By: Rev. Torli H. Krua, contributing writer
Liberia stands at a pivotal crossroads. For over two centuries, the nation has been held back by systemic corruption, covert American colonization, a governance structure designed to benefit politicians, and a constitution that favors colonial interests over the will of the people. Recently, renowned Liberian human rights lawyer and presidential candidate, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, condemned unconstitutional actions in Liberia’s legislature, warning of threats to the nation’s “democratic integrity.” While his concerns about the erosion of the rule of law and democracy are valid, they miss a deeper reality: Liberia has never truly been a democracy. The country does not need cosmetic reforms within a broken system; it needs a total rebirth—a renewal of its sovereignty, as mandated by Article 1 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution: “All power is inherent in the people. All free governments are instituted by their authority and for their benefit, and they have the right to alter and reform the same when their safety and happiness so require.”
A System Built on Corruption and Exclusion
Liberia’s system of governance is not just corrupt because of individual leaders; it is fundamentally flawed by design. The country’s corrupt blueprint was established by American slave masters, led by President James Monroe, with the aim of keeping enslaved people “obedient and content.” Liberia was never created to serve the people. Instead, it was imposed as a colonial project by the United States government, which established a ruling elite with “Dual Liberian and American citizenship.” This privileged class benefited at the expense of the masses, consolidating power for 200 years. As a result, top officials enjoyed American citizenship and the associated privileges while exploiting Liberia’s corrupt system, leaving ordinary citizens disenfranchised and mired in poverty.
Despite elections, military coups, civil wars, and political transitions, Liberia’s government has consistently failed to serve its people. The electoral system itself is neither free, fair, nor inclusive. With candidate fees reaching up to $2,500, minimum bank balances set at $10,000, and insurance bonds set at $100,000, the system incentivizes corruption, rewards incompetence, and ensures that politicians remain unaccountable. No amount of reform can fix a system that was never designed to work for the people in the first place.
The Sovereign Right of the Liberian People
Article 1 of the Liberian Constitution clearly states that sovereignty belongs to the people. This means that the power to shape the nation resides not in politicians, political parties, or international partners, but in the hands of the Liberian people. They do not need permission from those benefiting from the current corrupt system to demand change. Through a Sovereign Citizens’ Convention, the people can immediately dismantle the current system and create a new governance structure that truly serves their interests. The Free Liberia Movement has setup a database for all Liberians interested in a new system with citizens as masters.
This is not a call for reform—it is a call for a complete rebirth. Just as a child grows over nine months, the Liberian people can take this time to draft a new constitution and build a government that serves them, not the politicians. A government where citizens are the true masters, and public servants are held accountable in a participatory democracy. A government with equal opportunities for all, where every Liberian has a birthright to U.S. citizenship—not just the heads of the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislative branches. A government where salaries, benefits, and policies are determined by the people, ensuring transparency, justice, and equity.
Currently, top Liberian politicians and citizens from 43 countries—over a billion people—can enter the United States without a visa. Meanwhile, millions of dollars are taken from Liberians through a flawed visa process. This has led to the landmark lawsuit, Krua v. Mayorkas, which seeks a refund of all visa fees with interest and the suspension of visa requirements for all Liberians.
The Urgency of Now
Nimba County cannot afford to remain trapped in the corruption abyss for another nine years. Liberia cannot afford to wait until 2029 or the next election cycle to take action. The systemic corruption that was established by James Monroe and perpetuated by generations of politicians must not be allowed to continue for another day. The time to act is now.
This is why I, Rev. Torli H. Krua, who is leading a lawsuit against the Government of the United States, am challenging my dear friend and brother, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, to a national debate on the true state of Liberian sovereignty and the necessity of a new constitution. Following the debate, we will initiate a national poll to let the Liberian people decide: Do they want to continue under a corrupt system that has failed them for 200 years, or do they want to claim their sovereign right to create a new nation with participatory democratic governance?
We must liberate our people from systemic corruption and political oppression. The path forward is clear: Abolish the failed, corrupt system and move toward the rebirth of a new nation—one that empowers all the people, not just politicians. This includes a U.S. visa waiver for all Liberians.
The choice is not for politicians to make—it belongs to the Liberian people. And they must make it now. I challenge you to a debate in Ganta, Nimba County!
Reverend Torli H. Krua is the founder of the Free Liberia Movement.
