PHOTO: The Author
By Kokpar B. Wohwoh
Liberian
Philadelphia, USA
Reflecting on my physics classes at the University of Liberia, I drew parallels between the pendulum’s predictable swing and Liberia’s erratic political landscape. The reckless swing of the pendulum in Mama Liberia’s politics has created uncertainty and instability.
Can the country break this cycle and harness stability for progress?
The Pendulum Effect
Liberia’s political landscape is characterized by a swinging pendulum, where each change in leadership brings about a shift in direction. On one hand, this can be seen as a positive force, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas to the table. Each new leader has the opportunity to introduce reforms, drive innovation, and stimulate growth.
Physics and Politics: Three Philosophies
- Simple Harmonic Motion :Just like a pendulum’s predictable swing, Liberia’s politics seems to oscillate between extremes, following a pattern of action and reaction.
- Will the country break this cycle?Conservation of Energy: The pendulum’s energy is conserved, transferring between kinetic and potential. In Liberia’s politics, energy is lost to corruption and inefficiency.
Can the poltical leader harness it for progress?
- Damping and Resonance: A pendulum’s swing can be dampened or amplified by external forces. Liberia’s politics is influenced by internal and external factors.
Can the leadership find the right frequency for stability?
The Dark Side of the Swing
However, the pendulum’s swing also has a negative impact. The constant change in leadership can create uncertainty, instability, and mistrust in the system. This can deter investment, disrupt policy continuity, and ultimately harm the country’s development. The frequent shifts in priorities can make it challenging for institutions to implement long-term plans, leading to a lack of progress on critical issues.
The Vulnerable Left Behind
Meanwhile, the most vulnerable populations – like those in poverty, rural communities, and women & children – get caught in the crossfire. The disrupted access to healthcare, education, and social services makes it even tougher for them to break the cycle of poverty.
The pendulum’s swing, therefore, has a disproportionate impact on those who are already struggling, exacerbating existing inequalities and making it harder for Liberia to achieve sustainable development.
A Snapshot of the Crisis
Healthcare-1 in 5 Liberians have access to healthcare services (WHO, 2020)
Education-70% of Liberian children are out of school (UNICEF, 2020)
Job Creation-Unemployment rate stands at 85% (World Bank, 2020)
Corruption-Liberia ranks 137th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (2022)
Governance-Weak governance and institutional fragility persist, hindering development (World Bank, 2020)
A Legacy of Lost Opportunities
The impact of this cycle is felt across generations. The lack of progress on key issues like education, healthcare, and infrastructure means that Liberia’s youth are denied the opportunities they deserve.
The country’s human capital is underdeveloped, and the economy suffers as a result. The pendulum’s swing has effectively robbed Liberia’s past, present, and future generations of the chance to thrive.
How can Liberia break this cycle and create a brighter future for its young people?