PHOTO: The Author
By Kokpar B. Wohwoh
Liberian currently in Sharon Hill
Philadelphia, USA
Liberia has faced numerous challenges that have impacted its longevity, including widespread corruption, political instability, and ineffective governance. These challenges have been exacerbated by leaders and foreign entities exploiting the country’s natural resources and factors such as illiteracy and unemployment.
Traditional practices like “dash” (gift-giving) have been distorted to perpetuate corruption. The lack of accountability and prevalence of impunity have led to a complex web of corruption and ineffective leadership, which has hindered Liberia’s development and progress.
The problem of ineffective leadership in Liberia can be attributed to historical, political, and socio-economic factors. The legacy of colonialism and the period of exploitation in Liberia’s history prioritized the exploitation of vulnerable people over their well-being, leading to a culture of corruption within the leadership. The post-colonial leaders, such as William V.S. Tubman and Samuel K. Doe, encouraged an authoritarian and patronage-based culture, worsening the situation. Neocolonialism perpetuated by foreign powers has often prioritized their interests over Liberia’s development, contributing to corruption and undermining national sovereignty.
The persistent cycle of underdevelopment, corruption, and social inequality has hindered the country’s progress and prosperity, which is a matter of concern. Understandably, the actions of past and current leaders have contributed to an erosion of trust in the government, causing disillusionment and disengagement among citizens. The impact of ineffective leadership has been deeply felt and has unfortunately led to Liberia’s continued dependence on foreign aid instead of fostering a self-sufficient economy.
Throughout history and in case records, it is clear that the lack of accountability among our leaders has led to a lack of responsibility for their actions. This absence of accountability has allowed leaders to avoid facing consequences for their behavior, leading to a culture of irresponsibility and impunity within leadership. Political interference has compromised the independence of institutions, making it difficult for them to hold leaders accountable. Unfortunately, the judiciary and law enforcement have shown vulnerabilities that have allowed corruption to thrive to an alarming extent.
The judicial system in Liberia has been heavily criticized for its failure to provide adequate justice to its citizens and meet the expectations of its international partners. This has resulted in a widespread negative perception of Liberia’s legal system, ultimately damaging its global reputation. The judiciary’s inability to ensure access to justice, particularly for the poor and marginalized, is undeniable evidence. The judiciary should operate more transparently, making tracking cases easier and holding judges accountable. The Liberian judiciary has been scrutinized for political interference, raising serious questions about its independence and impartiality.
During the civil wars between 1989-1997 and 1999-2003, institutions were destroyed, corruption increased, and a culture of impunity developed. Successive administrations have used patronage to maintain power, creating a culture of dependency and corruption. The impact of these issues on the country and its people is distressing. Following the civil conflict, Liberia faces significant challenges. The country’s infrastructure is fragile, struggling to meet the basic needs of its population. Moreover, there is a significant lack of institutional capacity to provide essential services and uphold the rule of law effectively. These obstacles pose significant barriers to post-conflict development and rebuilding a stable and functioning society in Liberia.
The lack of a rule of law in Liberia has caused significant challenges to the reconciliation process. The implementation of TRC Recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) final report submitted in 2009 has not progressed as intended. This has resulted in a lack of accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses and war crimes, perpetuating a culture of impunity. Additionally, victims of the civil war continue to face barriers in accessing justice, compensation, and other necessary support. Ethnic and political divisions, contributing to the civil war, continue to hinder efforts toward reconciliation. Furthermore, the limited national dialogue about the war and its impact has made it difficult for Liberians to address their past collectively. Efforts to promote national healing and reconciliation and to reform institutions to prevent the recurrence of human rights abuses and promote good governance have encountered significant obstacles.
In conclusion, Liberia continues to struggle with ineffective leadership, corruption, and impunity, which have deep roots in its history and hinder its development and progress.
To move forward, Liberia must address these challenges head-on by promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance. This requires a collective effort from citizens, civil society, and leadership to break the cycle of corruption and build a more just and prosperous society for all.