By:Sir-George S. Tengbeh
Intro
Liberia, once hailed as Africa’s oldest republic, has faced persistent challenges in governance and economic stability over the last decade.
The country’s ongoing struggle with corruption, ineffective leadership, and economic mismanagement has left many citizens disillusioned with the state of the nation. Public confidence in the government has significantly waned as promises of reforms and economic improvements have consistently failed to materialize.
The discontent reached its peak during the most recent elections, where voters placed their hope in a new administration that vowed to reverse salary harmonization policies and increase public sector wage promises that have since proven to be elusive.
I used political and economic analysis and quotes from other Political analysts across Africa, and the world to descend on Liberia’s struggles, and to provide critical insights into Liberia’s current state, arguing that the key to overcoming these challenges lies in ethical governance and economic accountability. I have divided the discussion into four phases or others might say four different sections.
Interestingly, this article will examine Liberia’s leadership crisis through the lens of political theory, case studies from other African nations, and commentary from respected analysts, exploring how the country can chart a path toward sustainable development.
Phase 1
Governance and the Crisis of Leadership
Liberia’s leadership crisis can be traced back to systemic governance failures that have persisted for decades. Analysts such as Larry Diamond, a political sociologist, emphasize that governance failures in many African countries, including Liberia, are rooted in weak institutions that lack accountability and transparency.
In his work, “The Spirit of Democracy,” Diamond argues that “without strong institutions, democratic governance remains superficial, and political power becomes a tool for personal enrichment rather than public service.”
This sentiment rings true in Liberia, where political leadership has often prioritized self-interest over national development.
The leadership of the previous administration, led by President George Weah, implemented a wage harmonization policy designed to address salary disparities within the public sector. However, despite the good intentions behind this policy, its implementation was met with widespread criticism.
According to some Liberian political observers, the policy disproportionately affected lower-income civil servants, who saw their wages decrease, while those in higher positions maintained or increased their salaries. As a result, the very issue of inequality that harmonization sought to address was exacerbated, leading to public outcry.
In contrast, the opposition party, during their campaign for the presidency, promised to undo the wage harmonization policy and increase salaries for public servants.
The voters’ desire for better economic outcomes and fairer wages played a significant role in their electoral victory. However, as Sir-George S. Tengbeh has often noted in his analysis, “A leadership that wins power on promises must recognize that the road to governance is paved with the need for transparent and immediate action.”
The new administration’s failure to deliver on its promises has only deepened public frustration, as the economic realities of the country coupled with the constraints imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have made salary increases impossible.
Phase 2
Economic Accountability and Fiscal Management. Are the recommendations from the IMF/World Bank considered by past and present governments?
The heart of Liberia’s current predicament lies in the country’s economic management or lack thereof. Political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki, in his book “Architects of Poverty,” posits that many African countries are plagued by shortsighted economic policies, focusing on immediate political gain rather than long-term development.
Liberia, like many others, has fallen into this trap, with successive governments failing to address fundamental issues such as public sector inefficiencies, over-reliance on foreign aid, and poor fiscal management. The IMF has played a significant role in shaping Liberia’s economic policies over the years, particularly in advising the government on wage bill management.
In its latest report, the IMF recommended that Liberia maintain wage stability and further reduce its public sector wage bill to create fiscal space for critical investments in health, education, and infrastructure. This advice has proven contentious, with critics arguing that adherence to these recommendations would exacerbate public dissatisfaction.
Former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, a key architect of the wage harmonization policy, defended the IMF’s position, arguing that “fiscal discipline is essential if Liberia is to move from dependency to sustainability.”
Tweah’s defense of the policy highlights a broader debate within Liberia about the role of foreign institutions in shaping national economic policies. While some argue that IMF-imposed austerity measures disproportionately affect the poor, others believe that these measures are necessary for long-term fiscal health.
As Tengbeh observed in a recent commentary, “The question is not whether we should engage with the IMF, but how we balance their recommendations with the immediate needs of our people.”
Phase 3
Case Studies: Lessons from Other African Nations
To understand how Liberia can overcome its current challenges, it is essential to look at the experiences of other African nations that have successfully navigated similar crises.
One such example is Rwanda, a country that, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, has implemented strict governance reforms and prioritized economic development. Political analyst Michela Wrong, in her book “Do Not Disturb,” notes that “Rwanda’s success story is rooted in a leadership that is not afraid to make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular in the short term.”
Kagame’s administration has invested heavily in infrastructure, technology, and education, transforming Rwanda into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Similarly, Botswana provides a case study in effective governance and resource management.
Despite being a small, landlocked country, Botswana has managed to avoid the “resource curse” that has plagued many African nations.
Its government has prioritized transparency in the management of its diamond resources, ensuring that the wealth generated benefits the entire population. Botswana consistently ranks as one of the least corrupt countries in Africa, thanks in part to strong institutions and a commitment to ethical leadership.
For Liberia, the lessons from Rwanda and Botswana are clear: sustainable development requires a long-term vision, political will, and strong institutions. While Liberia faces significant economic challenges, these challenges can be overcome with the right leadership.
As Sir-GS Tengbeh writes, “We must look to examples like Rwanda and Botswana not only as models of success but as proof that African nations can rise above corruption and inefficiency.”
Phase 4
The Path Forward: Ethical Governance and Public Trust
At the heart of Liberia’s leadership crisis is a growing disconnect between the government and the people. Public trust in political leadership has been eroded by years of unfulfilled promises, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
Rebuilding this trust will require a fundamental shift in how Liberia is governed. One of the key steps toward rebuilding public trust is fostering a culture of ethical leadership.
Political analyst Chinua Achebe, in his book “The Trouble with Nigeria,” famously wrote, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” The same can be said of Liberia. Ethical leadership involves not only transparency and accountability but also a commitment to the welfare of the people.
This requires leaders who are willing to make difficult decisions for the long-term good of the nation, rather than focusing on short-term political gain. In addition to ethical leadership, Liberia must also prioritize economic reform.
While the IMF’s recommendations for fiscal discipline are important, these measures must be balanced with policies that address the immediate needs of the population.
This could involve targeted investments in critical sectors such as agriculture, education, and health, which would not only stimulate economic growth but also create jobs and reduce poverty. As Sir-GS Tengbeh has noted, “Liberia’s future depends on its ability to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and social equity.”
This means ensuring that public sector wages are fair and that salary disparities are addressed in a way that promotes equality and reduces public discontent.
It also means tackling corruption head-on, ensuring that government resources are used for the benefit of the people rather than for personal enrichment.
To conclude this piece, let me reaffirm the message that Liberia is at a critical juncture. The country’s leadership crisis and economic challenges are symptomatic of deeper issues related to governance and accountability. However, as the experiences of other African nations have shown, these challenges are not insurmountable.
By embracing ethical leadership and prioritizing long-term economic reform, Liberia can begin to rebuild public trust and chart a path toward sustainable development. As Sir-George S. Tengbeh writes, “Our leaders must remember that governance is not about power for its own sake, but about serving the people.”
This is the key to Liberia’s future a future where the government is accountable, the economy is strong, and the people can once again believe in the promise of their nation.
About the author:
Sir-George S Tengbeh is a Researcher and expert on public sector management, Labour Economics & Policy, Governance, and Water Resource Management. He is the founder of the Liberia Labour and Governance Alliance (LILGA), a non-political CSO mainstreaming bad labor practices and advocating for good governance.
