Monrovia – The Alternative National Congress (ANC) has called on the Unity Party–led government to demonstrate compassionate, accountable, and people-centered leadership following recent demolition exercises carried out by the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), which left hundreds of citizens displaced.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the ANC said while it recognizes the importance of improving the welfare, accommodation, and working conditions of Liberia’s men and women in uniform, such efforts must not come at the expense of the dignity, safety, and livelihoods of ordinary Liberians.
The opposition party described the recent demolitions in the 72nd Community as yet another example of poor planning, weak coordination, and a troubling lack of empathy in governance. According to the ANC, the exercise left women, children, the elderly, and business owners homeless, traumatized, and uncertain about their future.
“Regrettably, the Unity Party–led government has so far shown little compassion, urgency, or leadership in addressing the humanitarian consequences of its actions,” the statement noted.
The ANC warned that governance must not be reduced to the mere exercise of power without responsibility, stressing that development which displaces citizens without adequate consultation, compensation, or resettlement does not constitute progress but reflects a failure of leadership.
The party strongly condemned any action that renders Liberians homeless under the guise of development or national security and called on the government to immediately prioritize the relocation, compensation, and welfare of all affected residents.
It further urged authorities to ensure that no future demolitions are undertaken without comprehensive resettlement plans, meaningful community engagement, and enforceable social safeguards.
“A responsible government plans before it acts and protects its people—especially the most vulnerable—from avoidable suffering,” the ANC said.
The statement emphasized that true leadership is measured not by force or authority, but by compassion, foresight, and respect for human dignity. The party also called for transparent, inclusive, and consultative decision-making, urging the government to engage community leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders before implementing actions that directly affect citizens’ lives.
“At this critical moment, Liberia needs leadership that rescues its people rather than reduces them to beggars—leadership that builds homes instead of destroying lives,” the ANC said, warning that no Liberian should be made homeless by their own government.
