Liberia: Former Monrovia Mayor Urges U.S. President to Intervene in ‘Liberia’s Crisis’

Monrovia – Jefferson T. Koijee, Secretary General of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), has sent an open letter to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, urging intervention in the political turmoil unfolding in Liberia under President Joseph Boakai’s administration.

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By Selma Lomax [email protected]

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In the letter, dated March 3, Koijee paints a bleak picture of the situation in Liberia, accusing Boakai’s government of undermining the country’s democracy and engaging in unconstitutional practices. 

Koijee highlighted serious issues under Boakai’s leadership, including widespread corruption, human rights violations, and a general destabilization of the political environment.

Koijee’s letter sharply criticizes Boakai for allegedly orchestrating unconstitutional actions, such as the removal of Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and manipulating Liberia’s national budget in order to consolidate power. He believes these actions have weakened democratic institutions and fostered an atmosphere of fear and political suppression.

Further, Koijee described numerous human rights abuses under Boakai’s rule, including the reported deaths of over 100 people within a year as a result of police brutality, political persecution, and state-sponsored violence. 

Koijee condemned the lack of accountability and justice for these abuses, which he argues have exacerbated Liberia’s political and social instability.

Koijee also raised alarms about financial corruption within the Boakai’s administration, accusing it of embezzling millions of dollars that were intended for development projects. 

He cited examples of financial misconduct, including unaccounted expenses and fraudulent activities at the National Oil Company of Liberia. According to Koijee, this mismanagement of funds has left ordinary Liberians without access to essential services like healthcare, clean water, and employment, worsening the country’s poverty crisis.

The letter also touched on foreign aid, with Koijee alleging that USAID funds were misused to influence elections in favor of the ruling Unity Party. Koijee has called for a thorough investigation into the use of U.S. foreign aid in Liberia, warning that American taxpayer money should not be wasted or misappropriated to support a corrupt government.

Koijee commended the efforts of Elon Musk and the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency for investigating corruption in foreign aid programs, particularly the handling of USAID funds in Liberia. He urged Trump to take a firm stance against the misuse of U.S. aid and promote transparency and accountability within Liberia’s governance.

In addition, Koijee made an urgent appeal to Trump to reconsider the deportation of 1,563 Liberians residing in the United States. Many of these individuals fled Liberia due to political persecution and human rights violations under the Boakai government. Koijee warned that deporting them could expose them to further danger in Liberia, where the political climate remains precarious.

Koijee also expressed gratitude for Trump’s efforts to restore religious values in the U.S., specifically through the Faith Advisory Council, which promotes religious freedom. Koijee emphasized the importance of defending Christian values and combating radical gender ideologies that he believes are harmful both in the U.S. and Liberia.

Koijee called on Trump to stand with the Liberian people in their fight against corruption, human rights violations, and the erosion of democracy under Boakai’s government. He urged the U.S. to provide stronger leadership in supporting Liberia’s pursuit of peace, democracy, and stability.