MONROVIA – United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield, has reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States for the Liberian Government under newly inaugurated President Joseph Boakai.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
Ambassador Greenfield led the U.S. delegation to the inauguration of President Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung. In a brief interview after a meeting with President Boakai, she conveyed a message of continued support, stating, “The message I brought for the people of Liberia from America is our continuing support for Liberia, our reaffirmation of our firm partnership for many, many years.”
Expressing optimism about collaboration with President Boakai and his administration, she emphasized the need to move positively forward, utilizing the country’s resources to support various sectors, including education, health, and infrastructure. She highlighted the presence of the USAID Director, who discussed these priorities with the Liberian President during their meeting.
Liberia, historically allied with the United States, has seen concerns rise over a decline in American private sector investment. Ambassador Greenfield assured that American businesses are eager to invest in Liberia but emphasized the crucial role of the government in restoring confidence.
“We support Liberia, and we support the private sector. We want to encourage the private sector to invest in Liberia. They are not going to invest until they have confidence in the government. And I am very confident that President Boakai will provide that confidence to the private sector. They are willing to come back to Liberia,” she stated.
President Boakai responded promptly, reiterating his government’s commitment to rebuilding trust and strengthening the Liberia-U.S. relationship. “We have assured them over and over that this administration will make sure that we respect the partnership, by putting the country on the right path so that we can serve the people of this country,” he affirmed.
Ambassador Greenfield, a former U.S. Ambassador to Liberia with a deep connection to the country since 1978, expressed joy at representing President Joseph Biden at the inauguration. During her visit to Liberia, she participated in various engagements, including the Rescue the Economy Inaugural Ball hosted by the Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC) and the Liberia Business Association (LIBA).
In her address to business leaders, she underscored their crucial role in holding the government accountable for implementing regulations that foster a level playing field for all citizens. Emphasizing the importance of democracy, she praised Liberia’s peaceful transition of power and warned against taking democracy for granted.
Reflecting on Liberia’s past and its path to peace through regional and international collaborations, Ambassador Greenfield concluded, “Democracy is more than just a lofty idea. Democracies deliver, protect human rights, promote economic development, and create safer communities. It is a means to face our greatest challenges, from disease to climate change. But, as we have seen firsthand—both here and in America—we cannot take democracy for granted.”
You have an ally in me
In her impassioned address, Amb. Greenfield emphasized the shared narrative and journey for democracy and liberty between Liberia and the United States. She conveyed her unwavering faith in Liberia’s democracy, expressing confidence in the nation’s ability to continue choosing democracy over corruption and unity over division.
“I have the ultimate faith that this country is up to the task, and you have the urgent responsibility to continue to choose democracy over corruption and unity over division—not just on election day, not just on inauguration day, but every single day. That is the new administration’s task, and I believe that the Liberian people are up to the task,” she affirmed.
She paid tribute to the resilience of Liberian women, youth, and civil society in upholding the country’s burgeoning democracy.
She acknowledged the market women who sustained the flow of food and supplies through conflicts and the COVID pandemic, investing in themselves and their communities. Ambassador Greenfield highlighted the transformation of former adversaries in the civil war into allies fighting for the well-being of the Liberian people. She commended the young peacekeepers, members of civil society combating corruption, journalists disseminating truth, students pursuing education instead of war, and leaders displaying grace in victory and concession.
She reassured Liberians that the United States would always stand as an ally to Liberia.
“Friends, Liberians, the story of our two nations tells us that it is not our past choices that define us, but how we reckon with those choices. How we learn from our mistakes so as not to repeat them. How we empower our children and our children’s children to aspire to things we ourselves could have never dreamed of. Let us make tonight not only a celebration of democracy but a promise to these children that we will do everything in our power to uphold this. The love of liberty brought you here tonight. Now that same love of liberty will bring us all into the future. Know that you have an ally in me, and you have an ally in the United States.”
