By Bill W. Cooper
The newest political leader in the pending October polls, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has expressed strong commitment to fostering unity and reconciliation among Liberia’s diverse population if elected president of Liberia.
Mrs. Nyanti whose political party is titled, African Liberation League (ALL), recently resigned her position as the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for East African nations to contest Liberia’s upcoming October 10, 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections.
The former UN diplomat was appointed some 18 months ago, her ascendancy to one of the UN’s highest-ranking positions coming when the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres appointed her as Deputy Special Representative to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Aspirant Nyanti, in response to a question about whether or not she will implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendation, she said, “My Administration will preach reconciliation and ensure that we heal as a nation.”
“I am not against justice because people should be held accountable for their actions but in my view, I think what we need at this time is reconciliation because it is also has to do with justice, and that is something my administration will prioritize,” the ALL political leader stated.
Recognizing the scars left by the country’s dark past, Mrs. Nyanti said she also believes in the power of forgiveness, dialogue, and national healing, and noted that Liberians will decide on the issue of whether the TRC should be implemented or not.
She also states that said discussion would be held at the community level through town hall meetings, thus providing a platform for victims and perpetrators of past conflicts to share their experiences and seek reconciliation.
She further explained that by addressing the wounds of the past through reconciliation, she hopes to build a harmonious society that can collectively move the country and its people forward.
In a bid to address the multifaceted challenges facing Liberia, the emerging presidential aspirant also boldly declared that she possesses the solution to the nation’s problems.
With a vision to transform the country into a thriving and prosperous nation, Nyanti promises a fresh start for Liberia, thus offering hope to its citizens who have long yearned for positive change.
Furthermore, against a backdrop of widespread corruption, economic instability, and social inequality, the ALL leader also presented a comprehensive roadmap to tackle Liberia’s most pressing issues.
Addressing a news conference at her party’s headquarters in Congo Town, Mrs. Nyanti outlined her strategies and vision, leaving no doubt about her determination to bring about meaningful change.
Central to her platform is the fight against corruption, which has plagued Liberia for years, hindering development and eroding public trust.
She also vowed to adequately support anti-corruption commission, equipped with the necessary resources and authority to investigate and prosecute corrupt individuals, regardless of their positions or affiliations.
By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and good governance, she aims to rebuild the trust between the government and its citizens as well as the need for a diverse and inclusive economy.
She plans to attract foreign investment, promote entrepreneurship, and create an enabling environment for existing businesses to thrive, noting, “So, by investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and education, I aim to stimulate job creation, reduce poverty, and ensure sustainable economic growth.”
Mrs. Nyanti also envisions a Liberia where quality education is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. To achieve this, she plans to increase the budget allocation to the education sector, enhance teacher training programs, and improve the quality of educational infrastructure.
In conclusion, Nyanti intends to revamp the healthcare system, addressing the shortage of medical personnel, improving healthcare facilities, and implementing comprehensive health insurance schemes to ensure affordable and accessible healthcare for all Liberians.