Monrovia, April 20, 2026 — A new civil society movement is mounting pressure on the Liberian government to overhaul the country’s economic structure, warning that citizens are being pushed to the margins while foreigners dominate key sectors.
Operating under the banner “Give Liberia’s Economy Back to Liberians,” the group is demanding the full enforcement of the Liberianization Policy, including priority for Liberian-owned businesses in the awarding of contracts, access to long-term financing, and protection in strategic areas of the retail economy.
One of the organizers, James Emmanuel Brooks, delivered a blunt assessment of what he describes as a failing system that excludes Liberians from meaningful economic participation.
“We are Liberians, yet we are treated like spectators in our own country and observers in our own economy. That is unacceptable,” Brooks declared.
He argued that structural barriers—particularly within the banking sector—continue to undermine Liberian entrepreneurs.
“Our people are given short-term loans with high interest rates and then blamed when they cannot repay. How can businesses grow under such conditions?” he questioned.
Speaking with OK News over the weekend, Brooks, a former commissioner of Gardnerville Township, also took aim at monopolistic practices in the import sector, warning that the concentration of control in the hands of a few players is choking local enterprise.
“You cannot allow one group to import and control entire markets while others are shut out. That is not competition—it is monopoly, and it must end,” he said.
The movement further raised alarm over the widespread presence of foreign nationals in both large-scale and small-scale economic activities, from retail trade to mining operations.
“Everything is now in the hands of foreigners—from selling cold water to controlling major resources—while Liberians get little in return. That is wrong,” Brooks asserted.
Citing activities in mining regions, he questioned the level of local participation and the benefits accruing to ordinary citizens.
“Millions of dollars are being taken from our resources, yet Liberians are receiving peanuts. Where is the benefit for our people?” he asked.
While clarifying that the movement is not opposed to foreign investment, Brooks emphasized the need for stronger regulation and national interest protections.
“We are not against foreign partners, but the system must work for Liberians first. Our resources must benefit our people,” he added.
The group is now calling on the government to review concession agreements, dismantle monopolies, and implement policies that guarantee inclusive economic participation.
It also pledged to engage national stakeholders and push for reforms aimed at restoring economic control to Liberians.
Founded recently, the “Give Liberia’s Economy Back to Liberians” movement obtained its articles of incorporation over the weekend and is expected to officially launch in the coming weeks.
