In a dimly lit room, faded posters of political leaders line the walls, remnants of a time when hope flickered brightly in the hearts of the young.
By Austin S. Fallah, contributing writer
Colorful images of protests, chants for freedom, and passionate speeches resonate with an echo of nostalgia.
The air is thick with memories of revolution, of those who have fought for political identity, rights, and freedom from oppression for all Liberians.
Yet, today, the vibrant spirit of the Liberian youth/young people appears dulled, overshadowed by the apathy that comes from years of manipulation and disenchantment.
Liberia’s urban centers throng with young people. They gather in groups, their chatter rising above the honking vehicles, the sizzle of street food, and the rhythmic beats of music from neighboring shops.
Some wear caps emblazoned with political party logos, while others sport t-shirts featuring portraits of leaders.
Yet, as one glance closer, it becomes apparent that many of these young people are merely puppets, strings pulled by figures who promise change but deliver only deception.
These so-called leaders, resembling headless snakes, slither through the political landscape, evacuating their followers of hope and direction, leaving them without a clear path toward genuine progress.
Liberia’s youth/young people seem trapped in a cycle of naive loyalty, attending rallies, waving flags, and chanting slogans without understanding the true essence of political engagement.
It starkly contrasts with the fervor observed in the 1970s and 1980s, when young Liberians were at the forefront of political activism, their minds aflame with ideas of nationalism, democracy, and social and economic justice.
Members of that generation marched for the right to speak freely, advocated for the poor, and sought a nation where every citizen, not just the political elites, could thrive.
Fast forward to recent gatherings of today’s youth/young people, where excitement and enthusiasm wane.
The once-electric air of potential activism has been siphoned off by the repetitive cycle of disillusionment.
After discussing the upcoming 2029 presidential and general elections at the Handz-On-Barbershop in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, a young man told me, “There are too many empty promises.” Another young man echoed his peers’ sentiments, “Why should we believe anything will change?”
This resignation is a summation of the repeated betrayals experienced over decades as young people witness leaders turn their backs on the principles they once championed.
For many young Liberians today, this reality is a stark reminder of the downfalls of leadership devoid of integrity and vision.
Present-day leaders, often self-proclaimed champions, navigate a political landscape rife with corruption and mismanagement.
They rise to power through populist rhetoric and promises of change, yet their intentions, shrouded in secrecy, become painfully apparent when they achieve their coveted positions.
Chicken-feed (politics) politicians treat the electorate as mere fodder for personal gain, with no thought for the future they are meant to guide.
The ghost town feels the emotional exhaustion trailing behind these promises.
The papers might be alive with bold headlines proclaiming that the latest political party has launched its campaign, but there’s an evident disconnect at the grassroots level.
Young people listlessly clap and shout but lack the spark of genuine belief.
They know well that these rallies have little weight in changing their reality, almost as if they have become spectators in a play devoid of substance.
Alternatives emerge in the following discussions.
Voices call for a different way forward.
Some propose, “What if we could create real change ourselves?”
Ideas flow about returning to grassroots movements, connecting with communities, and focusing on self-empowerment.
It is a craving for a way out, a longing to reclaim the autonomy that generations before them fought for so bravely.
The question arises: how did the change happen?
When did young people transition from active agents of political change to followers of ineffective leaders?
It is a question rooted in Liberia’s historical context, which has marked civil wars, economic turmoil, and a deterioration of trust in political institutions.
The catastrophic events shaped a generation haunted by trauma, robbing them of the energy required to stand and fight as their predecessors once did.
Instead, this new generation has inherited a political environment exhausted by corruption, where the concept of a principled leader feels like a distant fantasy.
Delving further into the past, one realizes that the youth movements of the late 20th century were not just movements. They were a clarion call for visionaries who could lead them with clear principles and moral clarity.
The students of the University of Liberia organized protests demanding freedom, social justice, and an equitable distribution of resources. They were fearless advocates who stood firm against prevailing narratives and were never willing to be silenced.
As a youth at that time, now a young man (Austin S.Fallah), I was allowed to serve as a guest speaker at an occasion held by Liberian Women United For Business at the Monrovia City Hall, spoke on the topic ” The Importance of the Liberian Woman in the Family.” In my discourse, I said, “We must rise and ensure this madness of abuse of women must stop and stop now!” A young woman in the crowd of over 500 jam-packed Monrovia City Hall shouted amidst her peers, “I agree with you,” her voice a balm for those seeking direction.
Her voice echoed the power of the youth and the importance of thought leadership, which is essential in creating alternative political landscapes.
I am calling on all of us to educate ourselves. What change do we want, and how can we achieve it without following those headless snakes?
My impassioned plea in this write-up/article must ignite a spark within all of us for a better tomorrow.
Instead of blind allegiance, we, the young people and the youth of our motherland, should be active participants, responsible, and accountable. The shift is palpable.
Young women and men must engage in vigorous discussions, exploring ways to leverage social media to build awareness about issues affecting our motherland, start local initiatives, and influence policy through civic engagement and demonstration that holds no iota of water for the nation.
The poetry of the young people’s words frames a vision grounded in creating inclusive spaces, empowering every young person, and amplifying underrepresented voices.
Reflecting on this, one understands that the headless snakes symbolize a more significant threat than political incompetence.
They represent a cycle of dependency that keeps generations shackled without guidance.
These figures bewitch the political landscape. A siren’s call lures the young into a perpetual loop of futility.
Liberian youths/young people must understand that they have the agency to break these chains.
They must learn that power lies not in naive loyalty but in discerning leadership evaluation.
As discussions should ripple through the crowd, that change is undeniable.
Some voices will begin to talk about holding leaders accountable, while others will focus on the importance of voter education.
The aim is not to unquestioningly endorse new leaders but to demand a set of principles and policies and the culture of malaise that has become the status quo.
An awakening begins when they seek to restore integrity and purpose in their political landscape.
The conclusion becomes clear: youth must avoid following the headless snakes of unschooled and ill-fitted political leadership but instead look towards their sages, ancestors, and each other for direction.
Authentic leadership can emerge within the nuances of logic, reason, and shared experiences.
By harnessing their potential, driven by the historical fervor and spirit of activism, they can transcend the repetitious failures of the past.
As the sun rises over Liberia’s landscape, illuminating the young people/youth’s faces filled with renewed hope, it signals a new beginning. Liberia’s landscape illuminates the youth’s faces.
The vibrant colors of awakening promise a genuine place where the leaders are not merely self-proclaimed but are genuinely committed to the cause of unity, empowerment, and progress.
The Liberian young people/youth stand poised, ready to reclaim their narrative, not as blind followers but as a collective force for change, armed with the history they must honor and a future they are determined to build.
No longer will they follow the “headless snakes.”
They will forge the political paths that lead to true prosperity.
The time has come for young/youthful Liberians to step forward, dispelling shadows of the past, seizing control of their destiny, and illuminating the way for generations to come.
