MONROVIA – United States Senators Christopher A. Coons, Chris Van Hollen, and Cory A. Booker have extended congratulatory message to President-elect Joseph Boakai and at the same time commended his pledge to fight corruption in Liberia.
By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
The Senators also commended the Liberian people for their commitment to advancing democracy and expressed optimism about further strengthening the special relationship between the United States and Liberia.
Highlighting Liberia’s role as a force for democracy and stability in West Africa over the past two decades, the Senators emphasized the significance of Liberia’s democratic model, especially in the face of growing violence and instability across the region. In a letter addressed to President-elect Boakai, they conveyed the United States’ eagerness to collaborate with President-elect Boakai to address the most pressing challenges facing Liberians.
The Senators outlined key areas of cooperation, including the joint efforts to combat corruption, improve food security, foster economic opportunities, and maintain Liberia’s security and stability. Additionally, they expressed the importance of continuing efforts to ensure all Liberian citizens have access to civil liberties and constitutional rights.
The senators noted their encouragement by President-elect Boakai’s campaign commitments to rooting out corruption and upholding the rule of law.
According to them, they are ready to work together in support of these commitments, acknowledging the critical moment for West Africa and reiterating their commitment to fostering the enduring relationship between the United States and Liberia.
It can be recalled that during the bicentennial celebration in Liberia in February 2022, Ms. Dana Banks, who headed U.S. President Joe Biden’s delegation, raised concerns about the underfunding of integrity institutions in Liberia. Ms. Banks, who is also a Special Assistant to President Biden and the Senior Director for African Affairs at the Security Council, noted that while Liberia has anti-corruption institutions nominally independent from the government, adequate funding is lacking, and there is government influence.
Ms. Banks emphasized the need for Liberia’s leaders to prioritize the country’s long-term benefit over short-term gains. She underscored that the United States is a dedicated partner and friend to Liberia but emphasized that only the Liberian Government and its people can effectively tackle corruption, fight for accountability and transparency, and move the country forward. The letter reflects the ongoing U.S. commitment to supporting Liberia in addressing corruption issues and maintaining democracy.
In July of this year, as he bid farewell, departing United States Ambassador Michael McCarthy expressed profound disappointment and discouragement over the George Weah-led government’s failure to investigate officials who had been sanctioned by the United States Treasury Department for their alleged involvement in public corruption.
Ambassador McCarthy, who was outspoken against corruption in Liberia, fulfilling a commitment made during his confirmation hearing following his nomination by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, made a significant impact during his tenure by boldly addressing the issue of “rampant corruption” within the Weah-led government.
During his term, several Liberian officials faced sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act for their role in public corruption. Notably, two of these sanctioned individuals, former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Nathaniel McGill and Bill Tweahway, former Managing Director of the National Port Authority, have been cleared by the National Elections Commission (NEC) to run for Senator in their respective counties on the ticket of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Ambassador McCarthy clarified that the Embassy did not endorse or support this development. He emphasized, “The Embassy is NOT ‘okay’ with it, and we find it disappointing that political parties are indifferent to the Global Magnitsky sanctions.” McCarthy highlighted the extensive efforts of the U.S. Department of the Treasury in researching and approving sanctions, asserting the Embassy’s trust and respect for the validity of these designations, even though it operates independently from the Treasury Department.
Expressing his frustration, he stated, “The fact is that no Liberian Government entity has even formally addressed our accusations to initiate an investigation to determine the veracity of USG ‘allegations.’ This is extremely disappointing and discouraging.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged that if the voters of Liberia choose to elect individuals who have been sanctioned to public office, it is within their prerogative to do so.