In a bold and controversial speech at Liberia’s 177th Independence Day celebration, orator Robtel Pailey challenged the country’s long-held relationship with the United States.
Pailey, a prominent scholar and activist, asserted that the U.S. has taken more from Liberia than it has given. “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,” she declared.
Pailey’s remarks come at a time of growing scrutiny of Liberia’s reliance on the U.S. as a primary partner. She argued that Liberia must “forge new strategic partnerships based on mutual benefit” and “disabuse ourselves of the notion that we have a ‘special relationship’ with America.”
The orator’s sharp criticism of U.S. influence in Liberia was met with a walkout by the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires. In a statement, the U.S. Embassy expressed disappointment over the “divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations” made by Pailey.
Pailey’s sentiments resonate with a growing segment of the Liberian population who believe the country has not reaped the full benefits of its longstanding ties with the United States.
The Independence Day speech has ignited a national debate on the future of Liberia’s foreign policy and the role of the United States. Pailey’s radical agenda has set the stage for a potentially contentious relationship between the two nations.