-Grants Executive Clemency to 72 Inmates
FOYA, Lofa County — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on Liberians to embrace unity, compassion, and renewed national purpose as he delivered his Christmas message to the nation from Foya, Lofa County, emphasizing faith, service, and inclusive development.
In his address marking the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, President Boakai extended warm Christmas greetings to Liberians at home and in the diaspora, describing the season as a sacred period that embodies love, humility, sacrifice, and hope—values he said resonate deeply with Liberia’s national character.
“Christmas is a sacred season that reminds us of love, humility, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope,” the President said, urging citizens to reflect on the year past, give thanks for God’s guidance, and recommit themselves to one another and to the nation.
Reflecting on a Year of Challenges and Resilience
Acknowledging the difficulties Liberia has faced, President Boakai praised the resilience, patience, and unity demonstrated by the Liberian people, noting that these qualities continue to inspire confidence in the country’s shared future. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening peace, fostering reconciliation, and laying a firm foundation for inclusive growth and development.
The President said his government remains focused on improving the lives of Liberians through accountability, expanded opportunities for young people, support for women, and improved access to basic services, stressing that these efforts are guided by integrity and fairness.
“My Administration is working to improve the lives of our people by promoting accountability, expanding opportunities for our youth, supporting women, and improving access to basic services,” he stated.
Call for Compassion and National Solidarity
President Boakai used the occasion to highlight the plight of vulnerable citizens, encouraging Liberians to share with those in need and to extend kindness within their communities. He said such acts reflect the true spirit of Christmas and help strengthen the bonds that unite the nation.
“At Christmas, we are especially mindful of the less fortunate among us,” he said. “I encourage all Liberians to share what they have and to show compassion to neighbors in need.”
Appreciation for Security Forces
The President also paid tribute to Liberia’s men and women in uniform and others tasked with maintaining national security, expressing profound appreciation for their service and sacrifice. He described their dedication as a pillar of Liberia’s stability and peace.
Looking Ahead to the New Year
As Liberians prepare to enter the new year, President Boakai urged citizens to move forward with renewed faith in God, confidence in themselves, and a strengthened resolve to work collectively for a peaceful, prosperous, and united Liberia.
On behalf of the Government of Liberia and his family, the President wished the nation a Merry Christmas and a hopeful New Year, invoking God’s blessings upon the people and the Republic.
“Let us enter the coming year with renewed faith in God, confidence in ourselves, and a strengthened resolve to work together for a peaceful, prosperous, and united Liberia,” he said.
Grants Executive Clemency to Inmates
Meanwhile, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has granted Executive Clemency to a number of eligible inmates across Liberia in observance of the holiday season, exercising his constitutional authority in the spirit of mercy, reconciliation, and national healing. The clemency, which takes immediate effect, includes pardons and commutations for inmates who demonstrated good behavior, genuine remorse, and met all eligibility requirements following a thorough review of recommendations submitted through established legal and administrative processes.
A total of 72 individuals benefited from the decision, including 70 Liberian nationals and two Guinean nationals. The beneficiaries—70 males and two females, including two juveniles—were all convicted of non-capital felony offenses. Selection criteria focused on inmates who had served more than half of their sentences, elderly and terminally ill prisoners, and those who had completed their terms but remained incarcerated due to minor outstanding restitution obligations. No individuals convicted of capital or notorious crimes were considered.
President Boakai emphasized that the clemency does not undermine justice but reinforces belief in rehabilitation and human dignity. He urged beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity for reform and become productive, law-abiding citizens, while reaffirming his Administration’s commitment to justice sector reforms that promote rehabilitation, reduce repeat offenses, and strengthen fairness and efficiency. The President also called on Liberians to uphold unity, forgiveness, and shared responsibility as the nation moves toward sustained peace and inclusive development.
