IPNEWS: Exactly four hours before 2025, and from the vantage point of the last day of 2024, here are my thoughts on the year ahead:
1. The Economy:
Will things get better? Liberians want answers to pressing questions: Will there be more jobs? Will the “Rescue Mission” government deliver real improvements to the pockets of voters who brought it to power? The economy will remain the most critical test for the new administration.
2. The Executive Mansion:
Can President Joseph Nyumah Boakai (JNB) bring stability and predictability to governance? Will his cabinet function under an assertive leader with a clear vision, or will internal power struggles continue as “McGill wannabes” fight for dominance? A steady hand at the helm is crucial for progress.
3. Natural Resources:
The government’s decisions on major contracts like the MITTAL extension and HPX will be pivotal. These companies hold immense power in Liberia’s resource sector and have the potential to make or break presidencies. JNB benefitted from Weah’s missteps in managing this high-stakes arena, but can he avoid falling victim to the same challenges?
4. Liberia-U.S. Relations:
Will the Trump administration support Liberia through critical programs like the MCC Compact? Securing this much-needed financial boost will require smart diplomacy. A failure here could spell trouble for Liberia’s development ambitions.
5. The Legislature:
Can the legislature regain its independence and functionality? If it becomes merely an extension of the Executive, citizens could use technology-driven activism, protests, and lawsuits to make it irrelevant. A robust, independent legislature is key to maintaining democracy.
2025 will be a defining year for Liberia. Let’s keep the conversation going and demand accountability from our leaders.
#Liberia2025 #AccountabilityMatters #Economy #Leadership
