No problem has been solved from January 2006 to August 2025 even though Liberia has spent over US$10.4 billion
Tonight, we want Liberians home and abroad to sit and reflect. This is NOT politics. Take some time off and go through everything, including the attachments. After doing that, tell us which/what problem(s) have Liberian politicians sustainably resolved or entirely solved since we chose peace over war?
The Liberian people are still extremely poor and suffering after almost two decades even though over US$10.4 billion has been spent through direct budgetary expenditures, excluding off-budget expenditure. Where did this money go? Largely in the greedy and corrupt pockets and purses of “big shots” and “top brass”.
After 19 years, 7 months, and 15 days, no one can point to a single problem that has been entirely addressed or solved under 3 successive democratically-elected presidents and governments in post-conflict Liberia (Ellen, Weah, and Boakai).
1) Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation? No.
2) Education? No.
3) Health? No
4) Security? No
5) Job Creation? No.
6) Energy (Electricity)? No
7) Public Transport? No
8)Roads, Airports, Railways, and Seaports? No.
9) Housing? No.
10) Food Security and Agriculture? No
11) Gender Equality and Equity? No
12) Technology, IT, and Innovation (STEM)? No.
13) Internet Access and Telecoms? No.
14) Human Capital? No.
15) Rural Development? No.
16) Justice and Rule of Law? No.
17) Social Welfare, Women and Children Protection? No
18) The Economy (PS/SMEs/MNCs)? No.
19) Climate Change, Conservation, and Environmental Protection? No.
20) Human Rights, Arts, Culture, Sports, and Entertainment? No.
Forget about party. This is not about UP, CDC, LP, ANC, LPP, NPP, ALCOP, ALP, etc. We want everyone to reflect as a Liberian. The last gun sound we heard was on August 18, 2003. The return of a democratic rule showed its face on January 16, 2006 after a transitional government which lasted from October 14, 2003 to January 16, 2006 under Charles Gyude Bryant (2 years, 3 months, and 2 days under NTGL).
Summary of Expenditure (Note: Off-Budget Spending is excluded):
1) Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Term 1 (FY2006-2011) – US$1,843,598,462
2) Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Term 2 (FY2012-2017) – US$3,449,738,031
3) George Manneh Weah (FY2018-2023) – US$3,580,512,543
4) Jospeh Nyuma Boakai (FY2024-2025*) – US$1,616,032,955
5) Grand Total (FY2006-2025) – US$10,489,881,991
We have attached a simple table for everyone to understand. Please go through it. The truth is what we seek. The fact is what inspires us. The people’s interest is what we fight for.
Can Boakai’s remaining years make any difference in terms of addressing some of the problems or even entirely addressing one of the problems supra?
Has God cursed Liberia? No. The suffering in Liberia is artificial. It is man-made. Greed, Corruption, and Impunity on an industrial scale. It is time for ALL Liberians to reflect and rethink because all of us are aging. We are getting older. What will the next generation say about us? Are we not 178 years old? Why haven’t we addressed even one of these problems?
We will stop here for now. Good night.
About The Author: Martin K. N. Kollie is an exiled Liberian activist and a former student leader in Liberia.
