Liberia’s leading democratic advancement institution, the Naymote Partners for Democratic Development says it recognizes the efforts of the Government in the celebration of the bicentennial.
Naymote said it is worth noting the arrival of the first group of freed African Americans to Liberia which marks the beginning of the establishment of a modern state in Liberia.
However, Naymote pointed out that these events are being held within an environment of high inequality, unemployment, political corruption, and mass poverty among the people of Liberia.
“It is therefore concerning that after two hundred years of nation-building and state-building, Liberia is yet to establish a functional state that promotes and protects human rights, provides effective human and physical security for its people,” he maintained.
Naymote joined President George Weah in calling for national unity and reconciliation adding, “As we commemorate this bicentennial anniversary, we implore President Weah to lead by examples, by walking the talk and ensure that state institutions are empowered enough to fight those vices such as corruption, discrimination, inequality, and human rights abuses that undermine national unity and prosperity.”
Naymote also implored the government to accelerate the implementation of the Local Government Act of 2018 and enact the Revenue Sharing Bill; as both pieces of legislation are crucial to advancing socio-economic development and ending the politics of centralization that have kept the rural communities marginalized and underdeveloped over the last two centuries.
“National unity will depend on recognizing the contributions of all Liberians to the establishment, growth, and development of Liberia over the last two centuries,” the group stated.
It proposed that programs are designed to promote a common national identity and unite Liberians of all social backgrounds thereby calling on the government to fast-track legislations and constitutional reforms that grant Liberian citizenship to individuals of Liberian descent who have previously acquired citizenship of other countries and as well adopt a policy that grants airport visa to descendants of free black Americans.
“Restoring the citizenship of individuals of Liberian descent and giving special incentives to African Americans to travel to Liberia will renew Liberia’s commitment to its founding objectives as a home of liberty and equality for all descendants of free black Americans as well as provide opportunities for economic growth and development,” he concluded.