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Pianapue Kept Early
An Introspective View of Amos Sawyer's “Beyond Plunder”
Beyond Plunder: Toward Democratic Governance in Liberia. By Amos Sawyer. Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc., 2005. Hardcover, $49.95. ISBN 1-58826-384-3.
Amos Sawyer’s most recent book, Beyond Plunder: Toward Democratic Governance in Liberia (2005), is one of many scholarly works about democracy that have emerged following the war. I choose to present a personal, introspective reading of the book as opposed to a formal review because, as a practical theologian, I hold an abiding faith in the purposes undergirding Liberia’s historical foundations, and I am also convinced that Liberia’s recovery is based on the “rays of hope” Sawyer expounds upon in this work: “I have exposed the nature and consequences of the destructive conflict and human tragedy that unfolded on Liberians . . . I do see out of this dismal picture, rays of hope" (Sawyer 42). “Rays of hope” have sustained us throughout our history, especially through the decades of political and social instability and the abuses of power from 1979-2006, and the absence of justice. Enhancing our “rays of hope” entails confronting and erasing those negative stereotypes we have of each other created by colonialism, mis-education and/or illiteracy, and other forms of injustices and divisions which have become rooted within our society. Beyond Plunder offers a historical analysis as well as practical approaches toward the creation of a genuine democratic institution of governance in Liberia. Thus, the work is both a theoretical and constructive guide for politicians, social scientists, and religious and community leaders who strive to make sound judgments about important matters within Liberia’s fractured society.
Beyond Plunder is a 243-page book including an appendix and references, contained in nine chapters, discussing issues ranging from Liberia's historical foundation, to the roots of the conflict, or what I call the Liberian Revolution, to rethinking citizenship and education in the new democratic Liberia. Drawing on his personal experiences and those of others, especially in his roles as an activist, scholar, and leader, Sawyer offers a philosophy, as well as a blueprint for post-war Liberia; he advances, in short, the need for justice and respect for the rule of law. As a politician, Sawyer is also a pragmatist; the book offers practical solutions and workable approaches to achieving the theories advanced in the work. Sawyer covers several recurrent themes, which deserve some analysis.
Sovereignty
Sawyer’s ideas about “limited” or “shared sovereignty” are credible in positing the active involvement of citizens in the processes of governance. In providing the opportunity for us to "rethink governance," Sawyer posits:
What African countries need is a fundamental shift away from a system of unitary government so that there can be several centers of authority underpinned by a system of shared sovereignty in which ordinary people acting as empowered citizens can meaningfully participate in an array of governance institutions at local, provincial, national, and even regional scales where necessary. (107) The concept of political governance in Liberia has been, for many citizens, “The People's Thing.” This idea of “The People’s Thing” implies exclusion from participation in the political process; it proscribes, to some extent, a subservient role for ordinary citizens. If, in post-war Liberia, the idea of “limited or shared sovereignty” is put into practice, the political and civic education of the masses is critical, so that the participation or involvement of those previously excluded is exercised not out of ignorance, but based on informed and conscious decisions. For the immediate future, it is going to be difficult, but not impossible, to setup structures for citizens to learn and understand their individual and collective roles in the decision-making process. Political education, I believe, is possible in conjunction with adult literacy classes.
Cultural Diversity
Recognizing the necessity for the inclusion of all ethnic and cultural groups in all levels of society and government, Sawyer states, “Democratic governance must begin with a clear understanding of the variety of social patterns . . . in society and how these patterns are constituted and configured” (6). It is important for Liberians who want to see lasting peace to focus not just on themselves and their own ethnic, cultural or social groups, but also on the collective participation and contributions of all Liberians. The four cultural groups that comprise Liberia, the Mel, the Mande, the Kwa, and the Settlers, have all made significant contributions to the creation, cultivation, development, and survival of what we call “Liberia.” I believe that it is intelligent to recognize our diversity and be all-inclusive in the processes of nation-building in the new Liberia.
Open Public Leadership
Citing the importance of open public leadership, Sawyer argues for transparency in all activities and functions of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government. One legacy of Amos Sawyer’s interim presidency in Liberia was freedom of the press.1 To date, there have been no accusations of human rights violations or any other forms of injustice that occurred under Sawyer’s leadership from 1990-94. We did not hear about members of the press and public being tortured, executed, or excluded because of their opposition to Sawyer as interim president, or his leadership style. As Liberia stands at a historic crossroads today, it is absolutely important that our leaders keep us aware of what is happening. Transparency and accountability allow people to be sympathetic to the shortcomings and challenges facing the new government. Where there is secrecy in the operations of public officials, they run the risk of isolating the people, breeding suspicion, and government officials become “gods” or “demigods” unto themselves. Open public leadership then, is key to peace and nation-building in the new Liberia.
The Challenge of Entrepreneurship
Liberians must begin to enjoy the sweat of their labor, and it is crucial that a solid foundation be put in place from which posterity can benefit. Liberians need a sense of ownership. Sawyer proposes the need for scholars and community development practitioners to begin a comparative analysis of the social order for better concepts that should constitute the Liberian experience (8). Sawyer explains that “What is important is that the Liberian reconstruction process be perceived essentially as one designed with emphasis on helping Liberians develop and utilize their talents and skills for wholesome and productive purposes, such that as individuals they become not only providers of their own livelihoods and drivers of their own future, but also contributors to the development of their communities and transmitters of values, knowledge, skills to succeeding generations” (79-80). Since we do not live for today, but for years to come, Dr. Abedou Jones once encouraged Liberians to work for the future, for “the country outlives its citizens.”2 We have to begin living knowing that the nation will be there, and that those who come after us will have a solid foundation to stand on. We cannot always blame the past, and although we cannot forget the past, we should do something positive in the present, to create a better future. Each and every citizen is responsible for the next generation, whether we believe it or not, or whether we are conscious of it or not. A great leader is one who makes of a situation something better than what s/he met it. A great citizen can live no less.
Beyond Plunder reminds us of the challenges we all face for lasting peace to be maintained in Liberia through democracy, and respecting and upholding the law, and the Constitution. A healthy political climate can only exist where there is respect for the law. Sawyer discusses these themes in close detail in the various chapters. He presents an analysis of Liberia's political history and suggests alternative strategies of governance, asserting that as Liberians we have the responsibility of maintaining and sustaining our own destiny. It is difficult now, during this recovery process, to take control of our own destiny. However, we cannot continue to entrust others with our destiny. If the economy, social structures, and other things are foreign-owned, how can we claim to own our destiny as a nation? We produce what we do not eat, and eat what we do not produce. If citizens are to be “empowered” to “meaningfully participate in any array of governance” at all levels, there has to be the foundation laid for political education for critical consciousness and successful participation. Sawyer emphasizes that democracy includes being in control of one’s own political, social, and economic destiny. For our democracy to be effective, we Liberians cannot and should not expect foreigners or other people from other nations to take control of our destiny, nor define what that destiny should or should not be. That is something we have to do as Africans, as Liberians. Justice and equity, the rule of law and respect for the land and people, are prerequisites for lasting peace.
ENDNOTES
1. I was in the audience when Dr. Patrick L. N. Seyon made this claim in an address at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia, in 1994.
2. Dr. Abedou Jones, speaking to the Political History Class at the Foreign Service Institute in 1979.
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