Monrovia, Liberia – Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has issued a heartfelt and urgent message to the nation, reflecting on personal loss, national turmoil, and the need for collective action to safeguard Liberia’s peace and democracy.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In a statement titled “A Message from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf”, the former Liberian leader described 2024 as a year marked by both heartbreak and resilience. She recounted the personal tragedy of losing two sons and expressed gratitude for the strength to endure through faith and grace.
A Call to Break the Silence
While acknowledging her personal journey, Sirleaf emphasized the need to speak out against the political discord and violence currently affecting Liberia.
“Our nation’s Capitol 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,” she said, referencing the recent fire at the Capitol Building.
Sirleaf criticized the unresolved legislative disputes, noting that the Supreme Court’s ambiguous ruling has failed to bring clarity and resolution.
An Appeal to All Liberians
Sirleaf urged all sectors of Liberian society—churches, businesses, political parties, tribal leaders, and particularly the youth—to uphold the right to free expression while denouncing violence.
“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,” she asserted.
She reminded Liberians of the sacrifices made to secure the nation’s peace and democracy, warning that the current turmoil risks undermining these hard-won gains and further destabilizing the economy.
A Dire Warning and a Wake-Up Call
Sirleaf cautioned that the consequences of the ongoing unrest would affect everyone, particularly the most vulnerable.
“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,” she said.
She emphasized that Liberia’s future depends on its citizens’ ability to act collectively, declaring, “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.”
A Christmas Message of Hope
Concluding her message, Sirleaf called for divine guidance during the Christmas season and expressed hope for Liberia to overcome its challenges.
“May God guide us all through the challenges of this Christmas season and help us navigate the clouds that surround us,” she said, wishing all Liberians a Merry Christmas.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The former president’s message comes at a time of heightened political and social tension in Liberia, underscoring the urgency for unity and dialogue to preserve the country’s stability and democratic foundations.
