Renowned Social Activist Rallies Diaspora Liberians to Contribute to Liberia’s Governance Process
PHOTO: Naymote Executive Director, Eddie Jarwolo (left) with some members of the Liberia Swedish Association
By LSA MEDIA
STOCKHOLM, Sweden – The Liberian community in Sweden came together to celebrate their country’s 176th Independence Day in a spirited event held in Stockholm City.
The celebration, which lasted from July 21 to 23, 2023, was organized by the Liberian Swedish Association (LSA), an organization dedicated to empowering and connecting Liberians residing in Sweden. The festivities brought together Liberians from various European countries, as well as other Africans, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared purpose.
A notable highlight of the event was the presence of Eddie D. Jarwolo, a prominent civil society leader and social activist, who served as the Keynote Speaker. Eddie delivered an impassioned speech focusing on shared responsibility, accountability, and the principles of good democratic governance as essential elements for Liberia’s development and peacebuilding.
In his keynote address, Eddie Jarwolo set the tone for the event by highlighting the significance of shared responsibility in fostering a better future for Liberia.
He spoke eloquently about the current political and social challenges faced by the country, emphasizing the urgent need for political accountability and unity to overcome these obstacles.
Mr. Jarwolo drew attention to the critical stages of the electoral process, from voter registration to candidate nomination, and highlighted the importance of free, fair, credible, independent and transparent electoral process. He cautioned Liberians that the period of campaigning, voting, counting, announcement of results and accepting the results are the most critical period that would determine the peace and stability of the country. He stressed that addressing the country’s developmental issues would require a collective effort to hold elected and appointed leaders accountable for their actions and promises, ensuring that the dividends of democracy positively impact the lives of all citizens.
The Liberian activist expressed concern over the country’s underdevelopment, pointing to poor leadership, weak political institutions, and widespread corruption at all levels of government as significant obstacles. He called on Liberians living abroad to unite with civil society in combating corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking, and holding leaders accountable for campaign and post campaign promises. Eddie is the Executive Director of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, a leading grassroots institution advancing the principles of democracy, rule of law and civic engagement.
As Liberia approached the October 10, 2023 elections, Eddie urged vigilance, stating that any attempt to undermine the peace or cheat in the elections could lead to political violence.
He called on the international community and Liberians abroad to closely monitor the situation and be ready to take decisive action against those seeking to disrupt the peace.
While expressing gratitude for the support provided by Liberians living abroad to their friends and relatives back home, Eddie asserted that such assistance is not enough. He highlighted the wealth of natural resources in Liberia and emphasized the importance of effective leadership, transparency, and accountability in managing these resources to create jobs and improve the livelihoods of Liberians.