Once heralded as Africa’s oldest republic and the beacon of hope for freedom on the continent, Liberia is embroiled in many challenges that threaten its social fabric and global standing.
By Austin S Fallah, contributing writer
Years of civil imbroglio have set the stage for a society riddled with lawlessness, corruption, substance abuse, and the grave violation of women’s and children’s rights.
To navigate this tumultuous landscape, Liberia needs a serve hybrid leadership style of civilian-military rule.
This approach, reminiscent of Rwanda under President Paul Kagame and Ghana under the late President Jerry John Rawlings, offers a pragmatic solution to restore order and governance.
Such a model can effectively address pressing insecurity and societal decay, which have left the nation vulnerable.
Under President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, the current Unity Party government must embrace this paradigm, positioning Liberia to reclaim its mantle as a beacon of hope.
Historical Context: The Legacy of Conflict and Its Aftermath;
The backdrop against which this analysis unfolds is one of profound historical significance.
Liberia has endured over fourteen years of civil conflict characterized by violence, mass displacement, and egregious human rights violations.
The aftermath of this turmoil manifested in a breakdown of institutional integrity, resulting in rampant corruption and a weakened state apparatus incapable of maintaining law and order.
With the International Crisis Group, and many well-being Liberians indicating that a staggering percentage of Liberians view corruption as a principal impediment to post-war recovery, it becomes clear that transformative actions are critical.
Given these contextual challenges, a reassessment of leadership styles is warranted.
Traditional governance structures have proven inadequate in addressing the complexities of post-conflict recovery.
President Kagame’s militarized approach in Rwanda and Rawlings’s in Ghana illustrate how a decisive mix of military oversight with civilian governance can foster stability and development.
Lessons from Rwanda: A Model of Authoritarian Efficiency:
Rwanda, under Kagame’s leadership since the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, presents a case study for the potential success of strong leadership combined with authoritarian measures.
Kagame’s government has been praised and criticized, but its effectiveness in restoring national order post-genocide can not be overlooked.
Within a remarkably short period, Rwanda transformed from a nation devastated by ethnic conflict to one hailed for its economic growth and regional stability.
President Kagame’s administration, characterized by stringent law enforcement and a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, demonstrates how a hybrid governance model can create a society prioritizing the rule of law.
Rwanda’s transformation lies in its unyielding zero-tolerance stand against physical assaults on law enforcement personnel, an approach that must be emulated in Liberia.
In societies where respect for law enforcement is ingrained, there is a palpable reduction in crime rates and an increase in public trust.
When citizens understand the serious repercussions of assaulting law enforcement, societal behavior shifts towards more civilized interactions and a reinforced adherence to public life rules
Ghana Under Rawlings: The Iron Fist Approach:
Equally, President John Rawlings’s leadership in Ghana provides relevant insights.
President Rawlings, who initially came to power through a military coup in 1979 before transitioning towards democratic governance, embodied a form of leadership that balanced military discipline with civilian engagement.
His administration’s focus on unity, discipline, and development is critical in analyzing governance strategies.
By instilling a sense of order through military-backed initiatives while transitioning to a democratic framework, Ghana experienced a period of relative peace and stability.
The underlying principle of Rawlings’ governance hinged on instilling accountability and a sense of national pride among citizens.
His legacy underscores the importance of establishing a collective national identity, which is paramount for a nation still grappling with the shadows of civil discord.
Implementing a hybrid leadership style in Liberia must draw from this assertion, cultivating a landscape where national pride is reinvigorated, and citizens commit themselves to the rule of law.
Imposing Order in Liberia: A Call for Strong Governance:
The pressing need for strong governance in Liberia can not be overplayed.
Physical assaults on law enforcement personnel, a notable indicator of societal decay, must be met with decisive consequences.
As evidence from other democratic nations illustrates, allowing such misconduct to persist jeopardizes the fabric of society, fostering an environment where law enforcement is viewed as ineffective and vulnerable.
In stark contrast, a robust response to infractions can reinforce respect for authority and deter further criminal behavior.
Liberia, currently plagued by drug abuse, often exacerbated by the socio-economic pressures stemming from a weakened state, also needs to address public health concerns assertively, as promised during the campaign season of 2023 by the candidate, but now President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, in one of his campaign promises.
A hybrid governance style would involve enforcing law and order and implementing comprehensive rehabilitation programs targeting substance abuse.
By addressing the symptoms and causes of lawlessness, the government can create a more holistic strategy for national recovery.
Moreover, the abominable abuse of women and children remains a critical issue that must be addressed within the framework of a new governance approach.
The prevalence of gender-based violence is inextricably linked to societal instability, and therefore, it requires immediate governmental intervention.
Strong leadership characterized by compassionate yet firm tactics is essential.
By establishing a forceful and dedicated law enforcement unit focused on crimes against women and children, Liberia can take a giant step toward ensuring justice prevails.
This would protect the most vulnerable and signal to the world that Liberia is committed to upholding human dignity and rights.
Building Towards a New Liberia: The Role of the Unity Party:
The Unity Party, under the guidance of President Boakai and Vice President Koung, stands at a critical crossroads.
They have the opportunity to redefine Liberia’s governance structure.
By adopting a hybrid style of leadership that marries civilian oversight with military discipline, they can implement necessary reforms and policy measures that restore order, combat corruption, and rebuild public trust.
Significantly, the political rhetoric must emphasize accountability and civic responsibility.
Public campaigns to empower citizens to respect the rule of law and encourage community cohesion should be prioritized.
This will create a sense of ownership and responsibility amongst the populace, facilitating a gradual shift towards a society characterized by mutual respect and cooperation.
Moreover, international partnerships can play a pivotal role in this redemptive journey.
Collaborations with established nations, like the United States, Japan(Where the President Boakai and his delegation are currently visiting), Ghana, Rwanda, Botswana, etc., and organizations must be pursued to gain insights and resources necessary to strengthen Liberia’s institutions.
A united international front supporting Liberia’s hybrid leadership model can lend greater legitimacy and effectiveness to the government’s efforts to combat corruption and restore public trust.
A Vision for a Resilient Future:
The call for a hybrid leadership style of civilian-military rule in Liberia emerges not merely as a proposal but as an urgent necessity.
The stark realities of lawlessness, corruption, and societal decay compel a reevaluation of governance strategies.
Looking at Rwanda’s and Ghana’s leadership experiences, Liberia can harness the transformative power of incorporating strong governance models emphasizing accountability, national pride, and social justice.
The journey towards restoring Liberia as a beacon of hope will require resilience.
Still, the nation can emerge from the shadows of conflict through a steadfast commitment to civil-military cooperation and the rule of law.
As Liberia stands poised for renewal, the Unity Party has the opportunity to fulfill its promise by embodying the discipline and determination required to champion the rights of all citizens and restore order.
Ultimately, the vision for a more prosperous and civilized Liberia is achievable but necessitates an unwavering commitment to the ideals that underpin a truly just governance system.
