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s the current economic slowdown and high inflation continue to affect the living standards of Liberians. Citizens’ animosity toward the Weah-led administration especially from sympathizers of the political opposition bloc has increased in recent times.
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| Bernard G. Goah |
This is largely due to the fact that the government has not mustered the necessary political will to fight corruption. These grievances are reflected in the recently submitted Council of Patriots protest document.
Political tensions can be particularly deleterious in a divided society such as Liberia that is emerging from conflict.
We all know that a resumption of war is very unlikely right now, but it is most likely that political violence and repression could break out soon if the Weah-led government fails to revert the current negative economic trend and convince the population that it is sincerely fighting corruption.
The hard truth is, the government has failed to tackle the structural drivers of war in Liberia. These are re-emerging now...
Liberia no longer receives reasonable outside development aid;
UNMIL's total departure also has negatively impacted the country's economy, and corruption is not only nurtured in high places but rampantly institutionalized.
Without concrete action taken by the Weah-led government, citizens' protests could escalate into violence at any time in Liberia.