By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
U.S.-based Liberian commentator Moses Sartre has criticized what he described as the growing normalization of corruption in Liberia, following public reactions to a recent “Not Guilty” verdict in a case involving the alleged disappearance of US$6.2 million in public funds.
In a strongly worded statement, Sartre expressed concern that many ordinary citizens, despite enduring poor living conditions and inadequate public services, openly celebrated the acquittal.
“It is uncomfortable to watch the same people who suffer from inadequate social services celebrate this acquittal,” he said, pointing to widespread poverty, unemployment, poor roads, underfunded hospitals, and struggling schools across the country.
Sartre questioned why accountability often appears weak when influential individuals are accused of wrongdoing, while ordinary citizens face swift punishment for lesser offenses.
“Who benefited from the disappearance of the US$6.2 million?” he asked, adding that legal verdicts do not erase public concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability.
He stressed that his comments were not directed at any individual, but rather at what he called a broader societal problem.
“We, the ordinary people, are also part of the problem. We tolerate corruption. We excuse wrongdoing. We are often dishonest with ourselves,” Sartre stated.
He warned that the cycle of corruption would continue unless Liberians develop greater discipline and a stronger sense of national responsibility.
“Sad,” he concluded.
