The newly accredited opposition party, the Liberian Alternative People’s Party (LAPP), has moved quickly to exploit vulnerabilities in President Joseph Boakai’s recent radio address. Intended to reassure the public, the speech instead underscored the Unity Party government’s shortcomings after nearly two years in power—providing LAPP with fresh ammunition to rally disillusioned voters ahead of future elections.
Boakai neither confirmed nor denied a re-election run, saying only: “We are working towards 2029, six years after we were elected.” He attributed his stamina in his early 80s to divine intervention and late-night work habits. LAPP frames this ambiguity as weak leadership, arguing that Liberia needs bold, forward-looking commitments rather than evasive platitudes from an aging administration.
By contrasting Boakai’s indecision with its own generational agenda, LAPP, a political party formed by former President George Weah’ minister of state for presidential affairs George Wesseh Blamo, positions itself as the energetic alternative appealing to younger voters.
Boakai acknowledged youth unemployment as a major challenge, noting that 60% of Liberia’s 5.1 million citizens are under 35, with tens of thousands of graduates idle. He promised, “The Big Jobs Are Coming,” citing negotiations around projects like Putu Mountain, which could create 10,000 jobs. LAPP dismisses this as an admission of failure. After nearly two years, vague promises and appeals for patience ring hollow. The party criticizes the Unity Party’s ARREST agenda as “all talk, no action,” and instead champions immediate, homegrown solutions such as vocational hubs and SME incentives.
Boakai reiterated his mantra of “roads, roads, roads” but admitted he has avoided nationwide tours due to poor road conditions. He pledged to travel once improvements are made. LAPP calls this elitist neglect, pointing to contradictions within the Unity Party: while Boakai cites poor roads as a barrier, his supporters claim major progress. The opposition argues this inconsistency exposes disarray and hypocrisy, while it advocates decentralized development with transparent funding.
Boakai clarified that the Foya initiative is a Mano River Union-funded peacebuilding effort, not personal gain. Yet LAPP highlights contradictions, noting video evidence of Boakai inspecting the site in December 2024 despite claiming ignorance. The party raises constitutional and financial concerns, citing the absence of budgetary allocations or legislative approval for the US$6–10 million project. It demands an independent audit, framing the episode as evidence of opacity, executive overreach, and possible corruption.
Boakai’s promise to establish a national airline was pitched as a step toward domestic integration. LAPP dismisses it as unrealistic populism, contrasting the pledge with its own proposals for cost-effective public-private transport reforms.
Overall, the address has given LAPP a platform to amplify Unity Party missteps—indecision, economic stagnation, and contradictory messaging. With no incumbency baggage, the party is positioning itself as a credible alternative, attracting defectors and independents seeking accountability.
