Amid growing political dissatisfaction and leadership struggles in Liberia, journalist Emmanuel Kangar has condemned the mistreatment of activists like Martin K.N. Kollie, who have long fought against corruption and called for greater accountability within the government. Kangar’s critique highlights the political hypocrisy that has come to define the country’s treatment of those who challenge the status quo.
In his latest remarks, Kangar points to Kollie, a once-celebrated activist who rose to prominence for his outspoken opposition to corruption, as an example of how political loyalty often trumps the pursuit of truth and justice in Liberia. Kollie, who both the public and political leaders hailed during his early efforts against the George Weah administration, has seen his support wane as his criticism of the current regime has grown more pointed. Once a hero in the eyes of many, Kollie has become a target of ridicule, particularly from the politicians who once praised his efforts.
According to Kangar, the shifting treatment of Kollie is indicative of a broader issue in Liberia’s political culture, where loyalty to individuals in power often supersedes the need for accountability and transparency. He argues that politicians and their supporters have repeatedly abandoned activists like Kollie when their criticisms became inconvenient. “When Kollie was fighting for the people, he was celebrated,” Kangar says. “But when he started holding the powerful to account, he became a nuisance.”
Kangar claims that this cycle of shifting support from admiration to hostility undermines Liberia’s ability to address corruption and injustices within its government. Despite remaining a vocal critic of both the Weah and Boakai administrations, Kollie continues to face backlash from those who once hailed him as a champion of the people. High-ranking officials within Boakai’s camp, who initially praised his efforts, have now resorted to derogatory comments and labels, calling him “all-knowing Martin.”
Kangar strongly condemns this trend, arguing that it reflects the government’s attempt to silence dissenting voices by marginalizing and discrediting activists. “The truth is uncomfortable for those in power, but it must be heard,” Kangar asserts, emphasizing the critical role that public scrutiny plays in a functioning democracy.
As a journalist in Margibi, Kangar also draws attention to the growing trend in Liberia where political loyalty overshadows the need for justice. He urges fellow Liberians and other activists to stand in solidarity with Kollie, to demand better leadership, and to not let political affiliations shield the guilty from accountability. “Our leaders must be held accountable, regardless of who sits in power,” Kangar writes.
Kangar calls on Liberian citizens to rally behind activists like Kollie, whose relentless push for truth and justice is vital for the country’s future. “Kollie’s bravery and commitment to truth-telling are more than just admirable; they are necessary,” he states. It is our responsibility as Liberians to protect these voices of dissent, for they are the true defenders of our democracy,” he concludes.
