Executive Mansion replaces neutral youth advisor with aggressive party operative, sparking independence row
- Michael T
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
MONROVIA – President Joseph Boakai appointed a prominent ruling party zealot to the National Youth Advisory Council on Tuesday, a move critics say politicizes a non-partisan oversight body following the resignation of a member who championed neutrality.
The Executive Mansion announced the immediate appointment of Mariama Tuzee Toure to replace Alphia Faith Kemokai, citing a mandate for "inclusive youth representation."
However, the choice has drawn sharp rebuke due to Toure’s history as a combative operative for the ruling Unity Party (UP). Toure is a vocal party loyalist who has frequently used social media to target opposition actors and enforce party narratives—a track record critics argue makes her unsuitable for a council designed to bridge political divides.
"PERSONAL REASONS" VS. PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY
The reshuffle follows the contentious exit of Kemokai. While the Executive Mansion’s official statement cited "personal reasons" for her resignation, Kemokai disputed that narrative in a subsequent public address. In a statement widely interpreted as a rebuttal to the government, Kemokai emphasized she stepped down to protect her "professional integrity" and "values." She explicitly noted she is "not a member of any political party" and warned that effective leadership requires "collaboration across diverse political contexts."
PATRONAGE FEARS
The replacement of an apolitical advisor with a documented party hardliner has stoked concerns that the Boakai administration is prioritizing patronage over policy. “The National Youth Advisory Council was designed to be a buffer against polarization, not an extension of the party’s youth wing," said an "Independent" who declined to be named. "Appointing a figure known for online harassment of the opposition transforms a state advisory role into a reward for political warfare."
Liberia has a history of political parties utilizing youth wings for mobilization rather than policy development. Critics warn that installing a staunch partisan like Toure risks alienating youth affiliated with the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Alternative National Congress (ANC), and Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) among others— turning the national advisory body into a partisan echo chamber.
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