The recent decision by President Joseph Boakai to replace Liberia’s long-standing Cultural Ambassador, Juli Endee, with Kekura M. Kamara, known as Malawala Balawala, has ignited a fierce debate, exposing what is believed to be a deep division within Liberia’s political and cultural landscape.
This decision, criticized by former Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Koijee and former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, has been labeled as a threat to national unity, raising concerns about the future of governance under Boakai’s leadership.
Juli Endee, a figure synonymous with Liberia’s cultural heritage, has served as the country’s Cultural Ambassador with distinction for over a decade. Her tireless work in promoting peace, reconciliation, and cultural preservation has earned her national and international acclaim.
However, her recent participation in the City of Hope dedication, an initiative spearheaded by former First Lady Clar Weah, appears to have cost her this esteemed position. For many, this move by the Boakai administration is not just an attack on Endee but an affront to the very principles of cultural unity and national reconciliation that she has embodied.
Koijee, a prominent figure in Liberian politics, did not mince words in his critique of the decision. “Mr. Boakai is hastily dragging our country into divisiveness and tribal bigotry in the full glare of all our foreign partners and stakeholders,” he stated.
His remarks underscore a growing concern that Boakai’s leadership is steering Liberia towards a path of exclusion and intolerance. The decision to remove Endee, particularly for her association with Clar Weah’s foundation, is seen as a politically motivated act that undermines the spirit of inclusivity that is crucial for Liberia’s progress.
Howard-Taylor’s response to the appointment of Kamara as the new Cultural Ambassador was equally scathing. She expressed deep disappointment, not just for Endee’s removal but for what this action represents. “It is with great sadness that I learn of Queen Juli Endee’s dismissal from her role as Culture Ambassador.
She served this nation with unparalleled dedication, using her platform to celebrate and preserve our rich cultural heritage,” Howard-Taylor said. Her words resonate with many who view Endee as a cultural icon, whose contributions have been vital in promoting Liberia’s cultural identity on the global stage.
The former Vice President further criticized the broader implications of this decision, suggesting that it reflects a worrying trend of intolerance within the Boakai administration. “This is not just about the removal of an individual,” she continued. “It is about the growing intolerance and divisive policies that are threatening the very fabric of our nation.” Howard-Taylor’s statement highlights the broader concern that the Boakai administration is prioritizing political allegiances over national interests, a move that could have far-reaching consequences for Liberia’s fragile democracy.
Both Koijee and Howard-Taylor have called on President Boakai to reconsider this decision, urging him to prioritize national unity over political expediency. “As the Father of the Nation, President Boakai has a responsibility to bring us together, not tear us apart,” Howard-Taylor emphasized. Her appeal is a poignant reminder of the role that leadership should play in fostering unity and reconciliation, especially in a country still healing from the wounds of civil conflict.
Koijee echoed these sentiments, pointing out that Endee’s work with the Crusaders for Peace organization has been instrumental in promoting peace and cultural understanding across Liberia. He questioned why someone who has dedicated her life to the service of her country is being punished for exercising her right to support a charitable cause.
“Madam Endee and her Crusaders for Peace organization will be celebrating over two decades of service in Lofa as a proven testament and commitment to peace, reconciliation, development, and upliftment of our arts and culture,” Koijee stated.
The controversy surrounding Endee’s removal is not just about one individual; it is a reflection of a deeper, more troubling trend within Liberian politics. The decision to replace her with Kamara, a figure who, while respected in his own right, does not have the same legacy of cultural preservation and peacebuilding, is seen by many as a step backward.
As Liberia continues to navigate its post-conflict recovery, the role of cultural ambassadors like Juli Endee cannot be overstated. Their work in bridging divides, promoting peace, and celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage is essential for fostering a sense of national identity and unity.
The decision to remove Endee, particularly under such contentious circumstances, risks undermining these efforts and sending a dangerous message about the direction of Liberia’s leadership.
The broader implications of this move are clear: political motivations should never supersede the need for national unity. As Liberia grapples with the challenges of political polarization and social unrest, the actions of its leaders must be guided by a commitment to inclusivity and reconciliation.
Koijee and Howard-Taylor’s criticisms serve as a stark reminder that the country’s leaders must prioritize the collective good over partisan interests if Liberia is to move forward as a united nation.
President Boakai now faces a critical decision: will he heed the calls for unity and reconsider his actions, or will he continue down a path that threatens to deepen the divisions within Liberian society? The answer to this question will have profound implications for the future of Liberia’s cultural and political landscape.
