The Call for a New Beginning in Liberia:

By: Austin S Fallah- A True Son of the Planet Earth Soil: fallahas@yahoo.com:

The call for new leaders and fresh perspectives grows louder amid global transformations and a rapidly shifting political landscape.

This call is particularly poignant in Liberia, a nation rich in history yet burdened by corruption and mismanagement.

As the nation approaches the second quarter of the 21st century, it is essential to reevaluate the approach to governance and leadership.

The mantra, “Stop fighting for government jobs with your children; it is time for a new beginning,” echoes a critical sentiment shared by countless citizens who yearn for change and rejuvenation in their country’s leadership.

As I ponder this issue, I shall explore the pressing need for a generational shift in governance, analyzing the consequences of prolonged political stagnation and the potential benefits of embracing new ideas and leaders in Liberia.

The Cycle of Political Entitlement:

Liberia has experienced its fair share of political turmoil, shaped by civil conflict, economic challenges, and systemic corruption.

One of the most striking observations in the current political climate is the disheartening trend of familial entitlement to government positions.

Many leaders in the past-past-past-past-past…… and recent past, and their families and close friends, struggle for control over state resources, creating an environment in which public service is perceived as a birthright/friendship right rather than a civic duty.

This culture of entitlement inadvertently stifles creativity and innovation, ultimately limiting the nation’s progress.

When political power becomes concentrated within a particular group of people, there is a tangible risk of governance becoming devoid of accountability.

Individuals who might otherwise bring transformative ideas to the table are sidelined in favor of those who inherited their positions, as seen in Liberia in the 1800s, 1900s, and some parts of the 2000s.

Hopefully, this will not continue for the rest of the 21st century.

The interests of the established so-called political elites and self-styled saviors of the masses/downtrodden often overshadow those of the general populace, leading to a disillusioned citizenry that feels betrayed by its leaders.

This dynamic fosters a culture of complacency among the young and aspiring political leaders, who may feel they have little chance of making impactful changes in a system dominated by favoritism, political connections, and other entrenched interests.

The Corruption of Youthful Ambition:

“Not the corrupt young people who once had power” refers to a disheartening phenomenon observed among young people in Liberia.”

Many young leaders who entered politics with promises of reform and progress have succumbed to the allure of power.

They have become (became), as described, “a bunch of hooligans, looters, unfite, and leaders of misinformation.”

The initial hope for a new generation to dismantle corruption and promote transparent governance has been (was) eclipsed by betrayal and disillusionment.

Corruption does not reside solely among older generations.

Once they ascend to power, young people often perpetuate existing corrupt practices, and Liberians are witnesses to this ugly phenomenon.

This paradoxical reality underscores the importance of advocating for new leaders within the circumference of young people (not the noisemakers; they were in schools, in classrooms, but learned nothing, outdated knowledge, unprofessional, unproductive, very rude, pocket seekers, money-eating vampires-hyenas), committed to change and ethical governance.

Citizens’ trust in their leaders is invaluable, and when that trust is broken, the path towards recovery and rebuilding becomes significantly more arduous for such leaders.

Ask the “once-upon-a-time there-lived political parties and more to join the storytelling”, there used to be or there lived this or that political party,” as the story of “Things fall apart,  the center can not hold” becomes obsolete because of broken promises. 

The allegations of corruption, spreading lies, and misinformation further complicate the political landscape.

A generation of young leaders who mislead and manipulate public opinion damages their credibility and exacerbates the nation’s divisive political climate.

Misinformation, disguised as political propaganda, can incite conflict and create a palpable sense of distrust among citizens, undermining the foundational principles of democracy.

Therefore, the urgent message becomes clear: Liberia requires a new breed of leaders who untangle themselves from the webs of corruption and genuinely commit to transparent governance.

The Promise of New Ideas:

To propel Liberia into the second quarter of the 21st century requires more than just a change in personnel; it demands innovative ideas and positive progressive thinking.

A critical analysis of the existing political culture reveals a need for fresh perspectives that the so-called traditional political corrupt elites may have overlooked.

New leaders should possess a vision that embraces technological advancements, sustainable development, and social entrepreneurship, which present untapped opportunities for progress in Liberia.

In other parts of the world, younger leaders have harnessed technology to engage with constituents, promote civic involvement, and facilitate transparent governance.

The infusion of technology in governance can empower citizens and give them the tools to hold their leaders accountable.

Moreover, embracing sustainable development can enhance economic growth while emphasizing environmental stewardship.

Liberians deserve leaders who understand the current socio-economic challenges and are willing to embrace forward-thinking solutions that prioritize the welfare of the people.

In addition to ideational innovation, young people’s engagement in political processes offers tremendous potential benefits.

When young people willing to learn and not engage in plenty of empty talk are encouraged to participate meaningfully, they can offer invaluable insights and contribute to a more vibrant and diverse political discourse.

Initiatives that aim to mentor promising young leaders and provide them with the necessary resources can help to foster more engaged and empowered young people, paving the way for a more equitable representation in governance.

Acknowledging the Past, Embracing the Future:

While it is imperative to move away from the established patterns of leadership that have proven detrimental, it is equally vital to acknowledge the lessons learned from the past.

Liberia’s history is fraught with challenges and tribulations; reflecting on these experiences can inform better decision-making.

A new generation of leaders must be equipped with knowledge and skills, an understanding of historical context, and awareness of the socio-political dynamics that shape their nation.

Navigating a post-conflict society demands patience, resilience, and a commitment to justice and reconciliation.

The scars left by past civil conflicts and economic hardships weigh heavily on the fabric of Liberia’s society.

Thus, any new breed of leadership must prioritize national healing and unity while advocating for social justice and the rights of marginalized people, particularly women, children, and zogos.

The government’s ability and willingness to address historical grievances will be critical in fostering trust between leaders and citizens, ultimately creating a stronger foundation for the future.

The Importance of a New Narrative:

The call to stop fighting for government jobs with the children emphasizes the need to propel Liberia into a new era of governance defined by integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.

As the country approaches the second quarter of the 21st century, it is essential for citizens, particularly the young people, to actively seek change and advocate for leadership committed to bettering the lives of all Liberians.

The importance of seeking new leaders and nurturing a culture of ethical governance and public accountability cannot be overstated.

Let me conclude by saying to every young person, including me, that embracing the idea of presenting opportunities to new breeds of leaders and ideas can pave the way for a brighter future for Liberia.

Transforming the political landscape is not merely about choosing fresh faces but rather about electing individuals who genuinely prioritize the welfare of their people over personal gain.

By actively engaging in the political process and holding their leaders accountable, Liberians can help shape a better narrative for their country that inspires hope rather than despair and ultimately leads to a more equitable and prosperous society.