Pictures for Showmanship or Lobbying?

Following the official announcement in the run-off election by the National Election Commission  (NEC) declaring Amb Joseph N. Boakai and Jeremiah Koung as the winners, there have been lots of photos taken over social media of the President-elect, seen with several international partners and dignitaries. 

On his three-week trip, the Liberian leader met the  United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the head of the Millennial Challenge Compact (MCC), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) among others.

The pictures are brilliant, but political pundits wonder what Liberians stand to benefit from. Is it just a mere picture or is something bigger pending for Liberia? 

Over the last five and half years, citizens have seen beautiful pictures of their government officials especially cabinet members at foreign meetings. Still, the country could benefit nothing from those pictures. 

President George M. Weah was seen in a selfie with United States President Joseph R. Biden at the United Nations General Assembly in New Year, he was also seen with the former controversial president Donald Trump at the General Assembly on the same New Year. These moves were seen as an achievement for the ruling establishment but the impact was not felt. 

Due to the above, several political pundits believe the pictures are only meant for "showmanship" and "social media purposes" as was demonstrated by outgoing President Weah.

Despite these, Liberians are watching and hoping that the Boakai-Koung government will not imitate the spirit of showmanship as seen among the cabinet of the Weah’s administration. Many are hopeful to see change. To see Amb. Boakai leading his cabinet to lobby for the betterment of his government and Mama Liberia and not just taking pictures for social media purposes of showmanship.