– Demand Sweeping Reforms in Powerful Petition
By Kebeh Sammie
Monrovia, Liberia – A wave of discontent is sweeping across Liberia as citizens from all walks of life unite to demand an end to corruption, poverty, and government neglect. In a powerful display of collective action, a diverse coalition of Liberians representing students, market women, civil servants, farmers, and more have presented a comprehensive petition to Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), a burgeoning civil society organization. The petition, presented during the inauguration of STAND’s national headquarters, calls upon the organization to serve as the voice of the people and champion critical reforms across seven key areas.
“For generations, we have endured hardship and watched as promises of a better future remain unfulfilled,” the petition states. “Today, we say ‘enough is enough.’ We are united in our demand for a Liberia that works for all its citizens, not just the privileged few.”
The petition paints a stark picture of the challenges facing Liberia, citing “years of conflict and neglect” that have left the nation struggling to rebuild. It accuses “corrupt officials” of prioritizing “personal wealth over the welfare of the people” and warns that this “moral bankruptcy” threatens Liberia’s very future.
In response, the petition lays out a bold vision for change, outlining seven key priorities for STAND’s advocacy:
1. Eradicating Impunity for Corruption: The petition calls for an end to the culture of impunity surrounding corruption. It demands stricter penalties, including making corruption a non-bailable offense for amounts exceeding a certain threshold. This measure, the petition argues, is essential to deter corrupt practices, restore public trust, and ensure that those who plunder public resources face the full force of the law.
2. Guaranteeing Healthcare as a Fundamental Right: Highlighting the plight of vulnerable mothers and children, the petition advocates for free and accessible healthcare services for all expectant mothers and children up to age 18. It proposes a phased expansion of these benefits to eventually include civil servants and their families, emphasizing that a healthy population is essential for national development.
3. Investing in Education for All: Recognizing education as the cornerstone of progress, the petition calls for free and compulsory education for all Liberian children from 1st to 12th grade. It urges the government to prioritize investment in public schools while also proposing tuition caps for private institutions to ensure affordability and equal access to quality education for all.
4. Restoring Dignity and Opportunity for Women and Girls: The petition shines a light on the exploitation faced by many women and girls forced into prostitution due to lack of opportunity. It calls upon STAND to champion laws that protect and empower women while also advocating for programs that provide education, skill-building, and meaningful employment opportunities.
5. Enhancing Accountability and Responsiveness in Government: To address public dissatisfaction with elected officials, the petition proposes a two-pronged approach. First, it calls for a constitutional amendment to reduce the tenures of elected officials, arguing that shorter terms will foster greater accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the people. Second, it advocates for the implementation of a recall provision, empowering citizens to remove non-performing officials from office.
6. Ensuring Fair Treatment and Living Wages for Civil Servants:Recognizing the vital role played by civil servants, the petition calls for policies that ensure fair treatment and living wages for these dedicated public servants. It emphasizes that investing in the well-being of civil servants is essential for a functional and effective government.
7. Securing Equitable Benefits from Natural Resources: The petition raises concerns about Liberia’s concession agreements, arguing that they often favor foreign corporations at the expense of the Liberian people. It calls upon STAND to lead a campaign to review and renegotiate these agreements, ensuring that the benefits of Liberia’s natural resources are shared equitably among all citizens.
The petition represents a powerful convergence of voices demanding change. It remains to be seen how the Liberian government will respond to this bold call for reform, but one thing is clear: the citizens of Liberia are no longer content to be passive observers in their governance. They are demanding a seat at the table and a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.
