By: TPA News Desk | Local Stories | www.thepointafricanews.com/africa/local-stories

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Friday used the occasion of Liberia’s 178th Independence Anniversary to deliver a speech steeped in symbolism, reconciliation, and economic realism — signaling a continued shift from ceremonial rhetoric to policy intentions.

Speaking at the historic Centennial Memorial Pavilion, President Boakai honored fallen heroes of Liberia’s civil war, applauded ECOWAS for its intervention during the conflict years, and called for national unity and forgiveness as the country seeks to turn the page on its painful past.

“Liberia is no longer seen only through the lens of conflict,” Boakai declared, referencing the nation’s election to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. “We are now a nation of peacebuilders, a voice of reason in a troubled world.”

While the oration was broadly applauded for its reconciliatory tone and regional diplomacy, it did not shy away from economic hardship — acknowledging the biting cost of living and calling for an urgent probe into persistent price disparities despite falling import costs.

One of the oration’s major announcements was the proposed National Memorial to honor both civilian victims of Liberia’s brutal civil war and ECOWAS peacekeepers who died during the region’s intervention. This comes on the heels of the government’s reburial ceremonies for former Presidents Tolbert and Doe, which the President said aimed to “correct historical injustices.”

Observers note this could signal a soft but deliberate move toward national truth-telling — though no mention was made of establishing a war crimes court, a long-standing demand of many rights advocates and victims.

“This sacred monument… will serve as a call to conscience for generations to come,” said Boakai, vowing that the peace enjoyed today “was never free.”

Perhaps the most concrete policy takeaway from the address was the creation of a High-Level Presidential Ad Hoc Committee to investigate why market prices for basic goods like flour, sugar, and building materials remain high despite improved road access and decreased import tariffs.

“This contradiction… requires urgent attention,” Boakai admitted, appointing Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung to lead the investigation and report within 45 days.

Economic experts welcomed the move but warned that unless accompanied by enforcement and regulatory reforms, such investigations could yield the same fate as prior committees — reports shelved and public trust lost.

In a symbolic gesture, Boakai declared July 30, 2025, a National Day of Prayer, urging Liberians across faiths to seek divine healing for the nation.

This move echoed similar calls during past administrations, but critics argue that spiritual appeals — though powerful in Liberia’s religious society — should not replace institutional reforms and tangible justice.

While the President’s speech was largely forward-looking, it subtly acknowledged Liberia’s deep-seated challenges. He described the country as standing “at a crossroads,” offering a choice between “old ways” and a “Liberian Century” grounded in innovation, unity, and inclusion.

“Our development will not endure without reconciliation. Our future cannot take root without unity,” Boakai warned.

Still, critics point to a disconnect between the government’s reconciliatory messaging and the lack of a comprehensive justice and accountability framework. The speech made no mention of concrete steps to address historical grievances through a formal Truth and Reconciliation implementation roadmap — a gap that rights groups say undermines long-term healing.

Liberia’s regional standing took center stage as President Boakai welcomed four visiting Heads of State and lauded ECOWAS for its “decisive and courageous role” during the civil war. The attendance of ECOWAS Chair and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio added weight to the celebrations, which also marked ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.

The president’s remarks reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to regional solidarity amid growing instability in the West African subregion, with coups and democratic backsliding in several ECOWAS member states.