Monrovia – In response to ongoing concerns over potential U.S. travel restrictions on Liberia, Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has acknowledged the need to enhance the security and intelligence systems surrounding Liberian passports, citing challenges with public officials and others overstaying in the United States.

By Obediah Johnson, obediah.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com

Recent reports from The New York Times revealed that Liberia is listed in the “yellow” category, one of three tiers used by the U.S. government to determine countries facing possible travel restrictions. 

While the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia has not issued an official statement, this development has stirred significant debate, particularly over the alleged sale of diplomatic passports during the previous administration, which critics argue has led to increased scrutiny.

Minister Nyanti confirmed on Monday when she appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs chaired by Senator Abraham Darius Dillon of Montserrado County. She said the Liberian government had proactively reached out to U.S. officials to clarify the matter. 

“We were surprised by the information circulating on social media, and immediately contacted the U.S. Embassy to verify the claims,” she stated. “As of the weekend, the Ambassador informed me that there was no official communication regarding the travel restriction.”

Nyanti emphasized that, while there have been issues with overstays by some Liberian citizens and government officials in the U.S., the current government is working to address these concerns. 

“This is a serious issue that the U.S. government has communicated to us multiple times,” she added. “However, we believe the reports of the restriction may be based on limited information.”

Minister Nyanti further reassured that the Liberian government is taking steps to improve the vetting process for diplomatic passports, including increased collaboration with the National Security Agency (NSA). “I can assure you that no diplomatic passports will be sold under my watch,” she stated.

The Minister also revealed that plans are underway to redesign the Liberian passport, with approval from relevant stakeholders, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security. 

However, due to financial constraints, the government has not yet begun the process of decentralizing passport issuance across the country.

Senator Dillon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, has requested Minister Nyanti to provide a follow-up report to the committee once the U.S. government issues a formal response regarding the reported travel restrictions.

Monrovia – Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has reaffirmed Liberia’s strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by emphasizing the importance of the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance during her address at a United Nations Peace Conference.

By Willie Tokpah, willie.tokpah@frontpageafricaonline.com

Speaking at the Liberia Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on August 19, Minister Nyanti highlighted Liberia’s ARREST Agenda, which she said underscores the significance of peacebuilding, transparency, and the fight against corruption. The session, held in the ECOSOC Chamber, focused on Liberia’s peacebuilding and sustaining peace priorities, with particular attention given to the potential establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC).

As Dean of the Cabinet, Minister Nyanti expressed her gratitude to the United Nations for its ongoing support and partnership with Liberia, reiterating the country’s commitment to its peacebuilding processes, especially in the wake of the successful legislative and presidential elections held on October 10 and November 14, 2023.

“These elections were notably the first to be independently managed by Liberia since the withdrawal of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in 2018,” Minister Nyanti noted.

She also reflected on the progress made since the signing of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2003, emphasizing the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the ongoing efforts to implement its recommendations on criminal accountability, reparations, and reconciliation as crucial to the peace process.

Minister Nyanti underscored the significance of youth empowerment in peacebuilding, highlighting that 63% of Liberia’s population is under the age of 25. She detailed the government’s commitment to developing a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security, with support from the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.

As Liberia continues its journey towards sustained peace and development, Minister Nyanti called on the international community to support Liberia’s transitional justice initiatives. This includes the establishment of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court (OWECC) and efforts to promote social cohesion through initiatives such as the National Palava Hut Program and the Women’s Peace Huts. She also acknowledged the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) for its crucial role in supporting environmental sustainability and Liberia’s broader peacebuilding efforts.

Minister Nyanti expressed Liberia’s deep appreciation for ongoing international support and encouraged continued collaboration to build a more peaceful and prosperous nation.

Participating in the session alongside Foreign Minister Nyanti were Samuel Koffi Woods, National Security Advisor; Cllr. N. Oswald K. Tweh, Minister of Justice and Attorney General; Adama K. Dempster, Secretary General of the Civil Society Human Rights Platform; and Banica Elliott, President of the Federation of Liberian Youth.