The Executive Director of African Immigrant Services (AIS), Abdullah Kiatamba, has addressed the difficulties facing ordinary citizens, emphasizing the critical need for the government to align its actions with its intentions.
In an exclusive interview on Ok FM on October 28, Kiatamba articulated the frustrations felt by many as the country grapples with economic hardships, unresolved financial scandals, and the perception of wealth disparity.
In a candid reflection on the current socio-economic climate of Liberia, he pointed to the stark reality that while the government may have good intentions, the gap between intent and action remains wide. “We can have good intentions, but if my actions do not match my intentions, then we face a problem. “Things are tough, the people need to see tangible results, not just promises.”
Kiatamba, underscored the government’s efforts to improve living conditions which, according to him, are overshadowed by a lack of visible progress.
He highlighted the ongoing bread-and-butter issues, which remain critical for Liberians who are still waiting for relief that has yet to materialize.
He indicated that citizens are increasingly frustrated as they witness the flaunting of wealth amidst their struggles adding, “The manna has not fallen from heaven. The rescue has not trickled down, people are hungry, and in the midst of noise, they can only hear one thing- food.”
The discussions then turned to recent government’s actions, particularly President Boakai’s controversial decision to cancel diplomatic appointments linked to a security investigation. Kiatamba raised questions about the motivations behind these moves, suggesting that while a clean slate may be necessary, the approach taken could harm reputations unjustly.
“It’s not normal for the President to publicly dismiss envoys without proper vetting. There are good people caught up in the web of suspicion, and the government must handle these matters delicately to avoid undue harm to individuals who may not be involved in any wrongdoing,” he expressed.
Kiatamba also pointed out that while there have been some positive strides in governance, they are often overshadowed by the perception of corruption and inefficiency.
He argued that transparency and accountability must be prioritized to restore public trust in the government.
“The security team conducted an investigation and recommended action, but it’s crucial how these decisions are communicated and executed. People must understand that while some may need to go, others are doing great work and deserve to continue their service,” he warned.
On the topic of the Liberian Revenue Authority (LRA) and its leadership, Kiatamba expressed cautious optimism about the recent improvements in revenue collection.
However, he stressed the importance of addressing underlying issues that could jeopardize this progress.
“The LRA has raised significant revenue, which is commendable, but we must ensure that the management remains untarnished by scandal, clear communication and proactive measures are essential to maintaining public confidence”, he stressed.
Kiatamba’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among Liberians who are calling for decisive actions from the government.
“The time for action is now. The people are losing patience, and they need to see that their government is working for them not just in words, but in deeds. If we don’t move quickly, we risk further unrest and disappointment,” he emphasized.