By Stephanie M. Duncan
What appears to be a visible reticence of Liberia’s opposition politicians and civil society organizations on critical national issues under the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has claimed the attention of Senator Edwin Snowe, who has questioned their limited public response to major issues of concerns, including the ongoing drug-related case.
Senator Snowe, speaking recently on Spoon FM, said the level of activism and public criticism from opposition politicians and civil society groups under the Boakai administration is significantly lower than what Liberia experienced during the administrations of former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah.
According to him, civil society organizations and opposition figures were previously more outspoken in challenging government decisions, criticizing public officials and demanding accountability on issues of national concern.
“Since I became to know myself in Liberia, the civil society in Liberia has never been as quiet as it is today,” Snowe said.
The Bomi County lawmaker challenged those who disagree with his assessment to prove otherwise, insisting that Liberia’s opposition community and civil society have never been as quiet as they are under the current administration.
Snowe particularly questioned what he described as the relative silence surrounding the ongoing drug case, suggesting that fear may be contributing to the reluctance of some opposition politicians and civil society actors to speak openly.
He argued that some individuals may now be cautious about expressing their views on sensitive national issues because they fear being dragged into controversies or facing consequences for their positions.
The senator’s comments come amid heightened public attention to the government’s handling of drug-related investigations and other issues involving public officials.
Snowe also addressed the controversy surrounding Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, clarifying that a recent social media post he made concerning the minister was not intended as a defense of her.
Rather, he said his position was based on the need to uphold the rule of law and the principle that allegations against individuals should be supported by credible evidence.
Snowe maintained that his intervention should not be interpreted as taking sides, but as a call for due process and fairness in dealing with allegations against public officials.
His remarks have added to the ongoing debate over the role of Liberia’s opposition and civil society in holding the government accountable, particularly as the Boakai administration faces scrutiny over several issues of national interest.
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