W. Lawrence Yealue II, Country Director of Accountability Lab Liberia, has been formally inducted as the National Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL). He urged all Liberian civil society actors to unite to reposition civil society as a powerful force for good governance and national transformation in his engrossing inaugural speech.

This historic moment for the council also marks a proud milestone for Accountability Lab Liberia, as we continue our crucial work on anti-corruption, transparency, integrity, and community justice.

NCSCL to get its first Home

Yealue stated in his inaugural speech that radical accountability and rebranding, critical partnership, and a permanent home for civil society in Liberia are the three main areas he will concentrate on during his term. According to him, his leadership will focus on radical accountability and rebranding, arguing that the Council is neither the enemy nor the supporter of the Liberian government and that the NCSCL must first practice what it preaches. Better results in the Liberian government and society at large depend on this crucial collaboration between the two.

“We will constructively engage with the government of Liberia, but we will also demand transparency, adherence to the rule of law, and responsible stewardship of public resources,” Yealue asserted.

Yealue stated his leadership will prioritize the construction of the council’s first-ever headquarters since its establishment, noting it will serve as a space where conflict mediation and research will take place.

At Accountability Lab Liberia, we view this appointment as a bridge. By connecting our community and grassroots engagement, such as our mediation program through the Community Justice Team and our data-driven CivActs program, we aim to close the feedback loop between government and communities. This mission is achieved not just by working with the government, but also by ensuring that policymakers understand the needs and perspectives of the communities we serve. Through this collaborative approach, policy and decision-making are influenced, ensuring that the voices we are working to amplify reach the highest levels, including the national level and the NCSCL.

“Civil society is not an opposition force; it is a nation-building force. It is the organized voice of the people.” – W. Lawrence Yealue, II.

We congratulate Chairperson Yealue and his new leadership team. Accountability Lab Liberia is ready to continuously support and enhance the work of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia. As Yealue said in his closing remarks, may our work strengthen Liberia. May our unity inspire the hope needed for positive societal change.