As the second of his six-years in office winds down, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai appears to be poised to recruit officials and supporters of the opposition into his ruling Unity Party (UP), with a rallying call on them to join his “rescue mission”.
Speaking on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at a well-publicized UP homecoming and fundraising rally to build its own headquarters in Monrovia’s Congo Town suburb, the Liberian leader thanked those who have already crossed-over to the ruling party.
But he wants the floodgate to open.
“To our colleagues from across the aisle, I encourage you to hop on board and make the Unity Party your political home. We have a vibrant, forward-looking leadership that is prepared to welcome you, value your expertise, and work side-by-side with you to build the Liberia our people deserve,” President Boakai urged during the ruling Unity Party’s homecoming and fundraiser on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
FULL TEXT OF PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S SPEECH BELOW:
Special Message
Delivered By
His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
President of the Republic of Liberia & Standard Bearer of the Unity Party
At the
Homecoming, Fundraising and Headquarters Dedication Ceremony
UP Headquarters
Oldest Congo Town, Liberia
Saturday, December 6, 2025
The Chairman and members of the National Executive Committee of the Unity Party;
Members of the Unity Party Alliance, members of the Great Rescue Mission;
Honorable Speaker and Deputy Speaker;
Our Rescue Mother and Madam President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate;
Members of the Press;
Fellow Liberians:
Good Afternoon.
Today, we gather not merely to dedicate and move into a building, but to celebrate a defining chapter in our journey, one that speaks to resilience, unity, and the unwavering commitment of our loyal partisans.
Before we look ahead, we must honor the shoulders upon which we stand. Our presence here today is not by accident or convenience. We are here because of the vision, sacrifices, and courage of men and women who fought for multiparty democracy when such a stand was neither fashionable nor safe.
They laid the foundation, planted the seeds, and carried the struggle when the cost was high and the future uncertain.
Today, as a party, we pause to honor the founding fathers of our movement, men whose names must never be forgotten in the history of democratic pluralism in Liberia. We will forever appreciate and honor Dr. Edward Binyah Kesselly, Mr. William Gabriel Kpolleh, and Mr. Jackson Fiah Doe, among others, who stood firm when silence would have been easier. Though they have transitioned, their examples continue to illuminate our path.
On the night of November 20, 2023, our Broad Street headquarters overflowed with joy as partisans and supporters gathered to celebrate a historic national victory. But amid that celebration, tragedy struck.
A reckless and merciless driver rumbled through the crowd, cutting short the precious lives of three of our own, Sulaiman Vanja, Mariama Koroma, and Peter, and injuring several others who stood with us in struggle and hope.
We also remember, with profound sorrow, the two courageous partisans we lost during our unforgettable September 17, 2023, rally. They marched with pride, they stood with conviction, and they believed deeply in the promise of a better Liberia.
These five fallen heroes are not just names in our history; they are part of our story, our struggle, and our soul. Their sacrifices strengthened our resolve, their memories inspire our journey, and their spirits continue to walk with us every step of the way. We honor them today and always.
At this time, may I ask everyone to rise for a moment of silence in honor of these fallen heroes. (Moment of Silence) May their souls rest in perfect peace and light perpetual shine upon them. Thank you.
Fellow Partisans,
In November 2021 we reluctantly left this very compound. The doors we once entered with confidence were abruptly closed behind us. It was painful, unexpected, and embarrassing. Many believed our departure signaled a downturn that would mark the end of our story.
They counted us out. They were certain we would never return. But it must have become clear to them that they underestimated our resolve of this great Unity Party. They did not understand that no one can eliminate conviction. You cannot silence purpose. You cannot destroy a movement sustained by the will of its members enveloped in the grace of God.
In fact, our experience reflects a timeless biblical truth: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” That, Fellow Partisans, is the Unity Party.
The very place that once dismissed us is now our permanent home. The building we were forced to leave is now the most welcoming foundation of our future. What was once taken away has now been restored, not by chance, but by perseverance, unity, and determination.
This moment is not accidental. It is earned. It is product of sacrifice, steadfastness, and the belief that no impediment is final unless we accept it.
We have always been a fighting party. Even when the blows come early, we remain standing in the final rounds. We took the hits, we reorganized, and we returned, not with anger, but with a stronger commitment to our mission and a clearer sense of purpose. And today is proof that “UNITY,” as etched in our noble name, remains our greatest strength.
I want to acknowledge every partisan who stayed committed during our most challenging period. The door may have almost closed on us, but you kept the light burning in your hearts. You believed in the mission and invested your time, energy, and resources.
I must especially commend our Chairman, Hon. Luther Tarpeh, and the entire National Leadership for their dedication, commitment, and determination. Mr. Chairman, your leadership has been resolute. Your perseverance has been a guiding force. On behalf of every partisan gathered here today, we extend our deepest gratitude for ensuring that we return permanently to the place we now call home.
I will be remiss if I omitted to acknowledge the great and courageous work put into this Party by past chairpersons and officials who sustained us so gallantly into our current era.
Similarly, I want to honor the National Headquarters Steering Committee, brilliantly led by Senator Dabah Mabande Varpilah. This Team labored with unwavering commitment, through long nights and demanding days, to turn this dream into a living reality. Their devotion to the cause has carved their names permanently into the proud and enduring history of the Unity Party.
Fellow Partisans,
Since our historic election victory in 2023, followed by our inauguration in January 2024, the Liberian people have made it clear: they were ready to turn a new page. They rejected the chaos, incompetence, lethargy, and reckless mismanagement of the CDC Administration. They opted for a government that would stand for integrity, credibility, and national dignity.
Today, under our leadership, respect and reverence for Liberia is rapidly rising again. Our passports have earned greater weight. Liberians abroad now move with confidence, not embarrassment.
As a respected maritime nation, Liberia has just been re-elected to Category A of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 period, placing our country at the center of global maritime policymaking.
And next month, Liberia will be officially inaugurated as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, where global conflicts are debated and resolutions are crafted. As such, Liberia now sits with dignity among nations, contributing to decisions that affect global peace, stability, and development.
We are also driving economic renewal here at home. We are vigorously pursuing job creation, foreign investors are returning, and confidence in our governance is rising. Market prices are gradually stabilizing. Roads are opening across the country. Travel is easier. Liberians no longer have to cross through another country just to reach the Southeast. Dignity has been restored.
But fellow partisans, I enjoin you to beware that transformation is not an event, and a single battle victory does not amount to wining a war. We must sustain the fight with discipline, loyalty, unity, and sacrifice if we are to achieve lasting progress and transformation in the lives of our people.
Let us recommit ourselves to this Party, not only in words but in actions.
Let us strengthen this Institution by giving our time, our energy, and our honestly earned resources. That is how parties survive. That is how movements grow and impact lives. That is how national transformation becomes permanent.
Let us continue to rally behind our transformational ARREST Agenda, which remains the best vehicle for delivering accountability, reform, economic stability, service delivery, and transparent governance for the Liberian people.
I want to extend heartfelt appreciation to all opposition and independent lawmakers who are present here today. Your presence reflects a genuine commitment to national unity, harmony and a shared desire for a stronger, more prosperous Liberia. I also want to express deep gratitude to our Rescue Lawmakers for their dedication, discipline, and unwavering service in safeguarding our democracy and advancing the people’s agenda.
To our colleagues from across the aisle, I encourage you to hop on board and make the Unity Party your political home. We have a vibrant, forward-looking leadership that is prepared to welcome you, value your expertise, and work side-by-side with you to build the Liberia our people deserve.
To all our partisans and members of the Rescue Mission, including the 23 UP Alliance member parties, we thank you for your steadfast support from the beginning to this day. Let me thank you personally for believing in our cause and for your contribution to nation-building, and the integrity you bring with you. Rest assured, we will not let you down.
Long live the Unity Party!
Thank you.
May God continue to bless our Party and the Republic of Liberia.