IPNEWS: Liberia, once hailed as a symbol of African independence, is now a nation caught in the throes of political dysfunction, economic stagnation, and deep disillusionment. As Liberia faces yet another crisis in its political landscape, many Liberians, particularly those who fought in the brutal civil war, are questioning the sacrifices made in the name of a better future. “We killed the Congo people for nothing,” is a refrain echoed by many, and one that resonates deeply with Mr. Jonah Barcon, President and Founder of the Jonahsa Foundation Inc., a local NGO dedicated to improving the lives of thousands of underprivileged children across the country.
Barcon, a humanitarian deeply embedded in Liberia’s communities, has witnessed firsthand the persistent struggles of the Liberian people, especially the children whose lives remain shackled by poverty, lack of education, and poor infrastructure. His words are both a lament and a call for reflection on the nation’s failure to live up to the promises made after the civil war ended over two decades ago.
A Legacy of War and Struggle
Liberia’s civil war, which raged from 1989 to 2003, left deep scars. An estimated 250,000 lives were lost, and countless others were forever changed. The conflict divided the country along ethnic lines, with the Americo-Liberians the descendants of former slaves from the United States portrayed as the oppressive “Congau people” by the indigenous majority. Warlords and revolutionary factions, fighting under the banner of liberation, promised to dismantle the old order and build a new, fairer system. Yet today, Barcon argues, Liberia’s new leadership predominantly indigenous has failed to live up to those ideals.
“Many of us fought for freedom, for a new beginning, but where is that Liberia we fought for?” Barcon asked. “The promises made to our people have been broken, and it feels like the blood spilled was for nothing.”
From Liberation to Betrayal
Following the war, a new generation of indigenous leaders, many of whom had fought against the Americo-Liberian ruling class, took power with the expectation of ushering in a new era of equality and opportunity. But, as Barcon and other Liberians see it, these leaders have not only failed to deliver but have often perpetuated the same systemic corruption and inequality they once condemned.
Barcon, who has worked tirelessly in the nonprofit sector through his Jonahsa Foundation Inc., believes the country’s leadership has betrayed its own people. “The same corruption that plagued the old system is still very much alive,” he said. “The elite have enriched themselves, while the rest of the country, particularly the children, continue to suffer.”
His foundation, which focuses on providing education, healthcare, and basic necessities for thousands of underprivileged children, has seen the firsthand effects of this betrayal. “We have a generation of children who deserve better, but the state’s failure to invest in education, health, and opportunity means they are left behind. It’s heartbreaking,” Barcon remarked.
A Political Crisis at Capitol Hill
The latest crisis to grip Liberia’s political scene is centered around a bitter standoff on Capitol Hill in Monrovia. Lawmakers are divided over the future of House Speaker Fonati Koffa with some factions pushing for his ouster. The deadlock has paralyzed the legislature, preventing the passage of crucial legislation, including the national budget.
“This is what we have come to,” Barcon said in frustration. “Our political leaders care more about their positions, their power, than the needs of the people. The government is paralyzed, and the citizens especially the children we serve are the ones who suffer.”
For Barcon, the current political impasse is just another manifestation of the same power struggles and corruption that have marred Liberia’s history since the war ended. “We wanted change, we fought for it, but instead, we have a government more focused on personal gain than on solving the real issues,” he observed.
The Struggle for Change
As Liberia finds itself at yet another crossroads, the questions of whether the nation can break free from its past and deliver on the promises of a better future are becoming ever more urgent. Barcon believes that for Liberia to truly heal and thrive, it will require a fundamental shift in leadership one that prioritizes the needs of the people over personal interests.
“For too long, we’ve had leaders who are disconnected from the realities on the ground,” Barcon said. “The children of this country deserve better. The people of Liberia deserve better. If we don’t change our approach to leadership, if we don’t fight corruption, if we don’t invest in our children and our future, then the sacrifices of those who died in the war will have been in vain.”
Despite his frustration with the current state of affairs, Barcon remains hopeful. His foundation continues to serve thousands of children, providing them with education, food, and healthcare in a country where these basic needs are often out of reach for the most vulnerable. “The people I work with—the children and families—they remind me why we must keep fighting. They are the future of Liberia, and we cannot afford to let them down.”
A Call to Action
For Barcon, the phrase “We killed the Congo people for nothing” is more than just a lament; it’s a call to action. It is a reminder that Liberia cannot afford to let history repeat itself. “Our children cannot wait,” he said. “The time for change is now. If we continue down this path, the future of Liberia will remain as uncertain as its past.”
As Liberia stands at a crossroads, Barcon’s words offer both a painful reckoning and a challenge for the country’s leaders to rise above the politics of self-interest. “We fought to build a better Liberia, one where our children could thrive,” he said. “It’s time for us to make that dream a reality.”
For now, the future remains uncertain, but for Barcon and those who work alongside him, the fight continues—for a new Liberia, one that delivers on the promises of its past and offers hope to those who need it most.
