By Archie Boan
On the occasion marking the 61st anniversary of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), President Julius Kanubah delivered a blunt and uncompromising critique of President Joseph Boakai’s administration, accusing it of presiding over a troubling decline in press freedom, freedom of speech, and democratic accountability.
Speaking at the Union’s anniversary program, Kanubah cited nearly two years of increasing attacks, threats, and harassment against journalists and media outlets, warning that such trends, if unchecked-could seriously undermine Liberia’s fragile democracy.
“The government cannot keep issuing hollow commitments to press freedom while doing nothing when journalists are assaulted,” he said.
Among the most serious incidents highlighted was the recent clash between journalist Franklin Doloquee and Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah.
An independent inquiry revealed misconduct on both sides, along with broader lapses in professionalism among some media houses — a situation Kanubah described as a wake-up call for both government officials and the press.
While assuring members that the Union is now institutionally stable, Kanubah did not shy away from acknowledging the internal disputes that disrupted the 2022 Congress, particularly around the integrity of the membership registry.
He asserted that the crisis is now behind them and emphasized that the Union’s independence remains non-negotiable.
Kanubah also responded sharply to criticism that the PUL remained silent in the face of Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe’s renewed concerns over “mercenary journalism.”
He dismissed the accusation as inaccurate but accepted that better communication is needed. He reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to accountability and announced the impending relaunch of the National Media Council.
On media sustainability, the PUL president painted a stark picture, accusing both the public and private sectors of neglecting the need to support independent journalism.
With many journalists working under poor conditions, Kanubah warned that without adequate funding and institutional support, press freedom and democracy are at risk.
He further issued a pointed reminder to media professionals: register with the Union or risk losing recognition. With accreditation now solely under the purview of the PUL, Kanubah made it clear the Union is tightening its internal standards and expects members to do the same.
Concluding his remarks, Kanubah revisited a long-standing but unrealized goal, the construction of a national headquarters for the PUL.
The land was secured in 1997, but the building remains a dream deferred. Calling it a “generational responsibility,” he urged members and partners to rally behind the initiative, warning that the credibility of the press depend not just on defending freedoms, but also on upholding professionalism and self-reliance.
