Presently in Liberia, a renewed discussion regarding the establishment of distinct public holidays for Christians and Muslims in the Senate has sparked a heated conversation amongst the public. While the idea, which is being supported by various senators, appears to be a way of enhancing religious inclusivity, it might unintentionally incite subdued religious disagreements and instigate unforeseen repercussions. Given that jihadist groups are expanding their influence in West Africa swiftly, the necessity for discretion, national self-analysis, and strategic foresight cannot be overstated. All Liberia needs to do is assess the situation in its neighboring countries, particularly to the west, to appreciate the magnitude of what’s at stake.
In 2020, the ‘jihadist contagion,’ as described by the International Crisis Group, was gradually creeping across the Sahel region, posing a serious threat to coastal West African countries such as Côte d’Ivoire. Despite having been relatively immune to extremist violence in the past, Côte d’Ivoire has been witnessing incursions from jihadists, particularly in its northern regions, attributed mostly to factions linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. These sets of people leverage religious and ethnic divides, marginalized Muslim communities, and loosely defined borders to build their influence within local populations.
Liberia has strikingly similar risk factors at play: inadequate government representation in border towns, deficient security resources, economic struggles, and a rising influx of migrants, including individuals native to Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire, who are making their homes in counties blessed with forest wealth like Grand Gedeh, Nimba, and Gbarpolu. These evolving developments should shape the Senate’s deliberation on policies that could have religious implications.
Historically, Liberia, although officially declared as a secular state in the 1986 Constitution, has predominantly been Christian, with Muslims representing a significant minority. For generations, both religious communities have lived together in harmony, with instances of interfaith marriages and shared community events signifying a longstanding culture of mutual tolerance. The proposal to designate formal religious holidays, however, might jeopardize this equilibrium.
This proposition might look like a symbolic gesture or an attempt at inclusivity, but the significance of symbols should not be dismissed in situations where national identity and religious affiliations are intensely interconnected. In a delicate environment like Liberia’s, any such move could be interpreted as politically motivated, designed to pander to certain demographic groups, but inadvertently exacerbating religious divisions.
It becomes pivotal for Liberia to steer clear of any change that may promote religious nationalism, an ideology known to be exploited by extremist movements to foment radicalism or rope in disaffected individuals. The growing influx of citizens from Burkina Faso, many of whom are victims of jihadist violence from the northern regions of Burkina Faso, poses an array of serious security and governance challenges for Liberia.
The Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations in Liberia has expressed concerns over this rising trend, deeming it a potential national security threat. This concern stems from Liberia’s historically ambiguous borders, and the relatively limited capacity for immigration enforcement. While Liberia has a moral and regional obligation to harbor displaced people, the lack of a cohesive national strategy to handle these population movements combined with the proposed legislation for religious holidays could lead to volatile circumstances.
The incumbent government is faced with the task of ensuring it doesn’t inadvertently aid the long-term objectives of extremists intending to establish their influence in nations that are religious tolerant but weak in terms of institutional strength. The Liberian Constitution safeguards the principle of religious freedom—a principle that has been instrumental in restraining conflict in a nation that has been ravaged by two civil wars.
The essence of the right to religious freedom doesn’t lie in glorifying religious practices of a particular group by incorporating them into the law but in the guarantee that all religious groups can follow their practices free from state interference or bias. The moment the state starts legislating religious recognition, it inevitably creates questions around representation, equity, and national identity.
In today’s connected world, the implications of Liberia’s domestic political decisions are not confined within its territorial boundaries. The Sahel region has gradually become a hub for jihadist activities that transcend national frontiers. Countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have fallen victim to military coups, largely due to the state’s failure to contain extremism. Surrounded by countries battling jihadist threats and economic instability, Liberia must adopt a strategic approach.
With the corridor of the Sahel region increasingly falling under Islamist influence and coastal countries turning into new targets for these groups, Liberia could become a vulnerable entry point for extremist networks if policies aren’t assessed with due diligence. If misread, legislations based on religion could signal a shift towards religious politicization—an environment conducive for jihadist ideologues.
The Liberian Senate must push for a pause on legislations centered around religious holidays, until a comprehensive, inclusive national conversation involving religious leaders, security agencies, and civil society can be held. It’s essential to deploy specialized personnel to supervise migrant communities present in border counties.
Serious investment in biometric tracking is necessary, with cooperation from ECOWAS to ensure appropriate documentation and integration measures for refugees. The National Interfaith Council should be strengthened to facilitate regular interaction between Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders, ensuring that grievances are resolved peacefully.
It would be wise for Liberia to closely collaborate with international organizations like the UN, AU, ECOWAS, and donor partners to align its domestic religious policies with comprehensive strategies aimed at preventing violent extremism in West Africa. Educational efforts should accentuate constitutional secularism, the risk associated with religious politicization, and Liberia’s proud heritage of tolerance and unity.
Liberia finds itself at a decisive juncture. The noble intentions underlying the proposed legislation for religious holidays must not blind the nation to the evolving geopolitical and security landscape in the region. With jihadist insurgency inching closer to the coastal states of West Africa and given Liberia’s simmering internal tensions, the country must exercise vigilance, remain true to its constitutional principles, and safeguard the unity that has been paramount to its progress after the war.
Liberia’s conscious navigation of these complex issues will provide a roadmap for other countries in the region grappling with similar challenges. It is crucial that the country preserves its national security and takes into account regional realities as it deliberates on policy matters. This will be an important test of its nation-building journey and regional role in a continent increasingly under pressure from extremist ideologies.
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