Gongloe Releases Yearend Message-Highlights Leadership, Governance Challenges in Liberia

MONROVIA – As Liberia begins 2026, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, human rights lawyer, assistant professor of law, and 2023 presidential candidate of the Liberian People’s Party, has emphasized the interconnected responsibilities of government and citizens in achieving national progress. In his New Year statement, Gongloe analyzed the nation’s governance landscape, stressing that effective leadership requires both accountability and empathy, while public support and constructive criticism are essential for sustained development. He highlighted the importance of addressing social inequities, promoting selfless leadership, and strengthening institutions, calling on all political actors to balance authority with service as Liberia navigates the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead. THE ANALYST reports.

Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, assistant professor of law, award-winning human rights lawyer, and 2023 presidential candidate of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP), has urged Liberians to embrace responsibility, empathy, and unity as the nation begins 2026.

In his New Year statement, Gongloe addressed citizens at home and abroad, calling the new year “a renewed opportunity to do better as a people and as a nation.”

Gongloe emphasized that Liberia’s progress is a shared responsibility. “The success of the government in power must be supported by all patriotic Liberians,” he said.

“When a government fails, it is not only the leaders who fail; the Liberian state fails, and the people suffer most.”

He added that no politician should intentionally undermine government, and that silence in the face of mistakes is negligence rather than loyalty. “Honest criticism, offered with solutions, is an act of love for country,” he said.

Reflecting on his role in the 2023 elections, Gongloe noted that he was the first politician to lead his party to support the election of the current administration in the second round.

“I have a moral obligation to hold the government’s feet to the fire so it succeeds, not to clap while the nation suffers, and not to allow the government to wear the emperor’s new clothes,” he said.

Gongloe appealed to both opposition and government leaders to uphold constitutional governance and avoid actions that could provoke civil unrest.

“We must never return to that dark chapter of our history,” he said. He encouraged government officials to tolerate constructive criticism and to place the people’s interests above personal or political gain.

Highlighting the link between leadership and social conditions, Gongloe warned that selfish leadership results in mass hunger, which in turn leads to anger, strikes, protests, and public unrest.

“Effective leadership is grounded in selflessness and empathy for the suffering of the people,” he said, adding that government policies in 2026 must prioritize service over greed.

Gongloe stressed that Liberia is not a poor country, pointing to its abundance of land, water, forests, minerals, and human talent. What has held the country back, he said, is “the poverty of good leadership.”

He cited examples from Botswana, Rwanda, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Namibia, saying disciplined, people-centered leadership has proven that progress is achievable. “All Liberian politicians, in government or outside government, should strive in 2026 to lead Liberia in that same direction,” he said.

The lawyer also expressed strong support for the creation of a War and Economic Crimes Court, praising the government for steps taken toward its establishment.

He called for greater budgetary and institutional support for the Court’s Secretariat to ensure credibility, independence, and professionalism. “Justice pursued fairly is not a threat to peace; it is one of peace’s strongest foundations,” Gongloe said.

Addressing all participants in the 2023 presidential election, he stressed that Liberia’s failures affect both the governed and the governors.

He reminded Liberians that the country’s near-collapse during the civil conflict was the result of “bad governance driven by greed, corruption, and insensitivity to the suffering of the majority,” not religion or ethnicity.

Gongloe concluded by urging citizens and leaders to make 2026 a year marked by responsibility, accountability, empathy, and unity. “Let us work for a better Liberia by remembering always that government is a place to serve, not to steal,” he said.

He extended heartfelt New Year greetings and prayed for enduring peace, unity, and progress for the nation.