Transforming Liberia Begins in Nimba County: A Call for Sovereign Rebirth
By: Rev. Torli H. Krua, contributing writer
Liberia stands at a pivotal crossroads. For over two centuries, systemic corruption, covert American colonization, and a governance structure favoring politicians over citizens have held the nation back. Renowned human rights lawyer and presidential candidate Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe recently warned of threats to Liberia’s “democratic integrity,” but the deeper truth remains: Liberia has never been a true democracy.
The country doesn’t need surface-level reforms—it demands a complete rebirth of sovereignty, as enshrined in Article 1 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution: “All power is inherent in the people…they have the right to alter and reform the same when their safety and happiness so require.”
A System Built on Corruption and Exclusion
Liberia’s governance flaws run deeper than individual leaders—they’re baked into the system’s design. Established by American slave masters under President James Monroe, Liberia was created to maintain control, not serve its people. A privileged elite with dual citizenship has exploited this system for 200 years, leaving ordinary Liberians impoverished and disenfranchised.
With exorbitant candidate fees ($2,500), minimum bank balances ($10,000), and insurance bonds ($100,000), the electoral system actively discourages participation while rewarding corruption. This isn’t a system that can be fixed—it needs complete replacement.
The Sovereign Right of the Liberian People
The Constitution makes clear: power belongs to the people. Through a Sovereign Citizens’ Convention, Liberians could dismantle the current system and build a government truly serving their interests. The Free Liberia Movement has already established a database for citizens ready to take control.
This isn’t reform—it’s revolution. Imagine a Liberia with:
- Participatory democracy with real accountability
- Equal opportunities for all citizens
- U.S. citizenship rights for every Liberian, not just elites
- People-determined salaries and policies
The current visa system exemplifies the inequality—while top politicians enjoy visa-free U.S. access, ordinary Liberians pay millions in fees. This injustice sparked the landmark Krua v. Mayorkas lawsuit demanding refunds and visa waivers for all Liberians.
The Urgency of Now
Nimba County—and all Liberia—can’t wait until 2029. The corruption machine started by Monroe must be stopped now. That’s why I, Rev. Torli H. Krua, challenge Cllr. Gongloe to a national debate on sovereignty and constitutional reform in Ganta, Nimba County.
After the debate, we’ll conduct a national poll: Continue with 200 years of failure, or claim our sovereign right to build a new Liberia? The choice belongs to the people—and the time to choose is now.
Reverend Torli H. Krua is the founder of the Free Liberia Movement.
This article summarizes an original report. Read the full article at FrontPageAfrica.