Honorable Vice President, Jeremiah Koung;
First Woman Kartumu Y. Boakai;
Excellencies:
President Julius Maada Bio of the Republic of Sierra Leone & Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority;
President John Dramani Mahama of the Republic of Ghana;
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of the Republic of Senegal;
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau;
Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former President of ECOWAS and Lifelong Advocate for Peace in West Africa;
Honorable Speaker and Members of the Home of Representatives;
Honorable President Professional Tempore and Members of the Liberian Senate;
Her Honor, the Chief Justice, and Members of the Supreme Courtroom Bench;
Honorable Members of the Cupboard and Officers of Authorities;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Our Esteemed Conventional Leaders, Chiefs, and Elders;
Distinguished Women and Gents;
Fellow Liberians at house and overseas:
I carry greetings with a coronary heart filled with gratitude to God as we collect with delight and hope on this historic Centennial Memorial Pavilion, to rejoice 178 years of our nation’s independence, an everlasting image of the Liberian spirit and our frequent journey by triumphs, trials, and transformation.
July 26 is the dwelling image of the braveness and conviction of those that dreamed of a homeland of liberty and self-governance for African folks. As we rejoice this present day, we honor their legacy and replicate deeply on the journey we now have taken as a folks, by nice guarantees, painful divisions, and steadfast resilience.
Earlier this 12 months, Liberia made a big leap on the worldwide stage by being elected to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Safety Council. For a rustic as soon as outlined by warfare, this can be a highly effective reminder that we’re not seen solely by the lens of battle, however as a nation of peacebuilders, a voice of purpose in a troubled world. It reveals that Liberia is being counted among the many international locations that matter, that the world is watching, and, extra importantly, that Liberia is able to lead. It’s a international affirmation of the progress we’re making towards peace, stability, and accountable management.
Right here at house, in current months, we now have taken necessary steps towards nationwide therapeutic and reconciliation, most notably, the respectful reburial of former Presidents William R. Tolbert, Jr. and Samuel Ok. Doe, Sr. These ceremonies aimed to appropriate historic injustices and to unite us as one nation shifting ahead. Moreover, the declaration of a nationwide apology for the numerous lives misplaced and the destruction attributable to our years of battle is a daring but needed step ahead.
There’s a acquainted African proverb that claims, “If you wish to go quick, go alone. If you wish to go far, go collectively.” Immediately, as we rejoice our independence, this knowledge rings true. We can not construct a long-lasting future with out strolling collectively as one folks with a shared future.
As I discussed final 12 months, we’re standing at a crossroads, the confluence of our previous and our potential. One path retains us locked in outdated methods, repeating the errors of yesterday. The opposite dares us to dream boldly and transfer ahead, studying from our historical past, however not imprisoned by it.
We should select that second path and declare this period the Liberian Century.
We should rise to construct a society that values information over ignorance, unity over discord, and progress over stagnation.
Around the globe, nations are leveraging know-how to rework their societies and switch challenges into alternatives. Liberia should not be left behind. However to maneuver ahead, we should first heal the divisions that threaten to drag us aside. Our improvement is not going to endure with out reconciliation. Our future can not take root with out unity.
That’s the reason this 12 months’s theme, “One Individuals, One Future: Therapeutic the Previous and Constructing the Future,” rings loud with such urgency. There isn’t any better process earlier than us than constructing a Liberia that’s good for all Liberians.
We have to be impressed by the phrases that say: “The place there as soon as had been shadows, mild has fallen.” Sure, Liberia has identified darkness. However right now, we have to be the torchbearers of that new mild, a lightweight that reveals our frequent function. The nation has made progress, and we should urgently work, utilizing the positives from Liberia’s exceptionalism to speed up our efforts and catch up.
As we commit ourselves to nationwide unity, we additionally pause right now to increase our deepest gratitude on behalf of the folks of Liberia to the Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECOWAS) for its decisive and brave function throughout our nation’s most turbulent years.
To the ECOWAS international locations that contributed troops and assets in the course of the authentic deployment in Liberia, to Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and others, we owe a historic debt of gratitude. Your nations stood by us in our hour of biggest want, not with phrases alone, however with motion, by sending your little kids to assist restore peace on our soil. Lots of your youngsters paid the final word worth to maintain so many people alive. And lots of extra remained steadfast, even when our prospects had been unsure.
We bear in mind with reverence the management and braveness of key ECOWAS figures who championed the reason for peace in Liberia. These had been the voices of the unvoiced when Liberia had none. These had been the arms that helped carry us after we had fallen. It is for that reason that, on this 12 months of our 178th independence and the fiftieth anniversary of ECOWAS, Liberia chooses to honor these international locations, these leaders, and the establishment of ECOWAS itself. Your dedication to regional solidarity and collective safety gave Liberia a second likelihood. And for that, we’re eternally grateful. As we are saying in Liberia, your thank-you loads, yah!
To honor this enduring partnership and the nice sacrifices it required, I’m happy to announce that, following months of consultations, my Authorities will quickly fee a Nationwide Memorial. This memorial will stand in honor of the victims of Liberia’s civil warfare and in solemn remembrance of the courageous women and men of ECOMOG, the peacekeeping arm of ECOWAS, who gave their lives on Liberian soil for the sake of our peace.
This sacred monument is not going to solely commemorate the fallen however may also function a name to conscience for generations to return, a robust reminder that the peace we take pleasure in right now was by no means free. It was earned by braveness, paid for in sacrifice, and have to be preserved by unity.
From the founding of our nation, by seasons of trial and triumph, God has remained our information and the supply of our hope. As we glance to the long run, allow us to embrace forgiveness of ourselves and each other, for it is just by reconciliation that we will absolutely heal and transfer ahead as one folks.
With this conviction, I hereby declare Wednesday, July 30, 2025, as a Nationwide Day of Prayer. On this present day, I name on all Liberians, our companions, and everybody throughout the borders of Liberia to collect in our church buildings, mosques, and different locations of worship to hunt God’s face. We must always ask for His continued blessing upon our land, and to resume our covenant for peace, unity, and a reconciled Liberia.
My fellow Liberians,
Our nation is shifting ahead. We’re constructing on the good points of the final 20 years with focus and willpower. We’re bettering Liberia’s picture on the worldwide stage and rewriting the narrative of who we’re, as a folks, and what our nation stands for.
At house, progress is seen. Our roads are bettering, and even within the peak of this wet season, taxis and business automobiles can attain Maryland and Grand Gedeh with out the struggles of years previous. Our farmers are producing extra meals, and the worth of rice, greens, and different native produce has reached the bottom level in a few years.
Small, small, we’re marching towards a cheerful land by God’s command. However let me be clear: there’s nonetheless way more to do.
Whereas our financial system is making regular progress, our home income stays restricted, and lots of households proceed to really feel the burden of excessive costs. Transportation prices are too excessive. The costs of flour, sugar, and different important items proceed to be a burden. Constructing supplies are nonetheless costly, making it laborious for peculiar Liberians to assemble properties and companies.
This contradiction, the place import prices have fallen but market costs stay excessive, requires pressing consideration. Due to this fact, I’m establishing a Excessive-Stage Presidential Ad Hoc Committee to research these disparities and suggest sensible options for our rapid motion.
This Committee shall be chaired by somebody I belief deeply, a devoted public servant and an skilled businessman, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung. The Committee will work swiftly and submit a complete report inside 45 days with clear suggestions to revive equity and stability in our market system.
Fellow Liberians, I stand earlier than you each as your President and companion in renewal, able to make daring selections freed from concern or bias, to advance our nation. We should place our politics and private pursuits secondary to the general public good and notice the Liberia our folks have envisioned since its founding. I’ll work with each Liberian, no matter their political affiliation, as a result of constructing our nation is greater than anyone group or anyone curiosity.
As we glance forward, allow us to bear in mind the phrases of President Jimmy Carter, spoken proper right here in Liberia many years in the past. President Carter spoke of a folks “decided to construct a society which mirrored the dignity of their souls and the hope of their hearts.” That willpower lives in us nonetheless. Allow us to look ahead, Considering Liberia, Loving Liberia, and Constructing Liberia.
Might God bless us all, could God bless ECOWAS, and protect our Republic. Pleased Independence Day.
Lengthy Reside the Republic!
