Title: George Weah’s mixed record at the head of Liberia: a promising revolution, but disappointed expectations
Introduction :
Since his election in 2018, George Weah, the former football superstar, has been at the head of Liberia. His campaign and rise to power were full of promises: to end corruption, improve access to education and rebuild the country’s economy. However, after three years in office, Weah’s record remains mixed. In this article, we will analyze the main reasons for this disappointment and the challenges the Liberian president faces in securing a second term.
Partial achievements in the field of education:
One of George Weah’s first flagship measures was free university registration and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This initiative aimed to improve access to public education and reduce the illiteracy rate. Although laudable, this policy has encountered several difficulties due to lack of adequate resources and infrastructure. Many schools and universities are still awaiting renovation, which limits the effectiveness of these measures.
Major economic challenges:
Despite George Weah’s efforts to rebuild some roads and infrastructure, Liberia’s economy continues to struggle. The Covid-19 epidemic and the global economic crisis have strongly affected the country. Several public companies have accumulated salary arrears, leaving nearly 15,000 civil servants in a precarious situation. Additionally, inflation has reached alarming levels, leading to an increase in the cost of living for Liberians. These economic difficulties have exacerbated the frustrations of the population and called into question Weah’s ability to effectively manage the country’s economic affairs.
The fight against corruption: a broken promise:
One of the main expectations of the Liberian population was that George Weah would put an end to the endemic corruption that plagues the country. Unfortunately, the results on this front have been disappointing. Despite accusations of corruption targeting certain members of his entourage, no significant sanctions have been taken. The United States has even taken action by sanctioning Liberian government officials. This impunity and Weah’s lack of real political will have fueled the feeling that the president tolerates corruption and indirectly benefits from it.
Limited communication and responsiveness:
Another point that has harmed George Weah’s popularity is his limited communication and lack of responsiveness to criticism. Unlike his predecessor, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Weah avoids debates and regular public interactions. When major crises arise, he tends to withdraw rather than address the concerns of the population. This unbalanced communication reinforced the feeling of discontent and contributed to a decline in public support for his government.
Conclusion :
George Weah’s record at the head of Liberia remains mixed. Although positive steps have been taken in the field of education, persistent economic challenges and failure to effectively combat corruption have damaged its popularity. As the next election approaches, Weah faces a litmus test for his leadership. To obtain a second term, he will have to respond to the disappointed expectations of the population and provide concrete answers to the problems that persist in the country. Only more transparent management and an active fight against corruption can reverse this trend and restore confidence to the Liberian population.