“Our country is bleeding” Cummings Blasts Weah Government in Scathing July 26 Address

MONROVIA – Opposition leader Alexander Benedict Cummings has criticized the Weah administration for “rampant corruption”, poor leadership, and its failure to improve on the gains made by the previous government.

In his landmark July 26 Independence Day message, Cummings expressed deep concerns about the current state of the country and its various systems, including education, healthcare, and justice, saying under President George Weah, Liberians are in dire strait.

“The educational system is a shameful mess; the health system is a disgrace; and the justice system is a joke. We cannot even trust the government to fairly investigate and impartially interpret our laws,” he said.

“Under President Weah, our country has become increasingly lawless. Lawlessness is a serious threat to democracy, and a risk to any nation’s stability and security. Our peace is shaky. Too many Liberians are living in fear; too many are jobless, and too many are without employable skills. Things are bad and getting worse.”

Continuing, he said: “Homes are breaking down; families are falling apart; children are forced to become breadwinners as drugs and crimes take over our streets and communities. Women and girls continue to struggle for protection from crimes such as rape, and inclusion in national decision-making. Our nation is struggling with political insecurity and economic fragility. We are in serious trouble, my people.”

Cummings highlighted the prevalence of lawlessness and its threat to democracy and national stability. He also pointed out the economic challenges faced by Liberia, mentioning that the country’s economy had taken a nosedive due to misguided policies and lack of proper fiscal management. He asserted that Liberia was overly reliant on international financial institutions for economic support.

The lack of trust in the government by foreign investors, according to Cummings, has left the Liberian economy in peril. He accused the government of being corrupt, wasteful, divisive, and irresponsible, leading to a decline in Liberia’s reputation as a suitable destination for investment.

Cummings further argued that Liberia, despite its rich history and contributions to other nations’ independence, was currently ranked among the poorest and most corrupt nations on earth. He blamed the Weah administration for exacerbating existing issues, including corruption.

“International financial institutions are keeping us on economic life-support. All across the country, and in every political party, Liberians are suffering. Serious international investors are not finding our country to be a suitable destination for investments under President Weah. The government is corrupt, wasteful, divisive, irresponsible, and cannot be trusted to obey its own laws. Even worse, the Weah administration does not know what it is doing, and cannot inspire a reset of the nation’s compass so we find our way to a bright and united future. Under President Weah, our country is adrift. We have lost our way.”

In his address delivered at the headquarters of the Collaborating Political Parties on Tuesday, Cummings stated that he is running for President again to bring about positive change, address corruption, and create an inclusive and prosperous Liberia.

“I am running for President to change these things. I am running to stop the mismanagement of our country. I am running to change the selfish, greedy, corrupt, and exclusionary mindset that continues to keep us poor, our government corrupt, and our people divided. All Liberians own Liberia. All Liberians deserve to benefit from the riches of Liberia. I promise you that this mindset will be the guidepost for all public policies and actions of the Cummings-led government.”

Continuing, he said: “Our country is bleeding. Liberians are suffering. This is why, it is not enough that we only change parties in October. We must elect the right leadership to inspire a change in mindset, if we are serious to lift Liberians from poverty.  We must make Liberia a better place for all Liberians. With faith in God and the support of you, the Liberian people, we will fix our country. We will change Liberia.“