Intro
In the realm of African politics, few leaders have left an indelible mark as enduring as that of Thomas Sankara, the former president of Burkina Faso. Often referred to as the “Che Guevara of Africa,” Sankara’s brief presidency from 1983 to 1987 exemplified a commitment to self-reliance, anti-corruption, and social justice. His vision of African sovereignty, driven by the pursuit of economic self-sufficiency and the prioritization of health, education, and gender equality, continues to resonate across the continent. As Liberia grapples with its economic struggles and political challenges, particularly in the face of mounting public disillusionment with the current administration, it is crucial to draw lessons from Sankara’s legacy and other African nations that have successfully implemented progressive reforms. Sir-George S. Tengbeh, a prominent labor expert and governance researcher, has frequently emphasized the need for ethical leadership and policy-driven governance in Liberia. In one of his articles, Tengbeh argues, “The integrity of leadership is the cornerstone of national development. Without transparency and accountability, no amount of foreign aid or economic reform can pull Liberia out of its current quagmire.” His analysis of Liberia’s economic struggles is particularly relevant today, as the country faces soaring unemployment, rising inflation, and widespread public dissatisfaction. Drawing on case studies from Botswana, Burkina Faso, and other African countries, this article explores how Liberia can chart a path toward sustainable development by embracing the principles of ethical governance and economic reform, much like Sankara did during his tenure.
Should African Leaders Consider Thomas Sankara‘sModel as A Blueprint for African Sovereignty?
Many African scholars on economic development have considered the case studies of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Gadaffi,and Thomas Sankara as the best pattern of sustainable development and freedom for Africa. For this part, I have considered the leadership skill of Burkina Faso Thomas Sankara because it was characterized by a radical departure from the dependency on foreign aid that plagued many African nations. He believed that Africa’s future lay in self-reliance, arguing that aid often served as a tool of neocolonialism, perpetuating economic dependency and undermining national sovereignty. Sankara famously said, “He who feeds you controls you,” a statement that reflects his unwavering belief in the need for Africa to control its resources and destiny. Under his leadership, Burkina Faso implemented sweeping reforms aimed at achieving food security, improving public health, and promoting gender equality. His government launched a mass vaccination campaign that eradicated diseases like polio and measles, built schools, and encouraged the planting of millions of trees to combat desertification. Sankara also took bold steps to reduce government corruption and waste, cutting the salaries of government officials, including his own, and redirecting those funds toward public services. One of the most remarkable aspects of Sankara’s leadership was his commitment to gender equality. He appointed women to key government positions, outlawed female genital mutilation, and encouraged women to join the workforce and military. His progressive stance on women’s rights was revolutionary at the time, setting a precedent for other African nations to follow.
The Liberian Struggle and the Reflection on A Crisis of Governance
Liberia, on the other hand, has struggled to replicate such progressive reforms. Many cases of bad governance after decades of civil conflict, coupled with entrenched corruption and mismanagement, have left the country’s economy in shambles. Public sector wages remain stagnant, inflation is rampant, and unemployment rates are at an all-time high. Despite promises of reform, the current administration has failed to address these issues effectively, leading to widespread frustration among the populace. Sir-George S. Tengbeh’s analysis of Liberia’s economic situation highlights the country’s over-reliance on foreign aid and its failure to implement sustainable economic policies. In a recent article, he noted, “Liberia’s economy cannot thrive as long as we continue to depend on external funding without addressing the root causes of our economic woes corruption, poor governance, and the lack of investment in critical sectors like agriculture and education.” Tengbeh’s call for a shift toward self-reliance echoes the principles that guided Sankara’s leadership in Burkina Faso.
One of the key challenges facing Liberia today is the issue of wage harmonization. The current government’s failure to increase public sector wages, despite campaign promises, has led to widespread disillusionment among civil servants. The previous administration’s wage harmonization policy, implemented under the guidance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was aimed at reducing salary disparities and creating a more equitable pay structure for government employees. However, the policy was met with criticism, particularly from opposition parties, who promised to reverse it once in power. In his critique of the current administration, former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, who played a key role in the wage harmonization policy, argued that the government’s decision to freeze salary increments was necessary to create fiscal space for critical investments in health, education, and infrastructure. Tweah’s stance aligns with the IMF’s recommendations, which emphasize the need for fiscal discipline and the reduction of recurrent expenditures. As Liberia continues to face significant fiscal challenges, the question remains: Should the government adhere to the IMF’s advice and further reduce public sector wages, or should it prioritize salary increases to alleviate public discontent?
Learning from African Success Stories (Rwanda and Botswana)
While Liberia continues to grapple with its economic challenges, other African nations have successfully implemented reforms that have transformed their economies. Rwanda, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, has become a model of economic recovery and good governance. After the devastating genocide in 1994, Rwanda’s government prioritized national unity, transparency, and economic reform. Kagame’s administration invested heavily in infrastructure, education, and technology, transforming Rwanda into one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. Botswana is another African success story. Known for its stable democracy and prudent economic management, Botswana has consistently ranked as one of the least corrupt countries in Africa. The country’s diamond industry managed transparently through government partnerships with private enterprises, has driven economic growth and reduced poverty levels significantly. Botswana’s leadership has demonstrated that ethical governance, combined with sound economic policies, can lead to sustainable development. Liberia can draw valuable lessons from both Rwanda and Botswana. Like Sankara’s Burkina Faso, these countries have prioritized self-reliance, good governance, and investment in critical sectors. By adopting similar policies, Liberia can begin to address its economic challenges and build a more prosperous future for its citizens.
Can Ethical Leadership and Sustainable Reform be the way forward?
As Liberia looks to the future, its leaders must embrace the principles of ethical governance and sustainable economic reform. Sir-George S. Tengbeh’s advocacy for transparency and accountability in government is a crucial starting point. In his writings, Tengbeh emphasizes the need for leaders to act in the interest of the people, rather than pursuing personal gain. “Our leaders must be held accountable for their actions,” he argues. “If we are to build a prosperous Liberia, we need leaders who are committed to the welfare of the people, not their own pockets.” Tengbeh’s call for accountability is particularly relevant in the context of Liberia’s ongoing economic struggles. The country’s over-reliance on foreign aid, coupled with rampant corruption and mismanagement, has hindered its ability to achieve sustainable development. As Sankara demonstrated in Burkina Faso, self-reliance and ethical leadership are essential to building a strong and prosperous nation. The current administration must also take steps to address the issue of wage disparities in the public sector. While the IMF’s recommendations to maintain wage stability are necessary for fiscal discipline, the government must also find ways to address the grievances of civil servants who feel left behind. This could involve targeted wage increases for low-income workers, coupled with a continued commitment to reducing salary disparities across the public sector.
Against all odds that we cannot keep doing the same thing and yielding different results, it is important to consider the lessons from Thomas Sankara’s Burkina Faso, as well as from African success stories like Rwanda and Botswana as they provide a blueprint for the country’s path forward. Ethical leadership, self-reliance, and investment in critical sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure are essential to building a prosperous future for Liberia. As Sir-George S. Tengbeh aptly stated, “Liberia’s future depends on the choices we make today. If we choose transparency, accountability, and good governance, we can overcome our challenges and build a nation that is truly for the people.”Liberia’s leaders must heed this call and take bold steps to reform the country’s economy, reduce wage disparities, and create a government that is accountable to the people. Only then can Liberia begin to realize its full potential and achieve the vision of a prosperous, self-reliant nation.
About the author:
Sir-George S Tengbeh is a Researcher and expert on public sector management, Labour Economics & Policy, Governance, and Water Resource Management. He is the founder of the Liberia Labour and Governance Alliance (LILGA), a non-political CSO mainstreaming bad labor practices and advocating for good governance.
