THERE HAS BEEN quite a raging debate lately, and it seems many are witnessing it from the surprise. President Joseph N. Boakai’s mention of what sounds like “Fast and pray so that God will help Liberia achieve peace, reconciliation and development” is drawing taunting analyses and politically motivated reactions. And the evolving traction of the public discourse in this matter has a context: firstly, the president’s Finance Minister barely weeks in office made similar overtures, asking for prayer in wake of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff hikes imposed on several nations, including Liberia. Secondly, amid the controversy, as the citizens were making sense of these assertions in the face of the government’s campaign promises starkly challenged by mounting if not worsening state of conditions, the president issued an order for a holiday declaring a “a Day of National Prayer” despite a number of traditionally pro-religious holidays in the country.
REACTIONS FROM THE public, mainly the opposition community, have been as fierce and embarrassing as the rebuffs from establishment apologists. But here is what we think: As the government of Liberia, led by the Unity Party and President Joseph Boakai, continues its tenure, they must remain serious, real and committed to the promises that resonated with the Liberian people during the 2023 elections for which they were elected. The campaign slogans and promises wrapped in the “Rescue Train”—a way of saying they would better the livelihoods the citizens – must be translated into tangible actions and policies.
THE REGIME’S SHIFT of rhetoric emphasizing and sermonizing providential interventions continues to cast doubt on its ruling capacity and political will. It has invoked a debate that should not be necessary at all, bringing quite unnecessarily to the fore two distinct approaches on governance: providentialism and scientism. Providentialism attributes events and outcomes to divine intervention, emphasizing faith and prayer as solutions to societal challenges. On the other hand, scientism relies on empirical evidence, research, and data-driven decision-making to address problems.
THOSE WHO CLEAVE to providentialism say it can provide comfort, hope, and a sense of community during difficult times. It can also serve as a moral compass, guiding individuals and leaders to act with compassion and integrity. However, relying solely on divine intervention can lead to passivity and inaction in the face of pressing challenges. It may also divert attention and resources away from evidence-based solutions. God made it clear when he was commissioning mankind’s original parents: “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread”. Genesis 3:9 NKJV.
IT IS NOT a surprise why humanity has, without forgetting their God, has chosen or compelled to explore the Earth, espousing and embracing Scientism which offers a systematic and rigorous approach to problem-solving, to leveraging the power of science, technology, and data to drive progress. It is this approach that leads to innovative solutions, improved efficiency, and more effective governance. While we acknowledge that overemphasis on scientism might overlook the importance of values, ethics, and human well-being, it may also create a disconnect between policymakers and the communities they serve.
NO ONE DOUBTS the religiosity of Liberians and of President Boakai. All we say, and perhaps what many others may be suggesting is: rather than pitting providentialism against scientism, a balanced approach might be more effective. By acknowledging the importance of faith and values while also embracing evidence-based decision-making, the government can create a more comprehensive and inclusive strategy for addressing Liberia’s challenges.
AND WHATEVER THE case, Liberians still look to a regime which crudely propagandized against and democratically ousted the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) regime, claiming that it was on a rescue spree. The people still look up to the Unity Party government to see a difference healthcare investment in infrastructure, how it is training healthcare professionals, and ensuring access to essential medicines. Its policies should be informed by global best practices and research, as Liberians await the rescue of the education system by the UP improving the quality of education through teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure improvement. Young people need scholarships and programs and increased access to education, especially for girls and disadvantaged groups. Liberians await the expeditious development of robust infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and internet connectivity, is key to economic development. This requires strategic planning, investment, and collaboration with international partners, not fast and prayer.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS promised during the 2023 election calls for strong political will that emphasizes policies that support entrepreneurship, attract investment, and promote sustainable economic practices. This includes reforming regulatory frameworks, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and investing in sectors with high growth potential. It requires accountability, being accountable to the promises made to the Liberian people, and ensuring that every policy and action is aligned with the mandate of rescuing the citizens and improving their quality of life. It requires investment in Scientific Governance—investing in building the capacity for scientific governance that includes training public officials, investing in research and data collection, and adopting evidence-based policy-making processes. It calls for citizen engagement–engaging more directly with citizens to understand their needs and challenges through regular town hall meetings, surveys, and feedback mechanisms that ensure the government remains responsive to the people’s needs. And finally, it also entails common sense collaboration and partnerships, of seeking collaborations with international partners, NGOs, and the private sector to leverage resources, expertise, and technology; partnerships can be instrumental in achieving development goals.
WE DOUBT WILL, at this stage, the masses of Liberians would accept this gradual resort by the Government to mere providentialism. Some have already begun calling it political failure, misrule and out of touch with the national vision promulgated in the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
IN ORDER TO prove critics wrong that this regime has got some salt and able to deliver on its promises, let it not expect manna from Heaven. They have to roll their sleeves and do the work for which they were elected, to be a game-changer, and not to continue to appeal to the religious sensibilities of the people as to lure to fast and prayer, because not all will Liberians take such a subterfuge.