Boakai’s Party Box—How Presidential Handlers Are Failing Liberia

President Joseph Boakai

President Joseph Boakai’s response to the July 17 protest reveals a troubling reality about those managing him and the trivialities of information made available to him. This makes him more of a leader cocooned in a “Party Box,” shielded from the urgent realities facing his nation, and pushed to engage with superficial controversies while Liberia’s deeper issues continue to persist[1][2][3].

Boakai’s reaction—“I see protesters on their placards saying, ‘Boakai can’t lie’. But let me tell them that they can lie and we are moving this country forward”—betrays not only an unwillingness to address substantive grievances, but also a reckless disregard for genuine citizen participation in democracy[4]. In choosing to belittle these expressions of public concern, Boakai’s handlers are undermining both his credibility and Liberia’s prospects for effective governance[1][5].

As a result, Liberians are left with a president who appears disengaged from their lived realities, retreating behind rehearsed lines and carefully choreographed party statements[1][5]. Rather than empowering Boakai to lead with vision and sincerity, his advisers have trapped him in a cycle of image management and political evasiveness, prioritizing party interests over the national good[5][6].

President Boakai must recognize that his legacy is now being shaped not by his authenticity or vision, but by the short-sighted strategies of those managing his every move[5]. For the Liberian presidency to regain public trust and credibly address the nation’s challenges, Boakai must break free from the party box, demand honest counsel from his advisers, and prioritize substance over spin[1][5][6].

Let the president step forward and tackle the weightier matters of national concern, rather than permitting a costly performance directed by handlers whose interests are anything but national. Liberia deserves nothing less.

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Additional Sources

[1] Boakai downplays protesting crowd. - The New Dawn Liberia https://thenewdawnliberia.com/boakai-downplays-protesting-crowd/

[2] Hundreds rally against government corruption in Liberia | International https://www.bssnews.net/international/293333

[3] Hundreds rally against government corruption in Liberia https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/17/07/2025/hundreds-rally-against-government-corruption-in-liberia

[4] President Boakai Responds to Protesters: “They Can Lie, We're ... https://knewsonline.com/president-boakai-responds-to-protesters-they-can-lie-were-moving-forward

[5] Liberia: Why Are President Boakai Allies Turning on Him? https://allafrica.com/stories/202412230429.html

[6] CSO, PAC Slam Boakai Over Shielding Corruption - Verity News https://verityonlinenews.com/cso-pac-slam-boakai-over-shielding-corruption/

[7] Liberia: July 17 Protest Leaders Demand Boakai or Koung Receive ... https://allafrica.com/stories/202507180062.html

[8] Liberia: After Boakai Snubs Protesters' Petition, Organizers Issue 14 ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-after-boakai-snubs-protesters-petition-organizers-issue-14-day-ultimatum-promise-to-return/

[9] Hundreds rally against government corruption in Liberia https://www.modernghana.com/news/1417728/hundreds-rally-against-government-corruption-in.html

[10] Liberia: Stand Declares July 17 'Day of the People,' Plans Nationwide Protest to Demand Urgent Reforms https://allafrica.com/stories/202504220192.html

[11] BOAKAI’S ANTI-CORRUPTION STANCE TRIGGERS DOUBTS AMID MOUNTING CRITICISM - Smart News Liberia https://smartnewsliberia.com/boakais-anti-corruption-stance-triggers-doubts-amid-mounting-criticism/

[12] Liberia: Stand Chair Mulbah Morlu Mobilizes for July 17 Protest Against Boakai Government https://allafrica.com/stories/202506090309.html

[13] Liberia: “Generator Eating More Than Us” – Protesters ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/breaking-news/liberia-generator-eating-more-than-us-protesters-decry-hardship-accuse-boakai-government-of-wasteful-spending/

[14] SUP DISTANCES ITSELF FROM JULY 17 PROTEST, SLAMS ... https://smartnewsliberia.com/sup-distances-itself-from-july-17-protest-slams-boakai-government-for-corruption-and-neglect/

[15] Liberians divided over July 17 protest despite economic ... https://liberianinvestigator.com/update/july-17-protest-liberia-hardship/

[16] CENTAL criticizes Boakai’s speech - Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news https://thenewdawnliberia.com/cental-criticizes-boakais-speech/

[17] Liberia: STAND Sets July 17 as “Day of the People” for Nationwide Protest Against Boakai Administration - FrontPageAfrica https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-stand-sets-july-17-as-day-of-the-people-for-nationwide-protest-against-boakai-administration/

[18] Liberia: NCSCL Distances Itself from July 17 Protest, Calls ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-ncscl-distances-itself-from-july-17-protest-calls-for-peace-and-police-restraint/

[19] Liberia: President Boakai's 2nd Annual Message Faces Harsh ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-president-boakais-2nd-annual-message-faces-harsh-criticism-from-allies-analysts-and-opposition/

[20] “Boakai Dah Rogue!” Protesters Blast President in Fiery Uprising https://liberianinvestigator.com/news/boakai-dah-rogue-protesters-blast-president-in-fiery-uprising/