Monrovia – July 29, 2025 – A proclamation issued by the Workplace of the President late Tuesday night declared Wednesday, July 30, 2025, as a Nationwide Quick and Prayer Day, prompting questions and public confusion over the duplication of a legally acknowledged nationwide observance.
Based on the Patriotic and Cultural Observances Legislation — Chapter 25 of the Government Legislation — Liberia already observes Quick and Prayer Day annually on the Second Friday in April. This official vacation is a day of solemn reflection, repentance, and nationwide non secular renewal, noticed nationwide with authorities workplaces, companies, and colleges closed in observance.
The presidential declaration, signed and issued via the Ministry of International Affairs, didn’t make clear whether or not the July 30 observance is a one-time emergency name for prayer or a further nationwide vacation with recurring intent.
Authorized specialists and civil society teams have expressed concern that the declaration might violate the precept of statutory consistency and will result in administrative confusion if such proclamations aren’t fastidiously harmonized with present legal guidelines.
“The President definitely has the authority to declare nationwide holidays via proclamation,” mentioned one authorized scholar who requested to not be named. “Nevertheless, doing so in a approach that duplicates or conflicts with present legal guidelines might create a constitutional grey space. The individuals deserve readability.”
Calls are mounting for the Government to supply a proper clarification relating to:
The authorized foundation for naming a second Quick and Prayer Day throughout the similar calendar yr;
Whether or not this declaration is extraordinary or supposed to ascertain a brand new custom; and
The sensible implications for presidency operations and personal sector companies.
Within the meantime, authorities workplaces and colleges are anticipated to stay closed right this moment in compliance with the proclamation. Church buildings and mosques throughout the nation have reportedly been notified and are organizing particular providers for nationwide reflection and prayer.
Because the nation observes this sudden vacation, many are hoping for clearer communication and higher alignment between Government actions and statutory regulation shifting ahead.
