The political and social space in Liberia has been ignited by controversial remarks made by Madam Alice T. Baysah, Chairperson of the Women Congress of the Citizen Movement for Change (CMC), who publicly questioned the contribution of Christianity to Liberia’s national progress. Her statements have since drawn a wave of mixed reactions from Liberians across the political, religious, and civic spectrum sparking one of the most heated debates in recent months on religion and leadership in the country. During a recent engagement, Madam Baysah, known for her outspoken views and bold commentaries on social and political issues, asked rhetorically:
“What has Christianity done for Liberia?” She continued: “We, black people, have long cried against racism we suffered from the Western world. We cry out when white people call us ‘Black Monkeys,’ and we say the white man does not want to see us black. But we, black people, continue to call each other names and fight one another because of religion and politics.” The CMC Women Congress Chair lamented what she described as the hypocrisy of a society that condemns racial discrimination while promoting internal division along religious and political lines. In her view, Liberia’s stagnation and moral decay cannot be blamed on any one faith but rather on collective failure and hypocrisy.
Expanding on her remarks, Madam Baysah said it was time for Liberians to move beyond religious prejudice and focus on leadership capacity, integrity, and national transformation. She emphasized that religion should not be used as a tool to marginalize others or define one’s patriotism. “No one chooses where he or she wants to be born, or to which family they wish to belong. If it were so, some of us would choose to be born in the Americas or by Barack Obama’s parents,” she stated.
“Everyone is born somewhere for a purpose, and where they are born should not be used as a weapon against them.” Madam Baysah defended Hon. Musa Hassan Bility, the CMC’s political leader and prominent Liberian businessman, whose Muslim faith has often been cited by critics as a disqualifying factor for national leadership. “Honorable Musa Hassan Bility is a Liberian, born in Liberia by native Liberian parents who lived their entire lives here. Being a Muslim doesn’t change anything about him being a Liberian,” she asserted. She further questioned Liberia’s long Christian leadership tradition, noting that all 26 of the country’s past and present state leaders have identified as Christians, yet the country remains underdeveloped and mired in corruption and poverty.
“Since its founding, Liberia has had twenty-six state leaders all Christians. Has it changed our lives? Has it made Liberia one of the richest countries in the world? What difference has it brought? The same old story every time, and we sit and fight someone because they are Muslim!” Madam Baysah insisted that religion should not be used as a political weapon, arguing that what Liberia needs is not a Christian or Muslim president, but a patriotic leader with a vision for national transformation. “Our religion should not be a burden; it should be our way of salvation. Religion does not define what we do for our country. Christianity was not built to fight others but to save souls.
Likewise, Islam is not a weapon of destruction but a faith that builds and uplifts.” She concluded her remarks with a bold declaration: “We will continue to remain where we are if we ignore the truth and think we are saving Liberia while we are destroying it. Religion is for salvation and Liberia needs Musa Bility to be transformed positively. CMC: by the people, for the people.” Following Madam Baysah’s remarks, social media platforms, radio talk shows, and community gatherings erupted with passionate responses. Many Liberians both Christians and Muslims expressed dismay, while others defended her call for religious tolerance and introspection. One critic wrote on social media: “If you want to do your politics, just go ahead. But don’t try to downplay Christianity.
Liberia was built on Christian principles. The great Declaration of Independence was signed in a church, and because of Liberia’s independence, other African nations began to recognize and respect Liberia. Christianity has contributed immensely to Liberia’s foundation.” Others argued that Madam Baysah’s comments were politically motivated and designed to distract from the controversies surrounding Musa Bility’s political and business record. A prominent social commentator stated: “My dear sister, you are missing the mark on how Liberians think. They are not rejecting Bility because he is Muslim, but because of his questionable past. From FIFA’s corruption case to the Road Fund scandal these are the reasons people are wary of him, not because of his religion.” Another citizen wrote:
“Except for the Boakai regime, Bility has supported every administration for his own benefit. During Madam Sirleaf’s time, he used his media house, Truth FM, to propagate her political messages. Under Weah, he became a personal friend and a conduit for siphoning money. He has been banned by FIFA for misappropriation how can such a man claim he will save Liberia?” The controversy has since evolved into a broader conversation about the role of religion in Liberian politics. For many citizens, Madam Baysah’s remarks, though controversial, have reopened an important national dialogue: whether religion should continue to dominate the political identity of leaders or whether competence, honesty, and patriotism should take precedence. Religious leaders, however, have called for caution and respect.
Reverend Emmanuel G. Williams of the Christians United for Peace and Development said while Madam Baysah’s comments were provocative, they should serve as a wake-up call for national reflection. “We must not attack her personally. She asked a painful question one that touches the conscience of every Christian. What have we, as a predominantly Christian nation, done differently to lift our people out of poverty, corruption, and ignorance? It’s a call to self-examination, not condemnation.” Political analysts believe Madam Baysah’s remarks could have significant implications for the CMC and its leader, Hon. Musa Bility, as the country edges toward the 2029 general and presidential elections.
While Bility has not directly commented on Madam Baysah’s statement, insiders within the CMC suggest that the remarks reflect the party’s effort to challenge Liberia’s long-standing religious bias in politics and to promote inclusivity. However, the remarks also risk alienating a large segment of the Christian majority electorate. Liberia’s historical and political roots are deeply intertwined with Christianity from the founding of the nation by freed American slaves to the establishment of its early political institutions and schools by Christian missionaries. Political observers say any attempt to question Christianity’s role could easily be perceived as an attack on national identity, regardless of the speaker’s intent.
“Madam Baysah may have meant well, but in a country where religion remains an emotional and cultural pillar, such statements are politically risky,” said Dr. Wilmot Karpeh, a political sociologist at the University of Liberia. “It opens CMC to religious scrutiny and could shift attention from its message of change to a debate about faith.” While some have dismissed Madam Baysah’s remarks as reckless, others argue that her question “What has Christianity done for Liberia?” captures a deeper frustration about the moral contradictions in the country’s leadership and society. Liberia’s political history has been largely shaped by leaders who professed strong Christian faith yet presided over corruption, nepotism, and systemic decay.
Critics say Liberia’s problems are not rooted in religion itself but in the failure to live by the moral teachings of religion. The controversy surrounding Madam Baysah’s remarks has once again exposed Liberia’s fragile unity and the deep undercurrents of identity politics that continue to shape public discourse. While some call for her resignation, others believe her statement should serve as a starting point for a more honest national dialogue about religion, morality, and leadership.
