The West African country of Liberia will go to the polls this month to vote in a run-off presidential election that pits supporters of a high school dropout soccer millionaire against those of a Harvard-educated economist. The runoff will determine who leads the nation out of poverty and misery after a 14-year war.
Ben Diogaye Beye, an internationally acclaimed filmmaker from Senegal, spoke briefly about Liberia and its future when he visited Winston-Salem State University last month as part of an ongoing lecture series sponsored by the Office of International Programs.
Beye’s country, as well as other West African states, have experienced destabilization because of the situation in Liberia, a country founded by free America slaves.
Beye said supporters of footballer George Weah are overwhelmingly young and most have only known war in their lifetimes. He added that these youth, many of whom are ex-combatants, do not trust politicians, which is why it’s understandable that they back a sports hero.
“The people have a lack of faith in the politicians, because they feel as soon as they get in office, they will not follow through on their promises,” Beye said. “Young people have stopped believing politicians altogether.”
Weah’s opponent is Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a former top banker and UN official. If elected, she would become Africa’s first woman president.
Minister Seth Larty, senior pastor of Goler Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, is a native of Liberia who has lived in the city since 1983.
Larty has closely watched the election proceedings from afar, but was not able to vote in the first elections on Oct. 14. The turmoil and violence that has marred the country has taken a devastating toll on the country, he said.
“Destruction of the institutions, the culture, and development of systems of Liberia is a crucial reminder that in order for a country to exist you must first have true equality, an enlightened people and the willingness to ensure that the economic benefits of the country are truly enjoyed by the majority of its citizens,” said Larety, who added that members of his own family in Liberia have been killed during the violence there.
Deep divisions exist in Liberia between indigenous Africans like Weah and the descendents of American freed slaves who dominated power since independence in the 19th century. Both Weah and Sirleaf-Johnson, whose maternal grandfather was German, have pledged that if elected they will work toward reconciliation in the country.
In the meantime, Larty said he will continue to support efforts to assist the war-torn country rebuild itself.
Note: See related story on Ben Diogaye Beye on Page 7.