MONROVIA – Liberia has formally asked the European Union to recall its top diplomat in Monrovia. Acting Foreign Minister Ethel Davis sent the request to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, citing a pattern of remarks by Ambassador Nona Deprez. The complaints include claims that Deprez told an investor in Brussels that Liberia’s Vice President was exceeding his constitutional mandate. Other remarks allegedly questioned presidential transparency and the future of EU-Liberia business forums. Liberia says it considered declaring Deprez persona non grata but chose not to, in order to preserve relations. Instead, Monrovia wants her recalled for consultations and replaced. As THE ANALYST reports, the European Union has not yet responded publicly.
The Government of Liberia has formally requested the European Union to recall its Head of Delegation accredited to Liberia, Ambassador Nona Deprez, over what it describes as a pattern of derogatory remarks and conduct deemed inconsistent with the spirit of diplomatic partnership between the two sides.
The request was contained in an official communication dated March 6, 2026, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.
In the letter, Acting Foreign Minister Ethel Davis reaffirmed Liberia’s appreciation for its longstanding relationship with the European Union, describing the partnership as one built on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and cooperation aimed at promoting peace, development, and economic prosperity.
Brussels Remarks at Center of Dispute
Despite highlighting the strength of Liberia-EU relations, the government expressed serious concerns about what it characterized as repeated statements by Ambassador Deprez that allegedly misrepresented the functioning of the Liberian government and its institutions. According to the Ministry, the concerns stem from reports received through multiple channels indicating that the EU envoy made comments about the country’s leadership during engagements with government officials, investors, and other stakeholders.
Among the allegations cited by the government were claims that Ambassador Deprez told a prominent investor during the Liberia-EU Business Forum held in Brussels on February 24-25, 2026, that Liberia’s Vice President was performing duties beyond his constitutional mandate and exercising influence over key sectors, including mining and energy.
Transparency, Forum Remarks Also Cited
The government also objected to remarks allegedly made by the ambassador concerning transparency within the presidency. The Foreign Ministry said Ambassador Deprez reportedly questioned why certain energy projects undertaken by the Liberia Electricity Corporation were not mentioned in President Joseph Boakai’s annual message. According to the letter, Liberian officials explained that the President’s annual address does not enumerate every government project or achievement. However, the Ministry said the envoy continued to present the omission as evidence of a lack of transparency, a characterization officials described as inaccurate and offensive to the presidency.
The government further claimed that Ambassador Deprez reportedly suggested that the recently concluded Liberia-EU Business Forum in Brussels would be the first and last event of its kind. Liberian authorities said the statement contradicted assurances received from other EU officials who viewed the forum as successful and expressed interest in future editions, including a possible event in Monrovia.
Liberia Stops Short of Expulsion
While emphasizing that Liberia values frank and constructive dialogue with international partners, the Ministry argued that comments made to investors and external stakeholders could create misleading perceptions about governance in Liberia, potentially affecting investor confidence and the country’s international reputation.
The Foreign Ministry noted that the ambassador’s conduct was serious enough to justify consideration of declaring her persona non grata. However, the government said it had deliberately chosen not to pursue that option in order to preserve the cordial and productive relationship between Liberia and the European Union.
Instead, the government requested that the European Union recall Ambassador Deprez for consultations, direct her to refrain from further verbal or written engagements with Liberian authorities and investors, and replace her without delay.
The Ministry said such measures would help safeguard the longstanding partnership between Liberia and the European Union while creating an opportunity for renewed diplomatic engagement based on mutual respect and shared values.
The communication concluded with Liberia reiterating its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with the European Union and its desire to ensure that cooperation continues in a constructive and respectful atmosphere.