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by Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe
Assistant Professor of Law · Award-Winning Human Rights Lawyer ·
2023 Presidential Candidate of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP – the Broom Party)
Fellow Liberians,
As we enter the year 2026, I extend warm greetings to all Liberians at home and abroad. A new year is not only a change of date on the calendar; it is a renewed opportunity to do better as a people and as a nation.
Liberia’s progress this year must be seen as a collective responsibility—by those in government and those outside government. The success of the government in power must be supported by all patriotic Liberians, because when a government fails, it is not only the leaders who fail; the Liberian state fails, and the people suffer most.
No Liberian politician should pray for, plan for, or engage in any action that will deliberately undermine the success of the government. That is not patriotism. At the same time, no patriotic leader should remain silent when the government makes mistakes. Silence in the face of failure is not loyalty; it is negligence. Honest criticism, offered with solutions, is an act of love for country.
I continue to speak out on both progress and missteps because I have a moral obligation to do so. As the first politician to lead his party to support the election of the party now in power during the second round of the 2023 presidential election, I believe my duty is 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.
I appeal to all my colleagues in the opposition to do nothing that could lead to civil conflict, civil unrest, or any break in the constitutional process of governance and peaceful transfer of power. We must never return to that dark chapter of our history. At the same time, I appeal to those in government to tolerate honest criticism, to be selfless, and to put the people’s interest first in every decision, statement, and action.
The foundation of effective leadership is selflessness and empathy for the suffering of the people. Selfish leadership leads to mass hunger, and mass hunger leads to mass anger—because a hungry person is an angry person. When selfishness creates many angry people, the result is frequent strikes at workplaces, protests on school campuses, and unrest in our streets. In 2026, we must work together to reduce hunger through government policies and actions guided by service, not greed.
Liberia is not a poor country. We are a country rich in land, water, forests, minerals, and human talent. What we have suffered from is the poverty of good leadership. Other African countries—such as Botswana, Rwanda, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Namibia—have shown that with discipline, integrity, and people-centered leadership, progress is possible. I call on all Liberian politicians, both in government and outside government, to strive in 2026 to lead Liberia in that same direction, for the good of our people.
I also wish to express my firm support for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia. I commend the government for the steps already taken toward this important national process. The people of Liberia and the world are watching with hope, because this court represents a major step toward ending impunity, strengthening the rule of law, and building a strong culture of peace. I respectfully appeal for greater budgetary and institutional support for the Court’s Secretariat so it can succeed with credibility, independence, and professionalism. Justice pursued fairly is not a threat to peace; it is one of peace’s strongest foundations.
This New Year Statement is addressed to all those who contested the 2023 presidential election, and to all their supporters—from the ruling party to every opposition party, including all candidates who offered themselves for national leadership. Liberia’s failure will affect both the governed and the governors. We must never forget the lessons of our civil conflict. Liberia’s near collapse was not caused by religion or tribe; it was caused by bad governance driven by greed, corruption, and insensitivity to the suffering of the majority.
Let us therefore resolve, together, to make 2026 a year of responsibility, empathy, accountability, and unity. Let us work for a better Liberia by remembering always that government is a place to serve, not to steal.
Happy New Year to all Liberians.
May God bless Liberia, guide our leaders, comfort our people, and grant our nation enduring peace, unity, and progress throughout 2026 and beyond.
