THIS COUNTRY HAS BECOME too toxic, especially in our recent history, where winners of elections appear to be the sole owners of Liberia as they scrabble for political appointments. As we reflect on the recent elections and their ramifications, it is incumbent upon every Liberian to recognise the profound significance of reconciliation, unity, and love in shaping the future of our beloved nation. The echoes of division that persist in our communities and institutions demand an unwavering commitment to healing the wounds of the past and forging a collective path, for no country can be developed and no nation can be built with high levels of hate and political toxicity.
THE FRIENDLY YET charged electoral process brought to the fore fundamental differences and sentiments that have left the fabric of our society frayed. However, the time has come for us to rally around a resounding call for reconciliation and solidarity. As expected, former President George Weah and current President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, among others, have admirably stepped forward to emphasize the imperative nature of unity and healing as vital conduits for progress.
REGARDLESS OF HOW highly they have echoed the need and significance of reconciliation, the division can still be visibly glimpsed, as even former president Weah and his supporters still suffer lashes from supporters of the ruling party on a daily basis, despite losing the election. This has made many consider them “angry winners.” On the other hand, supporters of the ruling establishment have also been bullied, while President Joseph Boakai has been characterized by unpleasant terms.
UNDOUBTEDLY, all of these signify the extreme extent to which the division has gotten. The awkward reflection of this division has also extended to the ongoing appointments by the President. Though not directly from him but from supporters of his party (UP). At this juncture, we believe Liberians must acknowledge that reconciliation is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible necessity. It demands that we confront the lingering fissures with empathy and understanding, recognizing that we are all essential threads in the intricate tapestry of Liberia.
UNITY, TOO, STANDS as an apt pillar upon which the edifice of our nation rests. Together, we possess the unyielding strength to overcome the challenges that threaten to pull us asunder. By embracing our diversity and rallying under the banner of a shared destiny, we have the potential to chart a course that transcends our differences and harnesses the power of collective purpose.
UNDOUBTEDLY, IT IS within the crucible of unity that we discover the solutions that empower us to build a Liberia that stands as a beacon of hope for the world. Like Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah said in one of his recent press conferences, “We need to reconcile this country. If we cannot reconcile this country, it is going nowhere. We must not witch-hunt.”
AS THE CONTROVERSIAL lawmaker acknowledges that Liberia can’t be developed if Liberians are divided, we must understand that love, a force that knows no boundaries, serves as the cornerstone on which reconciliation and unity are built. Therefore, reconciliation is intrinsic and mandatory. The road to reconciliation, unity, and love may be arduous, but it is a path we must courageously tread. It demands that we shelf old animosities in oblivion, especially those created during the elections, and foster empathy for our fellow citizens, irrespective of past grievances or differences in opinion.
JUST AS THE former president and the country at large have been globally venerated for the smooth transfer of power, Liberians must unite and sow the seeds of harmony and understanding, nurturing a future where reconciliation, unity, and love reign supreme. We need not be reminded that Lberia’s progress and prosperity hinge on Liberians’ collective capacity to transcend division and stand as one in the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.
IN THE WORDS of Nelson Mandela, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
LIBERIANS, REGARDLESS of political, religious, or traditional affiliation, must stand as architects of a unified Liberia. Together, Liberians can sow the seeds of unity, reconciliation, and love, ushering in an era of harmony, progress, and unparalleled promise for every Liberian.