By: Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, January 23, 2026: Amid combined public reactions to the federal government’s efficiency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is anticipated to make use of Monday’s State of the Nation Handle (SONA) to calm rising public anxiousness and rebuild belief in his management.
In current weeks, the federal government, via the Ministry of Info, launched into the presentation of its 2025 progress studies throughout Ministries and Companies. Whereas officers say the studies reveal progress, public response has been divided, with many voters dismissing the train as mere lip service relatively than proof of significant change.
Political actors and analysts argue that Liberia continues to face deepening financial challenges, with extraordinary residents struggling beneath rising inflation, excessive unemployment, and worsening dwelling circumstances. As public endurance wears skinny, critics say the federal government has but to translate coverage guarantees into tangible financial aid.
Public frustration got here to the fore on December 17, when mass protests erupted in Monrovia, with demonstrators calling on the federal government to “lead or depart,” citing deteriorating financial circumstances and perceived governance failures.
NAMOTE, a civil society group, just lately printed a report assessing the federal government’s efficiency. The report highlighted unfulfilled marketing campaign guarantees and describing it implementation as “snail-paced.” Whereas the federal government has downplayed the report, many observers imagine the administration is extra centered on managing public notion than addressing systemic governance challenges.
Towards this backdrop, President Boakai is anticipated to ship his third State of the Nation Handle on Monday in success of Article 58 of the 1986 Structure of Liberia. The tackle might be delivered earlier than a joint session of the Nationwide Legislature, comprising each the Senate and the Home of Representatives.
The speech is anticipated to sign whether or not the administration has made progress on its flagship improvement agenda, AAID, geared toward shifting the nation from guarantees to measurable financial restoration.
Talking on Thursday, January 22, 2025, throughout a press briefing on the Ministry of Info, the Director of Press of the Home of Representatives, Robert Haynes, outlined protocols for the occasion.
In keeping with Haynes, the joint session might be presided over by Home Speaker Richard Koon. He defined that, in contrast to earlier years, the SONA is not going to be held within the William R. Tolbert Jr. Joint Chambers, which was broken by fireplace.
As a substitute, the occasion will happen within the open-air courtyard of the Capitol Constructing, instantly in entrance of the Rotunda. Haynes mentioned preparations are ongoing, with the Basic Providers Company, the Monrovia Metropolis Company, and different establishments collaborating to correctly arrange the venue.
He disclosed that the President will use the event to ship his third Annual Message to the nation.
On media protection, Haynes mentioned journalists might be accredited forward of the occasion, noting that the method is being performed in collaboration with the Govt Safety Service. He added that entry passes are anticipated to be issued on Sunday night.
Haynes emphasised that safety preparations might be tight and urged members of the media to cooperate totally with safety personnel and guarantee their passes are all the time worn visibly. He assured the general public that nationwide safety businesses could be deployed to handle all security-related issues throughout the occasion. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
