Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has been encouraged by Ambassador-at-Large Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh to speak with former President George Weah directly in order to support Liberia’s efforts in reconciliation. Speaking on OK FM, a local radio station, on Tuesday, Kuyateh praised the Boakai administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance lives and infrastructure, especially road construction. However, he underlined that national reconciliation cannot be achieved by government actions alone.
He emphasized that true reconciliation requires direct communication amongst the country’s top political leaders. Kuyateh cautioned that both the current president and the former president should meet because Liberia will not be able to advance effectively if its leaders remain divided and operate independently.
Kuyateh added that long-standing obstacles in political leadership circles continue to hinder efforts at reconciliation. He claims that difficulties in establishing confidence at the highest level are caused by close associates around both Boakai and Weah.
He insisted that without in-person communication between the two presidents, the nation’s political and social differences will widen and reconciliation will remain unfinished. Kuyateh acknowledged President Boakai’s recent efforts at reconciliation, including as the reburial of previous leaders Samuel K. Doe and William R. Tolbert Jr., but stated that symbolic actions by themselves are not enough to completely mend the country.
Citing his seniority and leadership responsibilities, he advised President Boakai to move beyond ceremonial acts and take the initiative in starting direct communication, such as a visit or personal approach to former President Weah. Kuyateh stressed that he ought to take the initiative, advocating for fresh attempts at reconciliation based on high-level participation and persistent political will.
