BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
Nimba – Liberians across the country trooped to local celebrations to commemorate the country’s 178th Independence Day — recognizing the country’s steady progress in unity, peace, and development after decades of civil war. As Africa’s oldest Republic, the nation still grapples with economic turmoil, employment rate, and food security in demand amidst the government’s intensive efforts to restore citizens’ hope and stability in the economy.
About 90% of the country’s population living below the poverty line, limited jobs and heavy reliance on foreign aid has left the country vulnerable to economic shocks.
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, dignitaries of government and crowds of ordinary Liberians celebrated 178th independence since 1847 — marked by number of events nationwide and as well as indigenous cultural demonstrations and football matches.
As part of the celebration, Liberian musicians — including Christoph the Change, and thousands of people gathered in the nation’s capital sports stadium, Samuel K. For (SKD) for a musical festival — to enjoy live music and dance performances. Elsewhere outside Liberia, thousands of Liberians in the diaspora, including in Minnesota, America also flocked to the streets in celebration. The programming there included street parade, dance performances, and remarks — wearing red, white, and blue as the country’s flag colors.
The celebrations across the country ran from morning to midnight hours boosting revenue — as food sellers and entertainment centers generated approximately millions of dollars. As Liberians commemorated the country’s independence anniversary, several citizens in Nimba County most especially citizens and residents of Sanniquellie expressed mixed feelings — some hopeful, others disillusioned after years of conflict and government unmet promises.
“I’m very happy for this Independence Day. We cannot take it for granted; our peace and stability,” said Z. Sweamehn Zinnon, a Mayor of Sanniquellie City.
He urged citizens to focus on nation-building and celebrate unity and peace despite challenges by the day. Josephus Gono, another Sanniquellie resident, said “I feel like no reason we celebrate independence because no total freedom, I mean economic independence is lacking.” He added “We hear a lot of promises election period … but we don’t see the practicality,” citing poor infrastructure and youth unemployment.
Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said: “There’s no reason for me to celebrate … but there’s hope only if our government changes; 178th political independence but economically depends on aid.” He stressed that aid cannot make a poor country like Liberia rich. “For decades, governments have promised to raise economic growth. For decades, they have failed.”
Liberia, one of the world’s poorest countries, runs on aid; a poor economy, and high inflation. However, at a historic Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia on Saturday during an official independence celebration, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. delivered a speech — admitting that a number of the country’s population faced extreme poverty.
President Boakai vowed to bring down “the price of everything” in the country, mandating Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung to head a team of investigators to probe the matter. “While our country and economy are making steady progress, our domestic revenue remains limited, and families continue to feel the weight of high prices. Transport costs are too high, and the prices of flour, sugar, and other essential goods remain a burden. Building materials are still expensive, making it hard for ordinary Liberians to construct houses and businesses,” he said.
The President continud: “This contradiction—where input costs have fallen yet market prices remain high—requires urgent attention. Therefore, I am establishing a high-level presidential committee to investigate these disparities and recommend practical solutions for action. The commission will be chaired by someone I trust dearly: a dedicated public servant and an experienced businessman, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung. The committee will work swiftly and submit a comprehensive report within 45 days with clear recommendations to restore fairness and stability in our market system.”
