Monrovia, Liberia – The Faith and Justice Network (FJN), a coalition of Christian and Muslim leaders from across the Mano River Basin, has hailed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent Executive Order mandating local rubber processing in Liberia as a major stride toward economic justice.
In a statement released over the weekend, the organization’s Board of Directors described Executive Order No. 151 as “courageous and visionary,” saying it marks a significant turning point in Liberia’s pursuit of industrial development, job creation, and economic self-reliance.
“For decades, Liberia’s vast natural resources ~ especially rubber ~ have been exported in raw form, depriving the nation of industrial growth and meaningful employment,” the statement read. “Executive Order 151 is a bold corrective measure that places economic justice at the heart of national policy.”
The FJN emphasized that Liberia’s continued export of unprocessed resources such as rubber, gold, iron ore, and timber has disproportionately benefited foreign interests while leaving large segments of the Liberian population ~ particularly youth and women ~ economically marginalized.
“As faith leaders, we see this not just as a development issue but as a profound moral and ethical concern,” said Rev. Tolbert Thomas Jallah, Jr., Regional Executive Director and CEO of FJN. “This Executive Order is a powerful affirmation that Liberia’s resources must first and foremost benefit Liberians.”
The organization commended President Boakai for placing national interest above foreign exploitation, and for promoting local manufacturing and agro-industrial growth. FJN believes the policy shift could open the door to increased employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across the country.
The group also urged key government agencies ~ including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Liberia Rubber Development Authority, and the Environmental Protection Agency ~ to act quickly and transparently to implement the order. Civil society and the private sector, it said, must also play active roles.
“This opportunity must not be derailed by narrow interests or bureaucratic inertia,” the statement warned. “Liberia must no longer be a nation rich in resources but poor in results.”
Quoting scripture, the organization underscored the moral imperative of the policy: “The laborer deserves to enjoy the fruit of their labor” (1 Timothy 5:18). FJN pledged continued advocacy for development policies that place Liberians at the center of national progress.
The statement, signed by Rev. Jallah, concluded with a pointed reminder:
“Let our land bless our people first.”
