By Archie Ayouba Boan
Reporter, Verity News
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, and Pro-Temp Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence were noticeably absent from Liberia’s National Flag Day celebrations held on Monday, August 25, 2025, raising public concern and speculation.
The official programs took place at the BTC Barracks and the Centennial Pavilion in Monrovia, where partners, dignitaries, and high school students gathered in large numbers for the traditional parade honoring the national flag.
Typically and traditionally, the President should receive salutes from marching security personnel and students which offer a symbolic response.
However, Boakai did not attend the ceremony as scheduled.
Justice Minister Oswald Tweh represented the President in his place and stood in to receive the salutes.
No explanation was given by the Executive Mansion regarding the President’s unexpected absence along with Vice President Koung. The Legislature also didn’t give any details about the absence of Koon and Karnga-Lawrence.
Flag Day, observed annually on August 24, marks the adoption of Liberia’s flag in 1847 after the country’s independence. The flag day was approved in October 1915 to be celebrated as a National Holiday on August 24 of each year.
The celebration is usually filled with patriotic speeches, performances of army personnel, student parades, and symbolic displays of national pride.
Despite the festivities continuing as planned, the President’s no-show drew quiet murmurs and disappointment among attendees.
Many citizens questioned the significance of the President skipping an event that promotes unity, sovereignty, and national identity.
This marks the first time in recent memory that a sitting Liberian president has missed the Flag Day celebration at BTC Barracks.
Boakai’s absence from such a key national observance has stirred debate both online and within political circles.
As of press time, the Executive Mansion had yet to issue an official statement explaining the President’s decision to boycott the event.
This is a developing story.
