speaking as a guest on state radio ELBC during the Liberia Renaissance talk show hosted by former Information Minister Dr. Lawrence Konmla Bropleh, former President Sirleaf expressed skepticism about the impact of the initiative.
She referenced a similar reconciliation ceremony her administration held in 2006, though on a smaller scale, and said the recent event fell short of being inclusive.
“That attempted to cover everyone who was hurt, everyone who was part of this. Let’s consider that a good step and let’s hope that by now, there can be some follow-up to make it real,” she said.
Sirleaf continued, “To make reconciliation real, we still have a very divided society in so many ways —whether it’s on political lines, whether it’s on ethnic lines, religious lines — we do have those divisions and it will take an extra effort on all of the leaders.” She emphasized, “We cannot have a nation that is divided and hope to achieve the goals that we have set in our agenda and in our vision.”
During the same interview, Sirleaf was asked about President Boakai’s plans to visit former U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the White House. She said she, like many others, was unaware of the meeting’s purpose.
“I don’t know what the visiting is about, there has been no announcement on that. I wish I knew, but don’t know,” Sirleaf stated. “It is something that we all are watching, we all are waiting and let’s hope that whatever it is, it will end up being in the benefit of Liberia and Africa—that is what we hope for.”
