MONROVIA: A search for a precedence where the United States or any diplomatic mission near Monrovia ever walked out of state function in Liberia has proved futile; many historians spoken to over the weekend say they have no such record. At the first celebration of Liberia’s Independent Day organized by the Joseph Nyuma Boakai-led Unity Party Government, the history was made. Liberia’s founder, others would say Liberia’s “quasi colonizer”, the biggest donor since independence as many veteran public servants of the country say, the United States of America, broke the record: its diplomats assigned here walked out of a state function, from a program hall, while the main occasion of the Independence Day was ongoing and while the guest orator was in speech. This has sparked a national uproar, triggering mixed reactions that have greeted the rather weird incident. But the Embassy is calming the storm with a measured response explaining why they took the action. The Analyst reports.
Top officials of the United States Embassy near Monrovia, under the leadership Chargé D’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez, walked out of the official program marking the celebration of Liberia’s 177th Independence Anniversary while the main orator of the day was in speech.
The apparently startled attendees at the program which was held July 26, 2024 at the iconic Centennial Pavilion, as well as those watching via the social media, looked about as Ms. Rodriguez and party awoke from their seats, wending their way through the jampacked hall.
It was not long when the Embassy released a press statement asserting that ‘in light of recent events at the Liberian Independence Day Celebration, the United States Embassy wishes to address concerns regarding Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Rodriguez’s decision to leave the event.”
The release stated: “The United States and Liberia share a unique history and democratic values. Unfortunately, the national orator introduced divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations. The United States has a long history of providing foreign assistance, amounting to at least $163 million annually.”
Shortly before the US diplomats exited the program hall, the orator of the day, Dr. Rodtel Pailey was on US-Liberia relationship, expressing concern “about the outsized influence of the United States in our transitional justice process.”
“We must forge new strategic partnerships based on mutual benefit and disabuse ourselves of the notion that we have a ‘special relationship’ with America,” she said.
“Truth be told, this so-called ‘special relationship’ only exists in our imagination. Lest we forget, the United States was one of the last countries to recognize our independence. Lest we forget, the United States has taken more from us than it has given. Lest we forget, the United States will always serve its own interests above all else. Once we accept these truths, we will appreciate that a re-imagined Liberia can never be anyone’s ‘stepchild.’”
Those comments did not go down well with the US officials who said in a press release that the “foreign assistance” of $163 million provided Liberia annually is besides the “U.S. government’s contributions to several international organizations that also provide aid to the Liberian people.
“Additionally, numerous U.S. foundations, private American citizens, and nongovernmental organizations are dedicated to uplifting the Liberian people.”
The US embassy further said Independence Day is a time for hope and unity and that Rodriguez’s decision to walk out was a measured response to the orator’s comments.
“While the orator is entitled to freedom of speech, the CDA chose to exercise her right not to listen to such remarks,” the release noted, promising that United States remains a steadfast partner to Liberia, dedicated to fostering a positive and collaborative relationship based on shared values and mutual respect.
“We look forward to continuing our work together, now and in the future, for the benefit of both nations,” the Embassy noted.