Calls for reform and patriotisms.
Monrovia, Liberia – At the inaugural session of the NAYMOTE-Liberia Second Summit on Democracy and Political Accountability, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf voiced serious concerns about the status of the nation’s administration. Madam Sirleaf highlighted the nation’s ongoing problems in her keynote speech at the conference, when she harshly chastised the Legislature, the Supreme Court, and state security forces.
Key players convened during the summit, which was organized by NAYMOTE-Liberia in collaboration with UNDP, to talk about Liberia’s political future. Madam Sirleaf highlighted that Liberia is at a pivotal point seven years after UN peacekeeping forces (UNMIL) left the country. She pointed out that Liberia is now completely independent and cannot depend on an international peacekeeping mission to maintain stability and security.
The former president warned against public conflicts that erode public trust and further condemned the actions of national security officers. “We cannot allow our national security institutions’ personnel to be involved in public quarrels among themselves at this time, as this will only undermine public confidence in their sworn responsibility to uphold and enforce law and order,” she said.
The former president of Liberia made a strong case for broad judicial changes, asking the government to strengthen the judiciary’s independence and establish open appointment procedures to increase public officials’ accountability.
Madam Sirleaf emphasized the critical need for civic engagement during her speech at the March 5, 2025, “Summit for Democracy and Political Accountability: Exploring Pathways for Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Liberia.” She emphasized that democracy will only succeed when each and every citizen’s voice is respected and heard.
Speaking about the Legislature, Former President Sirleaf criticized members for putting their own interests and power battles ahead of the needs of the nation. “This is not the time to weaken legislative oversight either, so that we continue to act in a way that serves narrow self-interests and party interests over what is necessary for our country,” she said.
In order to have a significant influence, she stressed that lawmakers should strive to be statesmen and stateswomen, adhering by what they believe even if it means standing by themselves.
Despite having important roles, such as head of the judiciary, Madam Sirleaf criticized the lack of women in government. Only 12% of parliamentary seats are held by women, thus she urged a concentrated effort to increase their leadership in decision-making.
“We are dedicated to removing obstacles that restrict women’s and girls’ potential at the EJS Center for Women Empowerment and Development,” she said.
In response to Liberia’s economic difficulties, Former President Sirleaf cited a recent World Bank analysis that revealed the country’s GDP growth rate dropped to 0.4% in 2024. She also cited alarming data, such as the fact that 48% of Liberians lack literacy, just 28% of the population has consistent access to energy, and healthcare issues are still common.
Madam Sirleaf urged the government and people to respond, saying, “The reality of the circumstances our nation is facing today must compel us to govern ourselves more responsibly and accountablely. We shouldn’t be alarmed by these statistics. They ought to inspire us to take action, to be more conscious and motivated to resist corruption, waste, and abuse rather than to justify their continuation, and to make amends rather than repeat wrongs,” she continued.
The former president encouraged participants to make the summit a platform that inspires actual action rather than just another venue for meaningless speech. “May this assembly awaken our national conscience and motivate concrete actions toward a future characterized by equity, hope, and prosperity for everybody.”
She also urged the country to continue the tradition of those who envisioned a society founded on the rule of law, in which all citizens are enabled to contribute and public institutions are prime examples of accountability and openness.
Madam Sirleaf praised the Liberian people’s determination in their ongoing pursuit of justice and sustainable development while reflecting on the country’s tumultuous history, which was characterized by political instability, civil unrest, and systematic corruption.
She declared, “We must never forget the lessons of our past. Liberia has a lot of promise, but in order to realize it, we must all be accountable for the advancement of our country. Insecurity, marginalization, or hopelessness are not appropriate at this moment.”
According to Alphia Faith Kemokai, who gave a summary of the summit, military rule, unrestrained power consolidation, political instability, and the decline of democratic standards are some of the worldwide challenges to democracy.
With assistance from the Swedish Embassy, Kemokai stressed that the conference was organized by Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, led by Executive Director Eddie D. Jarwolo, to address these urgent challenges.
A wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, political parties, civil society organizations, development partners, young people, and marginalized communities, will gather for the two-day summit to critically assess Liberia’s democratic trajectory and talk about sustainable development strategies.
