Former President Sirleaf Nudges Lawmakers in Stirring 86th Birthday Address
By Kebeh Sammie & Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – October 29, 2024 – Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, renowned for her groundbreaking tenure as Africa’s first elected female head of state, marked her 86th birthday with a deeply reflective and impassioned message to the Liberian people. Delivered with sincerity and urgency, her address spanned personal reflections, a historical overview, and a profound call to action, urging the nation to confront its current challenges and embrace necessary changes.
“Fellow Compatriots!” Sirleaf began, her voice resonating with gratitude and solemnity as she expressed thanks for the blessings of life. “I thank God as I clock 86 for blessings of life, blessings of challenges and opportunities, blessings of excitements and sorrows, the latest being the sudden loss of my two older professional sons in the short period of two years apart.” Despite these personal sorrows, Sirleaf’s message was not centered on her own experiences but rather on the future of Liberia.
“Liberia is at a crossroads,” Sirleaf declared, her words underscoring a critical juncture in the nation’s history. She reminded Liberians of their shared resilience through some of the most trying periods, including military rule, devastating civil wars, and the horrific Ebola epidemic. “We have survived military rule, devastating wars, horrific Ebola,” she noted, emphasizing the strength and endurance that have characterized Liberia’s people.
However, Sirleaf’s address was not merely a recount of past adversities. She highlighted Liberia’s proud historical contributions to the African continent, such as its support for liberation efforts in other African countries and the election of pioneering leaders. “Just think of the noteworthy part of our history,” she urged, “support for the liberation efforts of other African countries. The strong woman chief who fought for the first major investors, the first African woman to head the United Nations, and election of the first woman President on the continent, with two successful political transitions of historical consequence.”
Despite these significant achievements, Sirleaf expressed grave concern that Liberia is lagging in comparison to its neighboring countries. “Let’s face it. Liberia is one of those left behind, and even when compared with our closest neighbors which no longer follow our lead,” she stated bluntly. Her message was clear: it is time for deep reflection and honest self-assessment. “It is time for reflection, my people. Time for honesty. Time for changing minds and attitudes.”
Sirleaf’s critique of Liberia’s current political climate was pointed and unambiguous. She called for a legislative body that focuses on making laws rather than creating noise, a judiciary that prioritizes justice over delays and excuses, and an executive branch that leads by example. “It is time for a Legislature that makes laws and not noise. It is time for a Judiciary that gets on with settling cases, dispenses justice, and does not give solicited excuses. It’s time for the Executive to speak with the power of example.”
In highlighting the broader global context, Sirleaf drew attention to the shifting dynamics of international relationships and the pressing demands for national self-reliance. “The world is changing, bilateral and multilateral relationships are repositioning, demands for National self-reliance are unequivocal,” she observed. She expressed pride that Africa is increasingly seen as the continent of the future, with many African nations rapidly advancing towards their potential goals. Yet, she warned that Liberia risks being left behind if it does not adapt and respond to these changes. “Several are moving rapidly to claim the future, and others engulfed by recurring bad habits, are being left behind.”
Sirleaf’s message was a call to action driven by a sense of urgency. “Some will ask why now – it is because time for us is running out,” she emphasized. Her motivation, she explained, stemmed from her enduring commitment to Liberia’s well-being. “Why am I doing this – because I am a Leader and because I care for the good of the country.”
In concluding her address, Sirleaf invited her fellow Liberians to join her in reflecting deeply on the nation’s path and to embrace the necessary changes to forge a brighter future. She welcomed their comments and good wishes for her birthday, signing off with her initials, EJS.
As Liberia stands at this pivotal moment, Sirleaf’s message serves as a clarion call for introspection and action. Her words remind the nation of its rich history and potential, urging all Liberians to rise to the challenge and work towards a more prosperous and just future.
