MONROVIA: Solidarity And Trust for a New Day” (STAND), Liberia’s newest civil society group, has alarmed over the increasing rate of hardship in the country, with the vast majority of ordinary citizens cannot afford a day’s meal.
The situation is being complicated as members of the Legislature (Lower House) are effectively embroiled in a power struggle in a bid remove House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa.
According to STAND, the nation is watching as lawmakers placed political squabbles above basic welfare of the citizens they swore to serve.
STAND strongly condemned the legislature that it said, created a shameful stalemate, deepening the suffering of the vast majority of ordinary Liberians who are already burdened by the government’s failures.”
While lawmakers’ bicker, critical social services are deteriorating,” the group added.
In a statement issued in Monrovia on Monday November 4, 2024, STAND called on the House of Representatives to end the in-fighting and that the interests of the Liberian people should be given high priority.
According to the statement, the Nation’s healthcare system is failing as it runs short of essential prescription drugs, leaving the most vulnerable without medical care. Civil servants’ unpaid salaries are barely sufficient to meet family needs, electricity costs are soaring, and essential social services are becoming increasingly unaffordable.
STAND: “Each day the stalemate persists, these hardships worsen, and the masses bear the brunt and pay the price. This was not what they bargained for when they elected their lawmakers.”
As the Christmas and New Year holidays are fast approaching—a time meant for unity, peace, and family gatherings, STAND warns that continued legislative gridlock threatens to rob Liberian families of these cherished traditions.
“Lawmakers must act now to restore stability and meet their constituents’ pressing needs, which are far more urgent than political positioning,” the statement noted.
The CSO group warns that the ongoing division among lawmakers risks further destabilizing the government’s ability to function, exacerbating an already dire economic condition, and leaving millions of Liberians underserved.
Lawmakers must end their differences and unite to address the “bread and butter” issues—the critical, everyday concerns that affect every Liberian,” STAND asserts.
“While we recognize and respect the rights of citizens to protest, STAND calls on the organizers of the planned protest to do so peacefully and accentuate the interest of the masses. Hence, we urge the government to provide protection for peaceful protesters as they exercise their fundamental rights,” the statement added.
The group reminded both sides of their constitutional and fiduciary duties as lawmakers to uphold the highest standards of accountability and the rule of law.
They must hold themselves to the same high standards as ordinary citizens, whom they expect to follow the law and meet their obligations.
“STAND demands that all parties engage in constructive dialogue to peacefully and swiftly resolve this leadership impasse, which continues to disrupt legislative proceedings,” the statement maintained.
“STAND supports mediation efforts by the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), the Liberian Senate and other peace-loving groups, and calls upon Liberia’s Inter-faith Mediation Council to play a more active role in ensuring a resolution,” the statement noted.
STAND welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court calling on all sides to adhere to constitution by ensuring the due process procedure is followed. STAND believes this provides a legal framework that allows the proper adjudication of the stalemate at the House of Representatives.
“STAND’s position is clear: it seeks no allegiance with either side but stands firmly with the people,’ the release said.
STAND: “The people deserve a House of Representatives that will work for their needs, not one consumed by selfish internal battles.”
In a related development, a mass demonstration or non-stop protest is expected to take placed this week on Capitol Hill in Monrovia.
The protest, which is said to be organized by an array of civil society and pro-democracy groups in the country is to mount sustained pressure on members of the Legislature to play their statutory roles which include lawmaking, representation and oversight.
