By Linus B. Flomo
Liberia was recorded in the history books of the world on Monday, January 22, 2024, following the peaceful transition from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government to the Unity Party and Alliance, which was witnessed by several foreign dignitaries including US Ambassador to the United Nations and former Ambassador to Liberia, Linda Thomas Greenfield, former Nigerian President and longtime friend of Liberia, Olusegun Obasanjo, the Presidents of Ghana, Sierra Leone, as well as other
African and world leaders.
The is the second successive handover of power from one democratically elected government to the other.
In 2018, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf turned over power to President Weah after winning nearly 66 percent of the votes in 2017.
In his farewell address to the nation, the former President said it was an honor and a privilege to serve as President, Head of State, and Commander-in-Chief of the Republic for the past six years, and thanked the people of Liberia for their support to him and his CDC government.
“Together, in 2018, we embarked on a journey to build a united, peaceful, and prosperous Liberia, and I am deeply thankful for the trust and support you have bestowed upon me and my administration during my tenure as we navigated the complexities of governance. Your partnership was instrumental in the development and implementation of policies and programs that aimed to bring progress and development to this great nation,” President Weah said.
He continued, “My fellow Liberians, as I speak to you tonight, on the eve of another consequential political transition in the recent history of our beloved nation, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and humility.”
The former President however reflected on his accomplishments over his six years tenue and told his compatriots that he was to have been given the opportunity people saying, “I am proud of what we have achieved together. We have built roads, supported free WASSCE and free tuition at high schools and public universities, stabilized the macroeconomic challenges we faced in 2018, built hundreds of pro-pro housing units, and achieved more on so many fronts than we are able to list here today.”
The former President Weah however acknowledged that there was always room for improvement, and perhaps more could have been done under different circumstances. He regretted that some of the long-term projects that were initiated did not reach completion during his tenure, and mentioned that he’s optimistic that the incoming administration will carry the torch forward and bring these initiatives to fruition for the benefit of all Liberians.
Former President Weah urged Liberians to deviate from listening to rumors and misinformation, pointing out, “Because they played a large part in our politics over the past six years. I hope that Liberia as a country will overcome these challenges during the next six years.”
He averred, “To begin this, we must start with the facts of the transition. I must report to you that we are leaving behind a better economy than we inherited. President Joseph N. Boakai will inherit a stronger economy than I inherited”.
The former President also updated the State with the net international reserve position than was handed to him in 2018. “I inherited about US$94,999,000 in net international reserves, and I am handing over to the next administration a net international reserve position of US$222,700,000. This is a 136 percent increase in net international reserve position. The total cash balance in the Government’s consolidated accounts is US$40,440,365. In 2018, my government inherited a consolidated cash position of about US$7,000,000.”
He assured Liberians that the new administration has more resources to deal with emergency macroeconomic challenges than his administration had at its disposal in 2018.
The former President reminded Liberians that throughout his term, he held steadfast three cornerstones of leadership, keeping the peace, upholding the democratic process, and the rule of law.
“I am immensely proud that during my tenure, Liberia remained at peace with itself, and at peace with its neighbors. Our Armed Forces, a force for good, were never turned against our own people, and external action was confined to international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations. This peace, sustained by our own domestic resources, is a testament to the maturity and strength of our nation.
We protected the inalienable rights of every Liberian citizen as enshrined in our Constitution.”
President Weah bragged that under his regime, freedom of speech, assembly, and expression were not only preserved, but celebrated, stressing that during his entire term, there were no political prisoner or prisoners of conscience, testament to the development of strong democratic institutions that were not only hailed as competent and professional, but trusted and credible.
“Liberia is now regarded as a pillar of democracy in West Africa and a shining example to the world. This was only made possible through our various collaborative efforts. I want to thank all Liberians, regardless of political affiliation, for staying the course and helping to build a stronger and more vibrant nation,” he mentioned.
“As I step aside as President of Liberia, I will remain actively engaged with the politics of the country as Standard Bearer and Political Leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), in order to ensure the continuation of our strong and vibrant democracy. I therefore urge you, my fellow citizens, to continue to be law-abiding and seek peaceful means to resolve differences, embrace tolerance and dialogue. Let us love one another, and come together as one people, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” the former President added.
He urged Liberians to remember the strength of unity, the resilience of democracy, and the hope that lies in the future of Liberia, saying, “As Liberians welcome a new era, let us move forward hand in hand, with a shared commitment to building a united nation that will continue to thrive on observing the tenets of democracy and adhering to the rule of law.”
