–Pres. Boakai Says To Muslims
President Joseph N. Boakia has told the Muslim community that all hands should come on deck for good governance and development promotion.
“There were times in this country that people thought Mandingo was Muslim, and Muslims were Mandingo,” the President said. “They did not understand that religion includes everybody.”
During the meeting with the Muslim community at the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, Muslims paneled two groups, elders and student groups on how Liberia can promote peace and avoid political and religious hatred nationwide.
As usual, the Muslim community, through their various spokespersons, appealed to the President for the passage of a national Islamic holiday, especially Ramadan celebration. In addition, they decried discrimination in obtaining the Liberian passport and other benefits that other Liberians easily get without scrutiny.
“Christians can celebrate national holidays like Christmas, thanksgiving, Easter, and others, but Muslims do not have holidays here,” the Muslims’ representatives said. “Without this unity is impossible. If you want inclusive government Mr. President, we want a holiday.”
They outlined equal opportunity in the society, as compared to Christians, ranging from obtaining passport without thorough investigation, which can lead to denial, allowing the Quran to be taught in schools nationwide, and access to other entitlements nationwide.
They also informed the President that drug fight should be holistic as its use by the youths is on rampage, leading to insanity and premature death. They also called for equal education opportunities and the promotion of love of neighbor and of country.
One of the Islamic elders revealed that the society is engulfed with hatred, especially among the youth, because majority of them are self-reared and did not grow up in the strict religious discipline of the home with parents or guardians.
They called for the empowerment of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to combat drug and protect all bordering points of Liberia in order to prevent its entry.
Meanwhile, President Boakai told them that, though Liberia is an old independent state, “what we are talking about is change of attitude about our country”.
He however asked the Muslim community what worried them most about their country. “You have a country that is celebrating its 177th Independence Day anniversary, and it is the same country going to other countries that it is older than by more than 60 years for help. Asking countries that have different culture for help is embarrassing. As a result, those countries are telling you to pass same sex marriage for help.”
According to the President, “Whether you like it or not, those are conditions you must adhere to—to help you. We were the first who had Ducor Hotel, Hotel Africa, and others. Where are they?”
He said he met with the youth, the Christian community and Muslim community to discuss what can be done for Liberia and Liberians to be respected as it was before the civil crisis, noting that Liberia has resources that can mend the country and its citizens’ status.