Liberians woke up recently to the resurfacing of a powerful message attributed to the late Catholic Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis, a respected voice of moral clarity in the nation’s darkest hours. In one of his prophetic declarations, The Archbishop foresaw the rise of “an astute elderly statesman, rising from somewhere in the country, through whom the nation’s glory shall return.”
Today, many are asking: “Could this prophecy be manifesting in the person of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai?”
Since taking office, Pres. Boakai has overseen a series of developments that have left even skeptics marveling. In just over a year, the country has regained international recognition, securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Pres. Boakai was also one of only five African leaders invited by U.S. President Donald J. Trump to a high-level roundtable at the White House, where he was praised for his thoughtful articulation and clarity of vision.
Let us not forget: it was under the Unity Party, then led by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, that country’s educational system was once dismissed as a “mess.” Yet, today, a product of that very system, Joe Boakai, is being hailed by the world’s most powerful nation for “good English and good leadership.”
Let us not forget: this same U.S. President once infamously referred to African nations as “shitholes.” But under Boakai’s leadership, the country is charting a new course, rebranding itself on the world stage.
Let us not forget: in a rare act of humility and service, Pres. Boakai has instructed that no government project under his leadership should bear his name, a sharp contrast to the self-aggrandizing traditions of many African leaders.
Let us not forget: Pres. Boakai has publicly praised and entrusted his Vice President with critical national responsibilities, a gesture of trust and power-sharing that is uncommon in the country political history.
So again, we ask: Who is this astute statesman?
Could it be the man ensuring that roads from Montserrado to Nimba and onward to the Southeast remain passable, even during country’s six-month rainy season?
Is it the man who attends high-level international engagements with a lean delegation and returns within days focused, efficient, and determined?
Could it be the leader finally implementing the long-ignored recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), and offering a national apology to victims of the civil conflict?
Is it the same man who ensured decent burials for two former presidents, William R. Tolbert and Samuel K. Doe, both brutally murdered and previously denied the dignity of a proper national farewell?
What’s even more remarkable is the cross-party support and admiration his administration has earned:
Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, now in the opposition, has pledged her willingness to work with Pres. Boakai for the country forward march.
Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, one of the country most seasoned political figures, offered a heartfelt public prayer for Pres. Boakai during the country 178th Independence Anniversary celebration.
Liberia’s iconic disciplinarian and public servant, Madam Mary Tanyenor Broh, expressed awe at how, for the first time in her memory, Liberians at home and abroad celebrated Independence Day with such pride and unity.
This wave of unity and optimism begs the question:
Who is this astute elderly statesman, this humble servant leader, guiding the country back to glory?
Under his watch, the country remains one of only two nations still under formal board consideration for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact. And now, for the second time, the country is advancing toward securing another MCC compact, placing it among the top contenders globally.
Pres. Boakai recently made headlines again by suspending a high-ranking party official accused of corruption, without salary or benefits, pending investigation; a bold step that reinforces his government’s zero-tolerance stance on graft.
So, we ask once more, with clarity and growing certainty: Who is this astute statesman?
The answer, echoing from the prophetic words of Archbishop Francis to the streets of Monrovia, and the halls of global diplomacy, may already be unfolding before our very eyes.
His name is Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
About the writer: Joe Noutoua Wandah is a Liberian media practitioner and contributor.
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