Liberia: Political Parties Differ With Pres. Sirleaf Over Turning Vision 2030 to Youth & Civil Society for Implementation

Liberian Political parties have differed with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf over the submission of the Gbarnga Declaration to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and youth groups for onward implementation.

Minutes following the unanimous adoption of the Gbarnga Declaration by delegates on the night of day two (Tuesday, December 11, 2012) of the just ended National Vision 2030 conference, President Sirleaf charged CSOs and youth groups with the responsibility of implementing the document with support from and in close collaboration with the Government of Liberia (GOL).

But making remarks on behalf of Liberian political parties during a ceremony marking the close of the conference, Madam Nuwuo Scott frowned on President Sirleaf for “giving a political document to none-political institutions for implementation.”

Madam Scott described the act by the Liberian leader action as a complete disrespect to political parties who are in her words national stabilizers and political implementers.

Calling on President Sirleaf to reconsider her decision to give Vision 2030 to CSOs and youth groups and to rather present it to local political parties for implementation, Madam Scott noted that the Liberian Chief Executive was in error when she unilaterally resolved to such a decision which was acted upon.

However, Madam Scott told the audience that the political parties will collectively work with the government to ensure that National Vision 2030 becomes a success story.

In response, President Sirleaf reiterated that CSOs and youth groups will be the drivers behind the successful implementation of the Gbarnga Declaration.

The Liberian leader urged political establishments here to full support the Vision, as it is aimed at improving the living standard of every citizen and not one group of people.