Monrovia — Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has admitted that her administration didn’t do sufficient to deal with the social and emotional affect of the nation’s civil battle, notably on the youth.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
In an interview with the BBC World Service, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Africa’s first elected feminine head of state mentioned her authorities fell brief in supporting younger individuals affected by the battle.
“I want I had accomplished extra in regards to the social elements of the nation. Addressing the numerous younger individuals whom we by no means supplied the kind of help they wanted,” Sirleaf instructed BBC’s The Interview program.
Her remarks are among the many most candid public acknowledgments of shortcomings throughout her 12-year tenure and are available as Liberia continues to confront the lingering results of battle on its inhabitants.
Sirleaf served from 2006 to 2018, steering Liberia by post-conflict restoration, securing debt reduction, restoring overseas relations, and rebuilding state establishments. Her administration acquired worldwide approval for financial and political reforms. Nevertheless, within the latest interview, she acknowledged that these features didn’t adequately attain the war-affected youth inhabitants.
“Sure, we did do schooling and well being, and we made nice advances in these areas, however we by no means addressed the pains of battle and the attitudes that emerged from twenty years of battle,” she mentioned.
“We didn’t deal with the psychological anguish of younger individuals and supply them with the sorts of help that they maybe required.”
Her feedback spotlight the disconnect between post-war reconstruction and the psychosocial wants of residents, notably younger individuals who skilled or participated in armed battle.
Throughout Liberia’s 14-year civil battle, tens of hundreds of youngsters have been displaced or recruited as youngster troopers. Whereas the Sirleaf administration re-opened colleges and constructed clinics, many former youngster combatants and victims acquired little or no psychological counseling or long-term rehabilitation help.
This lack of intervention has had lasting penalties, together with elevated crime, drug use, and excessive charges of youth unemployment. With greater than 60 % of Liberia’s inhabitants underneath the age of 25, the absence of significant youth-focused social restoration insurance policies has had a major affect on nationwide growth.
Advocates for psychological well being and youth growth have lengthy criticized the Sirleaf administration for its restricted funding in post-conflict social therapeutic. These critiques have been usually overshadowed by the federal government’s give attention to macroeconomic indicators and political stability.
Sirleaf’s acknowledgment has given renewed credibility to these issues. Her assertion seems to replicate an evolving understanding of the presidency’s missed alternatives, and the significance of addressing the emotional and societal injury brought on by battle.
Critics say the dearth of youth reintegration packages throughout Sirleaf’s tenure contributed to emotions of alienation and distrust in authorities amongst younger individuals.
Observers argue that Liberia’s present social challenges—together with persistent youth unemployment, a rising drug disaster, and political disengagement—are linked to the failure to adequately help younger individuals within the rapid post-war years.
An estimated two in each ten Liberian youth use narcotic substances. To maintain their dependancy, many of those younger individuals—dwelling in ghettos, on road corners, and even in cemeteries—usually resort to crime, together with armed theft.
Analysts word that Sirleaf’s administration centered closely on exterior diplomacy and nationwide infrastructure tasks, usually on the expense of localized therapeutic and youth rehabilitation efforts.
Some have questioned whether or not outcomes can be completely different at present if extra consideration had been given to community-based trauma care, vocational coaching, and youth management growth throughout her time in workplace.
Sirleaf’s feedback stand out in a area the place former leaders not often provide public regrets or reflections on coverage failures. Her assertion, “I want I had accomplished extra,” departs from the sometimes defensive posture adopted by many African ex-presidents.
It stays to be seen whether or not this admission will encourage related reflections amongst different regional leaders, or whether or not it should immediate motion from Liberia’s present authorities.
President Joseph Boakai, a longtime political ally of Sirleaf and her former vp, now faces rising stress to prioritize youth growth and psychological well being in nationwide coverage.
