Liberia: Government Contracts Lobbying Firm to Push Pro-Poor Agenda at U.S. Congress

MONROVIA – The Liberian Embassy in Washington has entered US$80,000 annual agreement with a lobbying firm for congressional penetration to propagate Liberia’s Pro-Poor Agenda at the Capitol.

Report by Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]

The Friedlander Group’s CEO, Ezra Friedlander, signed on behalf of the firm while Ambassador Lois Lewis Brutus, signed for the Embassy on February 5, 2018. The agreement lasts until December 31, 2019.

The agreement, a copy of which FrontPage Africa has obtained, states that “Friedlander Group will organize the establishment of the Friends of Liberia Congressional Caucus that would act as the ‘voice’ of the nation Liberia in coordination with the Embassy of Liberia to provide, translate and highlight the Pro-Poor Agenda of the Government of Liberia.”

The Congressional Caucus will comprise members of the Congress in a bi-partisan fashion that recognizes the historical connection between the United States and Liberia.

According to the agreement, the Caucus will take up issues that will enhance the quality of life for Liberians with a particular focus attracting investment opportunities in all sectors – education, medical, economic, sport, agriculture, among others. 

“It is discussed and agreed that the Caucus Chairs will extend an invitation to by the Caucus as well as facilitate an official White House Invitation to President George Weah to visit Washington on a State, official or working visit by mid-year 2018.”

It is, however, not clear whether or not Pres. Weah received said invitation. Friedlander Group, as part of the agreement, will also secure the participation of key members of the U.S. Congress who are both influential and well-known and can lend credibility to the importance of having a bipartisan caucus of this nature. The group will also coordinate the daily activities of the caucus as it pertains to actively promoting and encouraging the U.S.-Liberia relationship.

Friedlander Group, as part of the agreement, will also secure the participation of key members of the U.S. Congress who are both influential and well-known and can lend credibility to the importance of having a bipartisan caucus of this nature. The group will also coordinate the daily activities of the caucus as it pertains to actively promoting and encouraging the U.S.-Liberia relationship.

The lobbying firm will also coordinate the Congressional Caucus opportunities for key members of the Liberian Legislature and U.S. Congress to meet and host high level delegations.

A monthly meeting on Congressional affairs shall be arranged by the firm for senior members of the Liberian Embassy through luncheon or dinner. At the same time, the group will provide strategic advice to the Liberian Embassy on policy matters relating to the U.S. Congress and shall facilitate conversations between the Embassy and Congressional staff.