-Rule of Law Caucus Responds To President Boakai’s 2025 SONA
By Jerromie S. Walters
In a response to President Joseph Boakai’s 2025 State of the Nation Address, the Rule of Law Caucus of the House of Representatives says Liberians are still confronted with worsening economic hardship, contrary to the President’s claim that Liberia’s economy is “in a better place”. The Caucus expresses serious concerns over what it considers as the government’s failure to adequately address the pressing issues facing Liberians.
“The President paints a picture of progress under the ARREST Agenda, but many Liberians still face worsening economic hardship. Rising unemployment, limited access to basic services, and stagnant living standards persist. The claim that Liberia’s economy is “in a better place” does not align with the experiences of everyday citizens struggling to put food on their tables,” the Caucus states in its critique released late Monday.
According to the World Bank, a significant portion of Liberia’s population lives below the national poverty line. Estimates suggest that around 50% of the population lives in poverty, with many experiencing multidimensional poverty, which includes lack of access to education, healthcare, and basic services.
However, President Boakai claims that the Liberian economy is in a better position. While acknowledging the President’s ambitious ARREST Agenda, the Caucus argues that the speech raises more questions than it resolves. The President’s portrayal of economic progress under the ARREST Agenda is met with skepticism, as many citizens continue to experience deepening economic hardships.
Despite a reported 5.1% GDP growth, largely fueled by resource extraction and international support, everyday Liberonians struggle with rising unemployment, limited access to basic services, and stagnant living standards. The Caucus emphasizes that the claim of a thriving economy does not reflect the reality of families grappling to afford necessities like food, fuel, and rice.
While the President outlined several legislative proposals, the Caucus questions why critical bills such as the Local Government Bill, Zoning Law, and National Tourism Bill have not been prioritized earlier if they are deemed essential to the ARREST Agenda. They stress that passing legislation is only part of the solution; effective implementation is crucial.
“What mechanisms are in place to ensure these laws translate into real improvements for citizens?” they ask. The Caucus also raises alarms over the President’s assertions of improved governance and anti-corruption measures, pointing out the lack of specific actions against corruption within the administration.
They caution that the creation of new commissions and authorities, such as the proposed State-Owned Enterprises Authority of Liberia (SEAL), could lead to bureaucratic expansion without addressing systemic inefficiencies. The Caucus demands accountability, questioning the outcomes of investigations into alleged public fund mismanagement and the number of officials prosecuted for corrupt practices.
The reliance on grants, loans, and international support as key development drivers is another area of concern. With Liberia’s debt burden already exceeding 54% of GDP, the Caucus urges the government to articulate a long-term strategy for reducing dependency on foreign aid while funding the ambitious $8.4 billion ARREST Agenda.
They call for a focus on fostering private-sector growth and promoting local entrepreneurship to achieve true self-reliance.
The proposed Liberia Youth Service Program (LYSEP) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission are recognized as positive initiatives, yet the Caucus highlights the urgent need for immediate impact, given the alarming rates of youth unemployment.
They question what short-term measures are in place to address this crisis and whether training programs align with job market demands. Infrastructure development remains a critical issue, with citizens still facing poor road conditions, limited energy access, and unreliable public services.
The Caucus demands clarity on the timeline for completing promised road rehabilitation projects and a clear roadmap for achieving reliable, affordable electricity nationwide, which is essential for economic growth.
While the President’s call for reconciliation and unity is commendable, the Caucus notes a lack of actionable steps to address the deep-seated divisions within Liberia. The absence of targeted policies to bridge ethnic, political, and socio-economic divides undermines the administration’s claims of fostering inclusivity.
Additionally, the growing security concerns, particularly regarding drug abuse and youth violence, were notably overlooked in the President’s address. The establishment of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Courts (WECC) is seen as a positive step, but the Caucus calls for a clear plan for its implementation to combat these pressing issues.
In conclusion, while President Boakai’s address reflects an awareness of Liberia’s challenges and aspirations, the Rule of Law Caucus remains unconvinced of the administration’s ability to fulfill its promises. They emphasize the need for greater transparency, accountability, and urgency in addressing the nation’s most pressing issues, asserting that Liberians deserve more than just promises—they deserve tangible progress.
