By: Julius Konton
Former Liberian President George Manneh Weah has issued a renewed call for peace, tolerance, and national unity, warning that political hostility and social division threaten the fragile stability Liberia has worked for more than two decades to rebuild.
Speaking at the Forkay Klon Jlaleh Family Fellowship Center, Weah urged Liberians across political, ethnic, and religious lines to prioritize peace above personal ambition and partisan rivalry.
“Let us avoid anything that will destroy our country,” Weah told the gathering.
“It does not matter who wants to be what. All we need is peace and prosperity”, he re-emphasized.
Liberia, Africa’s first republic, is still emerging from the long shadow of its 14-year civil conflict (1989–2003), which claimed an estimated 250,000 lives and displaced nearly one-third of the population.
Since the end of the war, the country has held multiple democratic elections and maintained relative stability, an achievement often described by analysts as fragile but significant.
Peace as the Foundation for Development
Weah, who served as president from 2018 to 2024, emphasized that peace is the bedrock upon which development, leadership renewal, and national reconciliation must rest.
“We need peace in order for future leaders to grow,” he said. “We need peace in order to build our country.”
Despite modest economic recovery since the war, Liberia continues to face major challenges.
According to World Bank estimates, more than 50 percent of Liberians live below the poverty line, while youth unemployment remains alarmingly high.
Political tensions, analysts warn, risk undermining investor confidence and social cohesion in a nation still rebuilding its institutions.
A Personal Testimony of Resilience
Drawing on his personal journey, Weah reflected on adversity both on and off the football field.
Widely regarded as Africa’s greatest footballer, Weah recalled a career-threatening injury during his professional playing days in Europe.
“They said I broke my leg and would never play again,” he recounted. “But I told the child who was crying, ‘They are not God.’ I recovered and went on to win many accolades.”
Weah went on to become the only African to win the FIFA World Player of the Year, before later transitioning into politics, a journey that symbolized hope for many Liberians from impoverished backgrounds.
“I have faced challenges and tests of time,” he said. “That is why I cannot be easily broken or demotivated.”
Warning Against Political Extremism
In a pointed message to supporters and critics alike, Weah cautioned against political fanaticism, insults, and personal attacks, which he said only deepen divisions and weaken democratic discourse.
“Some people swore their lives on my name,” he said. “Others did the same and they died. Be positive. Be objective. Hold conversations.”
He stressed that democracy thrives on persuasion and dialogue, not hostility.
“Fighting and insults will not help the process,” he added. “That is not the best way forward for our country.”
Political analysts note that Liberia, like many post-conflict societies, remains vulnerable to polarized politics, particularly during transitions of power.
While the country has avoided large-scale violence since 2003, sporadic unrest and inflammatory rhetoric remain persistent risks.
Faith, Forgiveness, and National Identity
Invoking biblical teachings, Weah likened Liberia’s political tensions to moments in scripture where patience and explanation prevailed over retaliation.
“Every time Jesus was attacked, He took His time to explain,” he said.
Weah also highlighted Liberia’s deeply interconnected social fabric, noting his own family ties across multiple counties.
“I have uncles from Lofa, aunties, sisters, relatives from everywhere,” he said. “We are one family in a small country.”
His message concluded with a plea for unity over division.
“Let us not allow politics to divide us,” Weah urged. “We are one people.”
A Broader National Moment
Weah’s remarks come at a critical moment as Liberia seeks to consolidate democratic gains, attract investment, and strengthen national reconciliation.
With a population of just over 5 million, the stakes remain high in a nation where political instability has historically carried devastating consequences.
As Liberia charts its future, voices calling for restraint, dialogue, and peace especially from former leaders may play a crucial role in shaping the country’s next chapter.
