NATIONAL NEWS

MONROVIA – Nimba County District #7 Representative and Political Leader of the Citizens Movement for Change, Musa Bility, has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to abandon any plans to seek a second term in 2029, arguing that the President’s greatest opportunity now is to secure his legacy by preparing Liberia for a peaceful political transition.

By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com

In a strongly worded letter titled “Letter from Saclepea: Mr. President, Choose Your Legacy,” written from Belgium, Bility said Liberia is facing a period of serious national difficulty, citing the lack of meaningful progress on reconciliation, economic challenges, the country’s worsening drug crisis, growing scrutiny of the security apparatus and what he described as declining public trust.

Bility said the government increasingly appears to be operating around the Presidency and security institutions, while the Ministry of Information is left explaining decisions and developments that, in his view, have not been adequately clarified by the administration.

Bility: Do Not Seek Another Term

The Citizens Movement for Change political leader made the central appeal of his letter unequivocal: President Boakai should not seek reelection in 2029.

Bility acknowledged Boakai’s long career in public service and said Liberia had given him education, opportunity, honor and ultimately the presidency.

But he argued that the demands of the presidency require immense physical strength, constant vigilance and the ability to withstand sustained national pressure.

By the 2029 election, Boakai would be 84 years old, Bility noted, adding that a second six-year term would see the President approaching his 90s by the end of that mandate.

Bility stressed that his argument was not intended as an attack on the President’s age, but as a question of what he believes would be best for both Boakai and the country.

“Mr. President, do not seek another term,” Bility wrote.

He further warned that some individuals encouraging Boakai to pursue another term may be motivated less by concern for the President’s legacy and more by their own political positions, access to power and personal interests.

Drug Crisis Must Be Independently Investigated

A significant portion of Bility’s letter focused on Liberia’s ongoing drug crisis.

He argued that after more than two and a half years in office, the government can no longer attribute the crisis simply to foreign actors or political opponents.

According to Bility, the scale of recent drug seizures raises questions about possible institutional failures and alleged complicity that must be investigated.

He called for answers to critical questions, including who financed the drugs, who facilitated their entry into Liberia, who provided protection and who stood to benefit financially.

Bility also questioned whether government officials or security personnel could have been involved, stressing that Liberians deserve clear answers.

He urged President Boakai to invite credible international partners to support an independent investigation and allow evidence—not political considerations—to determine who should face prosecution.

Howard-Taylor Case Should Not Overshadow Drug Investigation

Bility also addressed the ongoing legal case involving former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor.

While acknowledging the allegations against the former Vice President, he emphasized that her case should be determined by a court based on evidence.

At the same time, he argued that the proceedings should not distract the country from what he described as separate and broader questions surrounding major drug seizures in Liberia.

The comments come amid heightened public and political attention to Liberia’s drug investigations and the role of state institutions in combating the trafficking of narcotics.

Calls for Government Overhaul

Beyond the 2029 succession question, Bility urged President Boakai to use the remainder of his current mandate to undertake major reforms.

He called for meaningful national reconciliation, stronger legislative independence, improved public confidence in the security sector and greater emphasis on competence and integrity in government appointments.

Bility also urged the President to remove officials whose continued presence, he argued, undermines public confidence.

He further called for reforms to Liberia’s electoral system, including a transparent voters’ roll, a credible National Elections Commission and an electoral process capable of producing results accepted by Liberians.

“Announcing You Will Not Run Again Will Liberate Government”

According to Bility, President Boakai’s decision not to seek another term could fundamentally change the character of the remaining years of his administration.

He argued that without the pressure of pursuing reelection, the President could focus entirely on governance, institutional reform and national development.

Bility said political figures interested in succeeding Boakai should be allowed to leave government, organize themselves and present their platforms directly to voters.

He maintained that those genuinely committed to the President’s national agenda could remain in government and help complete the administration’s work.

“Do Not Leave Liberia Like This”

Bility warned that succession politics could consume the remainder of the Boakai presidency and deepen divisions within the country.

He presented the President with what he described as a historic choice: either spend the remainder of his tenure preparing to retain power or dedicate the coming years to strengthening institutions and ensuring a peaceful transition.

“Do not leave Liberia like this,” Bility wrote.

He argued that Boakai still has more than three years to change the country’s direction and leave behind stronger institutions, greater stability and renewed public confidence.

Bility concluded his letter with a direct appeal to the President to reject another presidential bid and instead pursue what he described as a statesmanlike legacy.

“You have already achieved the office. Now become the statesman Liberia needs.”

The letter represents a direct political challenge to any emerging movement within the ruling establishment to position President Boakai for a second term in 2029, while simultaneously placing the issues of succession, governance, the drug crisis and national accountability at the center of Liberia’s political debate.