As Liberia marks 178 years of independence, Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Political Leader and Standard Bearer of the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), delivered a message urging national unity, democratic accountability, and a renewed commitment to the ideals of Liberia’s founding fathers. His address came as part of the party’s official Independence Day statement, reflecting on the country’s past, current struggles, and the path forward.
Kemayah extended warm greetings to Liberians both at home and in the diaspora, emphasizing that Independence Day is not only a celebration of national sovereignty but a solemn moment for reflection. He called on citizens to honor the bravery and sacrifices of the country’s founders who, through courage and resilience, fought for Liberia’s independence and the human rights it promised.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember our forebearers who defied the odds to pave the way for the liberties we should have been enjoying today,” Kemayah said. “Their determination is a reminder that peace, unity, justice, and national pride must remain central to our identity—even as Liberia faces extraordinary trials.”
The MOVEE leader lamented the current political and economic conditions in the country, which he said have fallen short of the vision laid out in the 1847 Declaration of Independence. He stressed that genuine reconciliation, justice, and equal opportunities for all citizens are essential to national progress.
Addressing the theme of this year’s Independence Day—“One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past, Building the Future”—Kemayah called it a timely and powerful appeal. He urged Liberians to reject division, intolerance, and political persecution, and instead embrace unity, political tolerance, transparency, and rule of law.
“This day must embolden us to choose reconciliation over resentment, justice over selective prosecution, and freedom over suppression,” he stated. “Our collective destiny lies in building a country where everyone, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic background, can thrive equally.”
Kemayah also criticized what he described as increasing instances of political witch-hunting and persecution, which he said run counter to the democratic principles on which Liberia was founded. He called on the current government to genuinely uphold the rule of law and to protect citizens’ rights without bias or discrimination.
To the members of MOVEE, Kemayah expressed heartfelt appreciation for their continued trust and support. He thanked party executives, partisans, and supporters, as well as his wife Rev. Mrs. Dialokai Golanyon-Kemayah and his family, for their unwavering encouragement.
“I am deeply honored by the confidence you have placed in me,” Kemayah said. “Let us continue to work together in advancing the progress our party has made and shaping Liberia’s political landscape for the better.”
As Liberia faces multiple socio-economic and political challenges, Kemayah called for the Independence Day celebration to go beyond festivities. He encouraged all Liberians to reflect deeply on the nation’s current direction and to recommit to shared values and purpose.
“Despite this period of adversity, let us celebrate with renewed courage and hope to redeem our country for a better future,” he concluded. “Let this day be a time for sober reflection on how far we’ve come, where we are, and how far we’re willing to go—together, as one nation, indivisible.” Happy 178th Independence Day, Liberia.
