Liberia: The Way Forward Is Regime Change

Editor’s note: The views expressed in this commentary are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent that of the Daily Observer newspaper.

Prinston Anthony Sieh Moosh Nimene

Regime change is mediated by a radical transformation of the system economically, socially, and politically: the system should be open enough to accommodate new actors that contest it from outside in order to build cohesion.

Over the years, recalcitrant leaders in Liberia have faced intense pressure to leave power and were ultimately removed from power through the ballot box or arm struggles; despite being heralded as a successful change of government. All these leaders were ousted by those who once supported them (the masses).

Unfortunately, there has been no possibility of total regime change during these removals. When these leaders are replaced, their cronyism is often reshuffled to more lucrative positions and restrain the masses. The true reality is that there has been no possibility of total regime change during these removals. 

While the government remains a part of the problems, we also cannot put all our age-old problems on this government, but we can hold them accountable for making the current situation worse than it existed. This current government represents a regime (system) that is very repressive, corrupt, backward, and morally bankrupt.

This system came into being through the true Whig party, famously known as the “oligarchy.” the likes of Tolbert, Tubman, Taylor, Ellen, and now Weah represent this old system that bred corruption, poverty, and marginalization.

I have taken a keen interest in our body politics since 2005. I am, therefore, fully aware of the euphoria, excitement, and hope with which Liberians received George Weah. Liberians supported CDC's political approach of “hope for change” solely with a hope that the new approach to politics would lead to radical transformation, and Liberia would be rebuilt from the old system that marginalized the masses.

Unfortunately, instead of building strong institutions, strengthening the justice system, lifting the population from abject poverty, and making amendments in the Constitution that will relinquish the excessive power in the executive back to the people, they are doing the opposite.

Sadly, we continue witnessing primitive accumulation of wealth, unjust killing, economic hardship, political decline, and lack of opportunity that has resulted in ripping the educated class apart to the chagrin of the masses. All of this serves their parochial interest at the expense of the population. They have instituted the reign of corruption and succumbed to the luxury of wealth, comfort, and status and thereby become part of the Old Establishment (system) as they sit on the throne of impunity. 

This underscores the need to concentrate on a new alternative to build cohesion between the masses and their leaders.  Some of us young people are thrown into severe confusion. We belong to no political party, and we do not approve of the record and character of previous ruling parties, let alone current ruling parties.

There should be a new alternative. This new alternative will represent a cohort of like minds, those who wish to make a fresh start with patriotism and consensus politics as the center pin. This new alternative will frighten those recycled politicians and ferment unity between the masses and their real leaders; with a few months left until elections, this alternative can crystallize into a new political organization and liberate the masses. 

It doesn’t matter which political party or religious group you are from. It is time for us to face our generation’s questions and answer them as a generation. As Franz Fanon forewarned: “Each generation must discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it, in relative opacity.” The social-economic transformation of our country, fighting corruption and opposing this backward system with ideas, and demanding power from our misleaders is our mission as a generation.

Those watching our efforts from afar will have the luxury of making comments/condemnation. Some good, some bad, but only our allies and close friends to the masses will understand the importance of this era in history.  We will not stop at condemnation: political conmen cannot continue to corruptly twist history and enrich themselves as they democratize, privatize, and monopolize corruption. 

Politics is about struggle and strategic planning, and it must be a continuous process until the masses attain political and economic power.

Let us have faith; let us not lose hope. Jesus Christ bid us farewell and promised to return. We have waited for over two thousand years without losing hope. Each time we pray, we declare, “Thy Kingdom Come”. We believe the Lord will return. Despite the ills in our country, let us not lose hope.

The Author:  Prinston Anthony Sieh Moosh Nimene, MA, International Relations & Diplomatic Studies.