From Peril to Perseverance: Liberia’s Journey Through 177 Years

Fellow Liberians and friends of Liberia,

On this solemn occasion of our 177th Independence Day, I stand before you, not from the land of my birth, but from an exile imposed upon me by circumstances that no citizen should ever endure. Today, I speak to you with a heavy heart and a spirit that remains unbroken. July 26 of each year in our nation history is not singularly a day to only celebrate our freedom but to reflect on our journey, our struggles, and our aspirations for a just and prosperous Liberia. Our history is one of resilience, a demonstration to the enduring spirit of our people. However, as we look back on our past, we must also confront the present challenges that threaten our future.

From its founding in 1822 by freed American slaves to becoming Africa’s first Independent Republic in 1847, Liberia has always been a symbol of resilience and hope. Our ancestors boarded on a perilous journey, driven by the dream of freedom and self-determination. Despite the numerous trials and tribulations, they persevered. This spirit of resilience is etched into the very fabric and annals of our nation. Liberia has weathered the storms of civil wars, economic hardships, and political instability. Our people have faced unimaginable hardships, yet they have always risen from the ashes, stronger and more determined. As Marcus Garvey once said, "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots." Our roots run deep with stories of courage and tenacity.

The civil wars of the late 20th century left deep scars, but they also revealed the strength of our collective will to rebuild and heal. We have seen communities come together to support one another, families rebuilding their lives, and a nation striving to move forward. The resilience of Liberia is not just a story of survival but evidence to the firm hope and determination of its people.

Fellow Liberians, the journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with hope. Our history has shown us that we are a resilient people, capable of overcoming the greatest of difficulties. Let us draw strength from our past as we strive to create a future where justice, equality, and prosperity are not just aspirations but realities for all Liberians.

On this 177th Independence Day, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of justice and fairness. Let us work together to build a Liberia where the poor, the powerless, and the unlettered are protected and empowered. Let us ensure that our nation’s resilience is not just a story of survival but an example of hope and progress for generations to come.

Today, as we celebrate our 177th Independence Day, may I declare to you that my heart is full of both sorrow and hope, from my exile home. I am here to share my story, to remind us of our shared struggles, and to reignite the flame of hope and determination for a better Liberia.

Two years ago, on our country's 175th Independence Day, I, along with my fellow students of the Indomitable Vanguard Students Unification Party, took to the streets under the banner of the "Fix the Country" protest. We gathered in front of the US Embassy near Monrovia, driven by our undying love for Liberia and a burning desire to see our nation thrive. We protested not for ourselves but for every Liberian struggling under the weight of economic hardships, for every voice silenced by oppression, and for a future where justice prevails.

Our demands were clear: we called for economic reforms to address the quagmire our country faces, and we urged the government to hold accountable those who had pillaged our national coffers on industrial proportions. We sought a Liberia where every citizen could dream of a better tomorrow, where our resources would be used to uplift the many, not enrich the few. However, our peaceful protest was met with brutality. Hired goons and thugs, loyal to the administration of former President George Manneh Weah, attacked us with a savagery that defies belief and comprehension. I was stripped naked, tied with ropes, and beaten nearly to death. That horrifying treatment was not just an attack on my person but an assault on the very principles of democracy and human rights that we hold dear.

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance," said Thomas Jefferson. May I inform you that my experience is an unadulterated reminder of this hard truth accentuated by the great Thomas Jefferson. I would like to challenge my fellow students and young revolutionary bulwarks of our democracy that we must remain vigilant and steadfast in our pursuit of justice and equality. The scars from that day are not just physical; they are etched into my soul, constantly reminding me of the cost of standing up for what is right or pious in society, especially an African society.

Since that fateful day, I have lived in exile, far from the land I love. The government of former President George Weah refused to serve me justice. The perpetrators of that cruel and despicable act continue to walk free in the country, while I grapple with the trauma that haunts my days and nights. My mental health has been severely impacted, and the pain of injustice lingers like a shadow over my life. But I am not here to dwell on my suffering. I am here to speak of hope, resilience, and the unbending spirit of the Liberian people. Nelson Mandela once said, "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

In the face of difficulty, we must find the strength to rise. Our nation has faced countless challenges, yet we have always emerged stronger. To the youth of Liberia, I say this: Your voice matters. Do not be silenced by fear or oppression. Stand up for what you believe in, and never lose sight of the dream of a prosperous and just Liberia. Remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

To our leaders, both current and future, I urge you to listen to the cries of your people. Lead with integrity, compassion, and a vision for a brighter future. The legacy you leave will be measured not by the power you wield but by the positive change you bring to the lives of your fellow citizens. And to my fellow Liberians in the diaspora, let us not forget our roots. Let us continue to support our homeland, advocate for justice, and work towards a Liberia that lives up to its true potential.

To close on this point, let us remember the words of our national anthem: "In union strong, success is sure, we cannot fail." Together, united in our love for Liberia, we can overcome any obstacle and build a nation that we can all be proud of.

However, despite our rich history of resilience, we face a critical challenge that threatens to undermine the very foundation of our nation: the inability of our justice system to protect the weak against the powerful, the poor against the rich, and the unlettered against the lettered. This failure has perpetuated a cycle of stagnation and chaos, hindering our progress and prosperity.

The justice system in Liberia must be strengthened to protect the rights of all citizens, especially the youth. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the lack of access to justice and widespread corruption within the legal system undermines public trust and perpetuates a culture of impunity. The World Justice Project's Rule of Law Index ranks Liberia low in terms of legal enforcement and the protection of fundamental rights, indicating a need for significant reforms.

The justice system in Liberia has, for too long, been a tool of oppression rather than a pillar of fairness and equality. The scales of justice are tipped in favor of the powerful, leaving the marginalised and vulnerable to suffer in silence. As Martin Luther King Jr. touchingly stated, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." This truth echoes deeply in Liberia, where the cries for justice often fall on deafening ears.

Consider the countless instances where the poor have been denied justice because they lack the resources to fight their cases. The wealthy and powerful manipulate the system to their advantage, using their influence to evade accountability. This disparity creates a chasm between the haves and the have-nots, breeding resentment and disillusionment among the populace. The powerless are often victims of exploitation and abuse, with little recourse to seek redress. The very institutions that should protect them become instruments of their subjugation. The story of Liberia is replete with examples of ordinary citizens being trampled underfoot by those who wield power without accountability. As Thomas Jefferson once remarked, "The most sacred of the duties of a government is to do equal and impartial justice to all its citizens."

Furthermore, the unlettered and less educated are at a significant disadvantage in a system that favours the educated elites. Their voices are marginalised, their rights overlooked, and their grievances dismissed. This inequity stifles the potential of a significant portion of our population, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement. It is a situation that calls to mind the words of Nelson Mandela: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Yet, without equal access to justice, even education becomes a hollow promise.

When justice is not served, it erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law. It creates an environment where corruption thrives, and impunity becomes the norm. The social contract between the government and its people is broken, leading to disillusionment and a lack of faith in the institutions meant to serve them. As we mark this Independence Day, we must confront these harsh realities and commit ourselves to building a justice system that serves all Liberians equally. We must demand accountability from those in power and ensure that the scales of justice are balanced. Only then can we truly honour the legacy of resilience that our ancestors have bestowed upon us.

Lastly, I will like to use this opportunity to address a matter that is close to my heart and essential for the future of our beloved nation, Liberia. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's recent Youth Dialogue initiative is a commendable step towards engaging the youth in the national discourse. However, while dialogue is a vital starting point, it is a matter of must that we move beyond conversation and tackle the core issues that continue to hinder the progress and potential of our youth. These issues include employment, quality education—both formal and informal—justice, and many other pressing challenges.

Youth unemployment is one of the most critical challenges we face today. According to the World Bank, the youth unemployment rate in Liberia stands at a staggering 85%. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlights that such high unemployment rates are a significant threat to our nation's peace and stability. Unemployment not only stifles the potential of our young people but also fuels frustration, crime, and social unrest. There is an adage that says "An idle mind is the devil's workshop."

To address this, we need to implement robust policies that promote job creation, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. The administration of President Boakai must work hand in hand with the private sector to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, thereby generating employment opportunities for our youth.

Education is the cornerstone of any nation's development. Unfortunately, the quality of education in Liberia leaves much to be desired. The United Nations reports that only about 60% of children complete primary school, and a mere 20% finish secondary school. This alarming statistic accentuates the urgent need for reform in our educational system. Furthermore, UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report indicates that corruption within the educational sector exacerbates these issues, as resources intended for improving educational facilities and teacher training are often misappropriated. This systemic failure deprives our youth of their right to quality education and stifles their potential.

Improving the quality of both formal and informal education is crucial. We must invest in teacher training, infrastructure, and educational resources to ensure that our young people are well-equipped to compete in a globalised world. Additionally, informal education and vocational training should be expanded to provide practical skills that meet the demands of the job market

Lastly, it cannot be gainsaid that fair and just society is the bedrock of sustainable development. However, corruption and a lack of accountability continue to plague our judicial system. Transparency International ranks Liberia 137th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating a severe corruption problem that undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust. To restore faith in our justice system, we must enforce strict anti-corruption measures and ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status. Strengthening institutions and promoting the rule of law will create a more stable and equitable society, fostering an environment where the youth can thrive. In addition to employment, education, and justice, our youth face numerous other challenges, including inadequate healthcare, poor infrastructure, and limited access to technology. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach and a commitment to long-term, sustainable development strategies. The government, civil society, and international partners must collaborate to develop comprehensive policies that address these complex challenges. By doing so, we can create a brighter future for our youth and, by extension, our country.

As I conclude, I want to reaffirm my firm commitment to defending democracy, social justice, and peace in Liberia and the world at large. Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the catalysts for change today. It is our collective responsibility to empower them, to provide them with opportunities, and to ensure that their voices lead us towards a brighter future.

Let us move forward with determination, inspired by the resilience and potential of our young people. Together, we can build a Liberia where every youth has the opportunity to thrive, to lead, and to contribute to the prosperity of our nation.

May God bless Liberia, and may our journey towards justice, peace, and prosperity continue with unwavering determination.

Thank you, and Happy Independence Day!

By Christopher Walter Sisulu Sivili