By: Julius Konton
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. delivered a powerful and emotional address on Saturday as the Unity Party (UP) held its Homecoming, Fundraising, and Headquarters Dedication Ceremony at its reclaimed compound in Oldest Congo Town, marking a symbolic triumph after years of political turbulence.
The event drew senior government officials, lawmakers across the political spectrum, UP Alliance members, diaspora representatives, and hundreds of supporters who packed the compound many calling the day “a full-circle moment” for the governing party.
“More Than a Building, A Testament to Resilience”
Addressing the gathering, President Boakai said the moment represented far more than the opening of a refurbished structure.
“Today, we gather not merely to dedicate and move into a building, but to celebrate a defining chapter in our journey,” the President said. “A chapter that speaks to resilience, unity, and the unwavering commitment of our loyal partisans.”
Boakai used his speech to reflect on the party’s painful 2021 eviction from the same headquarters, an event widely perceived as politically motivated.
According to him, critics believed the episode signaled “the end of the Unity Party.”
“They counted us out,” Boakai said. “They underestimated our resolve. They did not understand that no one can eliminate conviction, silence purpose, or destroy a movement sustained by the will of its members and the grace of God.”
The President described the return to the compound as “a biblical reversal.”
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” he declared.
Honoring Founding Icons and Fallen Heroes
In one of the most solemn segments of the ceremony, Boakai honored the founding visionaries of Liberia’s multiparty democracy figures he said must remain “immortalized” in the nation’s political history.
He paid tribute to Dr. Edward Binyah Kesselly, William Gabriel Kpolleh, Jackson Fiah Doe, and others whose courage helped birth Liberia’s contemporary political pluralism.
The President then turned to the more recent tragedy: the deaths of five supporters during the 2023 election campaign.
Three; Sulaiman Vanja, Mariama Koroma, and Peter were killed when a speeding vehicle rammed into joyous supporters at the party’s Broad Street headquarters on November 20, 2023.
Two others died during the massive “September 17 Rally,” one of the largest political gatherings in modern Liberian history.
“These five fallen heroes are not just names in our history,” Boakai said. “They are part of our story, our struggle, and our soul.”
The crowd observed a moment of silence in their honor.
Reclaiming the Compound: A Political Resurrection
Boakai highlighted the symbolic weight of returning to the compound from which the party was once ousted.
“The building we were forced to leave is now the most welcoming foundation of our future,” he said. “What was once taken away has now been restored not by chance, but by perseverance and unity.”
He praised UP Chairman Dr. Luther Tarpeh and former and current party officials for rebuilding the institution despite internal and external challenges.
He also applauded the National Headquarters Steering Committee, chaired by Senator Dabah Varpilah, for what he described as “tireless and historic work.”
Boakai Highlights Liberia’s Rising International Profile
Turning to national affairs, Boakai said Liberia’s global reputation was recovering significantly since his administration took office in January 2024.
Among the achievements he cited:
Liberia’s re-election to Category A of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council placing it among the world’s top maritime nations for the 2026–2027 term.
Liberia’s inauguration next month as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, a rare diplomatic milestone for the country.
A renewed sense of dignity for Liberians traveling abroad, with passports “regaining respect.”
Rising investor confidence and improving economic stability.
Greater national connectivity, with roads opening across the country and southeastern travel constraints easing.
“Liberia now sits with dignity among nations,” Boakai said. “Respect and reverence for Liberia are rapidly rising again.”
“Transformation Is Not an Event”
The President cautioned that while progress is visible, sustainable change demands discipline and collective sacrifice.
“A single battle victory does not amount to winning a war,” he said. “Transformation is not an event.”
He called on supporters to strengthen the party through “time, energy, and honestly earned resources,” emphasizing that the ARREST Agenda; Accountability, Reform, Recovery, Economic Stability, Service Delivery, and Transparency remains the administration’s guiding framework.
Boakai Reaches Across Party Lines
In a rare bipartisan gesture, Boakai publicly acknowledged opposition and independent lawmakers attending the ceremony, thanking them for “genuine national commitment.”
He extended an open invitation:
“To our colleagues across the aisle, hop on board and make the Unity Party your political home. We will welcome your expertise and work side-by-side with you.”
A Renewed Mission
The President concluded by thanking the Unity Party’s 23 Alliance member parties and the broader “Rescue Mission” coalition that brought him to power.
“Rest assured, we will not let you down,” he vowed.
As supporters chanted victory songs and fireworks lit the Monrovia sky, many said the day symbolized not just a party’s return, but a promise of national renewal.
