29/12/2024
“Let us walk forward, not as victims of circumstance, but as authors of our own destiny”
Rep. Musa Hassan Bility write
LETTER FROM SACLEPEA
Sunday, December 29nd Edition
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the trials, lessons, and triumphs of 2024. This has been a year that tested my resilience and shook the very foundation of our democracy. The air of Saclepea ffers the stillness I need to put these reflections into perspective.
This year marked my first as a member of the House of Representatives, an experience that felt like stepping into a storm. I encountered unchecked ambition, betrayal, and political intrigue—forces that sought to undermine the principles of governance. Yet, through it all, I have realized that standing on principle and summoning the courage to resist are among our most vital tools in preserving our democratic ideals.
The January 15 elections revealed the cracks in our system. Trust was scarce, and betrayal ran rampant. As the months unfolded, it became clear how fragile our institutions are. Threats of expulsion, withheld benefits, and intimidation became the tools of consolidation. The legislature—both the House and the Senate—has effectively become an extension of the executive, eroding the checks and balances that underpin our democracy.
This concentration of power has left Liberia teetering dangerously close to a one-party, one-government, one-branch system. The separation of powers that once served as the backbone of our governance is barely recognizable. This is a troubling and dangerous time, not just for the legislature but for the nation as a whole.
Perhaps the most disheartening moment of the year was the failure of the Supreme Court to live up to its sacred duty. For a nation like ours, with its long struggle for fairness and justice, the Court has always represented hope. It was the place where the injured could turn for redress, where the Constitution could be safeguarded, and where the definition of what it means to be Liberian could be reaffirmed.
But this year, the Court faltered. It allowed itself to be consumed by political influence, failing to provide clarity or fairness at a time when the nation needed it most. This failure was not just disappointing—it was frightening. When the Court cannot be trusted to protect the Constitution, where else can the people turn? This is not simply a failure of leadership; it is a collapse of one of the pillars of democracy.
At this crossroads, I believe the international community has a crucial role to play. Liberia’s challenges are not isolated—they have regional and global implications. History has shown that whenever our democracy falters, the international community steps in to help us rebuild. It is my hope that they will intervene now, before the damage becomes irreparable.
Even in these challenging times, I refuse to lose hope. This year, I made the conscious decision to stand firm—not for individuals or alliances, but for the rule of law. There were moments when defeat felt inevitable, when the forces aligned against us seemed insurmountable. But in those moments, I drew strength from a powerful thought: “When faced with death—in this case, a political death—the answer is, NOT TODAY.” It is this defiance that has carried me through and will continue to guide me forward.
Sitting here in Saclepea , I am reminded that every challenge carries within it the possibility of renewal. Growth often comes through adversity, and it is in the hardest moments that we find the strength to rise. Liberia’s story is not one of despair—it is a story of a resilient people who endure, who hold onto hope even when the odds are stacked against them.
This year has exposed the depths of ambition and the fragility of our institutions, but it has also reaffirmed my belief in the strength of the human spirit. Liberia is capable of greatness, but only if we have the courage to rebuild what has been broken. Our future will not be defined by the failures of our institutions, but by the determination of its people to create a nation where justice, accountability, and integrity prevail.
As we move into a new year, we must carry the lessons of 2024 not as burdens, but as the foundation for something greater. Each step forward is a chance to write a new chapter for Liberia, one defined by hope, progress, and unwavering resolve. The struggles of today are not the end; they are the beginning of transformation.
And so, from Saclepea , I leave you with this thought: the future belongs to those who refuse to surrender to despair. Let us walk forward, not as victims of circumstance, but as authors of our own destiny. Together, we can leave behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and boundless hope for generations to come.
