A new survey from AFRObarometer has highlighted significant divisions among Liberians regarding the country’s economic conditions, political governance, and migration trends.
The survey, which interviewed 1,200 adult citizens across Liberia between July 30 and August 21, 2024, sheds light on the public’s concerns over corruption, climate change, and their dissatisfaction with elected officials.
The results of the survey, presented to donors on Thursday, March 13, 2025, by Elkanah Taylor of the Center for Democratic Governance, show that Liberians are deeply divided on the country’s direction while, 50% of respondents believe Liberia is heading in the right direction, an equal 50% disagree, fearing the country is on the wrong path.
The nation’s economic situation mirrors this divide, with 48% rating the economy as bad and 45% as good.
Despite these concerns, 61% of respondents remain optimistic, expecting economic improvement in the next year. Notably, government approval for handling economic management has improved, rising to 47% from 18% in 2022.
However, dissatisfaction with governance is evident. A staggering 88% of respondents believe that members of the Legislature rarely or never listen to the concerns of ordinary citizens. Additionally, 66% of citizens report that government officials who commit crimes often go unpunished.
Furthermore, 58% of respondents believe that judges prioritize political influence over legal principles.
The survey also reveals a significant desire among Liberians to emigrate. More than three-fourths (77%) of those surveyed have considered leaving the country, with 51% saying they have thought about it “a lot.”
The youth, urban dwellers, and unemployed individuals are particularly inclined toward migration, with 83% from each group expressing an interest in leaving.
The primary driver for this migration is economic, with 40% citing job opportunities as their main reason for wanting to leave.
North America is the top destination for potential emigrants, with 52% of respondents selecting the region.
The survey also sheds light on public awareness of climate change in Liberia. The majority (68%) of Liberians report being aware of climate change, and 71% believe it is worsening life in the country.
The public is calling for action, with 82% supporting government intervention to tackle climate change, even at a high economic cost. Moreover, 84% of respondents feel that developed nations have a responsibility to assist Liberia in addressing climate challenges.
Popular measures include investments in renewable energy (81%) and increased international pressure for climate aid (81%).
In terms of foreign relations, Liberians view the United States (86%), China (79%), and India (58%) as having a positive economic and political influence on the country.
Russia, however, is seen less favorably, with only 39% of respondents perceiving its influence as beneficial.
The survey also explored public opinion on the Russia-Ukraine war. While 69% of Liberians have heard of the conflict, the majority (66%) believe that Liberia should maintain a neutral stance on the issue.
AFRObarometer is a Pan-African, non-partisan research network. The 2024 survey, conducted using face-to-face interviews in respondents’ preferred languages, has a margin of error of ±3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
The findings offer valuable insights into the perceptions of the Liberian public on key national and international issues.
