But National Reconciliation vis-à-vis the Liberian situation does not seem to be taking this course and thus appears to be headed for a derailment. It is no secret that the main problem for us here has been economic and political marginalization primarily of the disadvantaged and key opposition political figures. As a consequence, the followers and supporters of these people, many of who are also on the margin of the economic and political structures become disenchanted and disgruntled, hence the many civil disruptions we have had.
Critically looking at the appointments made in government by President Sirleaf, at least at the senior cabinet level, those names are either bona-fide members of the ruling Unity Party or sympathizers and/or those that have supported the President in the most recent past. To make matters worse, many, if not all Legislators appointed to head key statutory and standing Committees in the lower House are members and sympathizers of the ruling Unity Party.
Mind you, this is so even when many Liberians are still reeling or trying to cope with the excess baggage of having both the President and the Speaker not only from one party but also from the same county, the Senate Pro Temp and Deputy Speaker, the same case. Even the President’s recent pronouncement regarding a regionally as well as ethnically balanced Cabinet is yet far fetched.
For us, National Reconciliation cannot thrive amidst such environment and circumstances. The process cannot land safely when one group sees themselves as the victor while the others yet the vanquished. It certainly cannot succeed when others are feeling cheated and are not feeling part and parcel of the process. Admittedly, some of us have been ardent admirers of the President and even members of the Unity Party since the early 1990s, but will certainly not be like those political fanatics who will continue to cheer the captain on even when it is evident that the national Titanic is in full glare of an iceberg. This country belongs to us all, when it is peaceful we all share the benefits and, otherwise, we all suffer.
We therefore urge madam President to extend the palm branch to key opposition members and the less affluent in the society, especially when considering subsequent appointments. This, we believe, will mitigate the level of anger that prevails. This will help enhance the process of genuine peace and reconciliation and national renewal.
By David T. Collins
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