By Oracle News Daily
After 177 years of independence Liberians are facing debate about the health of the West African nation’s more than two centuries relations with calls for renegotiation of ties and shift in approaches with respect to socioeconomic interventions and democratic engagements.
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.
Liberian authorities have disconnected foreign policy stance from the views of the national day orator.
“What she said were her views and in the spirit of respecting freedom of expression, we should respect the orator for her view,” Information Minister Jerolinmek Mathew Piahtold reporters.
“They don’t represent the government, and I don’t intend to discuss an orator’s view during a national event.”
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.
See below reactions from Liberia’s political leaders and intellectuals:
Robtellian Possibilities for Liberian American Diplomacy
By Samuel D. Tweah, Jr. (former Finance and Development Planning Minister):
Reproaching or praising 2024 National Orator Dr. Robtel Pailey for her courageous but unflattering and undiplomatic remarks towards the United States in its relations with Liberia fundamentally misses the point.
Robtel Pailey has said what almost unanimously every Liberia statesman or politician ardently believes: that the United States has not lived up to its fair share of the bargain in its long-standing relations with Liberia. Whether or not this assertion or statement is justified is NOT the issue. The issue is that from almost every perch of governance or of high Liberian society, this argument appears a settled consensus, a staple in conversations on US-Liberia relations.
For example, on the question of the role of the U.S Government throughout Liberian history, page 243 of the Truth and Reconciliation Report reads thus:
“In the decades since the United States began intervening in the fate of this small West African territory, it has alternately supported, exploited, welcomed, and abandoned Liberia and Liberians. While the relationship over time has been complex, during several key periods the United States actions and omissions have led to disastrous results for Liberians.”
Much more recently, Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe of Bomi County frustratingly vented out in similar directions against the Americans, though on a less formal occasion during a legislative debate.
What the 2024 National Orator merely did was to officially, and formally put the American genie out of the Liberia bottle at a moment Liberians and the world were listening! Now that the genie is out what do Liberia and America do?
First, any prudent observer would have to place U.S. Embassy reaction to Dr. Pailey’s critique in the context of America’s vaunted pedigree for freedom. America itself is the bastion of democracy and freedom and American national anthem goes so far as to glorify America as “the LAND of the Free and the HOME of the brave.”
Even the Charge d’affaire would agree freedom and bravery should have no limits! Clearly, Robtel’s criticism is sustained by these glowing American values. In other words, America is big and can handle criticism. Now that what has been generally hushed, muffled or unread criticism has been formally cast in national relief by the 2024 National Orator, how does this exposure impinge on US- Liberia relations?
On this point I offer a few generalized prescriptions. As a starter, the new U.S. Ambassador or the interim leadership at the embassy should not relish in condemnations, denunciations or repudiations of the orator’s critique. This is mere hypocritical postering since the Government itself holds this view privately, in the same way other Liberian Governments have held the view.
It would be more interesting for the current Charge d’Affaire to seize on the debate and momentum spurred by the national oration and challenge Liberians or their officials as to the merits of this viewpoint! With the genie out of the bottle, we can now diplomatically have a frank and honest conversation about the way U.S and Liberia engage each other on a range of issues and interests. That engagement should change, and these changes may redound to the good of Liberia.
The former CDC administration had grave concerns about the shape of this engagement and no doubt the current administration might have similar concerns. Beyond CDC’s concerns about former Ambassador Michael McCarthy’s public, undiplomatic criticism of CDC governance, there may actually be an acceptable role for such manner of criticism provided the basis for this new engagement are firmed. In private meetings, U.S. and Liberia officials should openly and frankly exchange without fear of reprisal. For example, McCarthy should have informed the CDC Government that Americans were contemplating sanctioning officials within the administration. The fairness and justice in U.S sanctions would or might have been the subject of discussions, either leading to mutually desired outcomes or to the Government having itself to blame for not taking cue from such discussions.
At U.S Treasury and State Department meetings, our Government did complain to their U.S counterparts about a lack of strategic engagement on issues about which the Liberian Government was subjected to public criticism or to reporting that was not clearly aligned with views emanating from the IMF and the World Bank, which did provide record levels of support to the CDC administration, as well as with views inspired from the MCC-scorecard!
In advancing the country’s international interest, the Boakai administration can learn from this failure of strategic engagement and propose new rules for avoiding “gotchu’ moments that bedeviled the CDC.
In this Robtel-inspired era of frank diplomatic exchanges, Liberian officials should be courageous to challenge their American counterparts on burning issues concerning to the American but more importantly concerning to Liberians.
Without attempting to spell out the issues, they could broach the desirability and perplexities of establishing a war crime’s court in light of why two previous administrations avoided this; they could opine on the quality of U.S aid, it’s alignment with aid from other development partners and its overall impact on Liberian governance and development; they could assess with Americans the impact of US criticism or stances on the politics of Liberia; and finally, they could sustain a discussion on the absence of long-term visas for Liberians, considering the historic nature of the relationship.
For example, why should Ghanaians have the ability to receive visas of five-year duration while Liberians are stuck with a limit of one year? I am not sure any Liberian Government, including mine, has formerly, seriously and sufficiently pressed the Americans on this and other issues.
The list of issues tends to be long, but the point is there is need for a new tone, nuance, quality and direction in the throes of US-Liberia relations and engagement. If this is established, Americans would probably not be walking out of Liberian occasions in reaction to criticism and Liberians would also not be lashing out against a future Michael McCarthy undiplomatically criticizing a Liberian Government.
In short, Dr. Robtel Pailey is not a villain but only a brave messenger purveying a much tabooed but silently widespread message: in doing so, she may have inspired a Robtellian weltanchauung which may or should lead us all on the path to reframing the diplomatic rules of engagement between Liberia and the United States!
Mulbah Morlu’s STAND Refutes Orator’s Criticism; Affirms Liberians’ Gratitude to the United States
STAND strongly objects to and considers as unfair the remarks made by the National Orator during Liberia’s 177th Independence Day commemoration. The Orator described the longstanding historical ties between Liberia and the United States as an “outsized influence” and a “so-called special relationship.”
Further, the Orator condemned the United States’ recognition of Liberia’s independence as a “bad product” of the Liberia-America relationship. This analysis demonstrates a lack of historical understanding and disregards the religious, moral, political, economic, and social benefits that this relationship has provided to Liberia.
STAND finds it ironic that the United States, a nation that has supported Liberia throughout its pre-conflict, conflict, and post-conflict periods, was subjected to such unfounded criticism. Despite providing millions in development assistance annually , the US government also opened their arms and borders to thousands of Liberians during the civil war, and has ALWAYS SUPPORTED Liberia in positive endeavors. Stand finds the Orator’s remarks both baseless and unjust towards the US.
The negative characterization of this special relationship by the Orator echoes a dangerous anti-American sentiment rooted in radical ideology that fails to appreciate the extensive support the United States government has given to Liberia, far surpassing any other development partner.
Such rhetoric is designed to undermine the well-being of ordinary Liberians, whose livelihoods are significantly supported by U.S. development assistance. The Orator’s deliberate distortion of facts tacitly endorses bad governance in Liberia, which has led to widespread poverty, inadequate social services, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a lack of accountability.
STAND unequivocally asserts that America is not responsible for Liberia’s challenges. Liberian leaders are primarily responsible for crafting policies to improve living standards. Unfortunately, successive governments have failed in this national duty.
Our Independence Day celebration should be an opportunity for national renewal, particularly given Liberia’s divisions, as reflected in election results, wealth and income disparities, and widening poverty gaps. The Orator’s attempt to alienate Liberia from its key international development partner on such a solemn occasion raises serious concerns.
STAND questions how it is America’s fault when our leaders engage in corruption, pass illegitimate concessions, mismanage resources, allow illicit drugs into the country, fail to hold criminals accountable, and neglect the hopes of citizens. Should Liberians blame America for these issues rather than their leaders?
Further, STAND questions how the United States is responsible for the poor conditions at JFK Hospital and the overall healthcare system, our failure to invest in agriculture, the poor state of our roads, and the shortcomings in our education system. The National Orator should have held Liberia’s leaders accountable instead of shifting blame.
Conversely, the United States has provided training for our military, funded healthcare with American tax dollars, and supported essential drug supplies. Since 2003, the United States has spent $2.4 billion in development assistance to Liberia through the State Department and USAID. They have also provided training and capacity building for our justice system, which has repeatedly failed to address corruption and hold perpetrators accountable.
Finally, STAND urges Liberian citizens to ignore the Orator’s unfair and radical rhetoric against the United States Government, as it undermines our national interests. As the adage goes, “While being carried on the shoulders of the United States, it would be unwise to complain about its armpit.”
The United States remains our premier development partner, and the Liberian people, who are grateful for their sustained assistance, will not be misled by a transient or ‘fly-by-night’ Orator who sows discord before leaving the country.
On behalf of the Liberian people, STAND apologizes to the government and people of the United States and looks forward to maintaining a strong relationship between Liberia and the United States.
Boakai Rise Up: You Are Sleeping Too Long
By John Morlu (former Auditor General, General Auditing Commission):
We appreciate America. We will rise and fall with America. Only Robtel and her handful of supporters around Joe Boakai do not appreciate America. 99.999% of Liberia appreciates America and agrees that America has given Liberia more than it has received, but as Joe Boakai himself said in 2017, Liberian leaders have “wasted opportunities.” In 1987 Liberia mismanaged millions in PLO 480, wasting millions of America’s taxpayers’ money.
Robtel is blaming America for Liberian leaders stealing and mismanaging foreign aid. Since 1946, America has given Liberia $20.8 billion, but it has all been mismanaged by Liberian officials. These officials are incompetent, corrupt, and have no love for their fellow citizens.
Facts: America built your military and police. America provided you with water and electricity. America gave you VOA, a CIA spy post, and $4.9 billion in debt relief. America finances 75% of your healthcare, education, and basic infrastructure. America ended Ebola, gave you free COVID-19 drugs, ended your civil war, and takes in 90% of your refugees who are now working in America and sending hundreds of millions back to Liberia.
And then you take an inexperienced and unskilled PhD from an unknown school to say America has taken more from Liberia than it has given. This is the most ignorant and uninformed statement.
Ellen Sirleaf was rightfully advocating for America to put its Africa military command in Liberia because of the stability, credibility, and investor confidence such facilities would bring. Because of VOA, the CIA outpost, and Liberia being labeled America’s “stepchild,” millions in investor money flowed into Liberia in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Does this inexperienced academic understand the geopolitical and economic benefits of being allied with America? No, she does not. Sadly, she provided no math, economic, or financial analysis to show what Liberia has given America versus what America has taken. She has no data to back up anything she said. She has no clue about geopolitical and political economy considerations. No real work experience, much less a livable skill set.
But again, some would call this free speech. While we accept free speech, it allows me to call her statements bullshit, incompetent, and foolish.
Surprisingly, the JNB administration has been characterized by crisis after crisis and allegations of corruption, illegal acts, and backdoor dealings. Is this really a Rescue Mission or another scheme to defraud Liberia and its people, yet again?
JNB must rise to the occasion. Is this the real JNB Costa and Urey spoke about, or the real one I know? Rise up, Uncle Joe. You made another wrong decision on this inexperienced orator.
This same Robtel woman hates anyone who is making a good living in America. She despises Diaspora Liberians living in America, as per her utterances.
America’s visible presence in any country adds at least 25% to that nation’s GDP. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, and Djibouti are classic examples. Liberia wasted all the VOA and spy post opportunities. Today, Ghana leads Liberia in the US tourism market. Liberian leaders’ failure to capitalize on America’s presence is not America’s fault. It’s the Liberian leaders’ gross incompetence, neglect, and corrupt-minded appetite that are to be blamed.
Say what you may about Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; her quest for the African Command was the right thing because she understood the bigger geopolitical and political economy benefits to Liberia. Sirleaf saw the bigger picture, but is Boakai seeing it, or is he being myopic and surrounding himself with the most limited minds in Liberia?
Boakai, rise up and stand up. Thanks to the Information Minister, who is a decent guy, for distancing the Boakai government from this nonsense oratory.
Liberia and the United States Relationship is Strong!
By Senator Amara Konneh (Senator, Gbarpolu County)
One of the hallmarks of our democracy is the freedom of speech. Even in the worst of times, Liberians have boldly spoken out – rightly or wrongly. The recent speech by the Independence Day Orator is a case in point. We must celebrate living in a society where freedom of speech and expression is sacrosanct, but we must also exercise caution in using that freedom. At several points in her speech, the Orator stated, “Dignity must define us.” One of the cardinals of dignity is how you treat your friends, especially when they are invited guests. The Orator failed to live up to her call for dignity. Furthermore, her impression of the United States-Liberia relationship is one I do not share.
The United States is our partner, our friend, and our ally. Truth be told, if not for the US, Liberia would not exist today. We would have been broken up and absorbed by colonial powers. Though the last to recognize our independence, as the Orator rightly stated, the United States was the protector of our independence, saving us from further annexation by the United Kingdom (Sierra Leone) and France (Cote d’Ivoire).
Additionally, most of our core and endearing infrastructure – RIA, JFK, Port of Monrovia, to name a few – was built by the United States. When we were besotted by war and self-annihilation in the 1990s, it was the United States that stepped in in 2003 to end the violence and bring about the peace we enjoy today. Furthermore, when ravaged by the Ebola outbreak, support and leadership from the U.S. helped us save our lives. The United States has been there for us whenever we’ve been in need.
Likewise, Liberia has been a loyal friend to America. In the throws of World War I, Liberia entered the war on the side of the Allies and was attacked by Germany in 1918. Undeterred, Liberia joined the Allies again during World War II. It gave America carte blanche to “construct, control, operate, and defend such commercial and military airfields as might be deemed necessary by mutual agreement” in support of the war effort. Throughout the Cold War, Liberia played a vital role by hosting the Omega Tower, the Voice of America station, and as a regional hub for the United States. Even after the September 11 terrorist attack, Liberia vowed to stand by the United States in its hour of need.
The U.S. relations with Liberia date back to 1819, when the US Congress appropriated $100,000 to establish Liberia. We have received, and we have given. That’s what friends and aliens do for each other.
However, like in every relationship, one side is not always happy with the other. At times, we wish America had done more. Likewise, the United States has wished we had done more. This is healthy and natural. But such disagreements must be hashed out in an air of dignity and mutual respect. This is where the Independence Day Orator got it wrong. This is where she failed. You do not invite a guest into your house to insult them.
Fortunately, Liberia and the United States are democracies guided by the fundamental belief in freedom of speech. Citizens have the right to speak their minds even if they’re wrong. The Orator spoke as a private citizen without any official ties to the present government. Unfortunately, freedom of speech was overstretched at a formal state function, and she failed to live up to her own words, “dignity must define us.”
But let’s not let this faux pas distract us from some of the critical messages shared by the 2024 Independence Day National Orator, indisputably one of Liberia’s most brilliant minds. She said,
“Somehow, somewhere, someway, we lost touch with our common humanity. We created citizenship tiers based on ethnicity, class, gender, religion, and race. We mortgaged our resources to the highest bidder. We placed profit before people and the planet. We silenced and suppressed dissent. We mistook autocracy for democracy. We failed to preserve and protect the cultural, artistic, and scholarly traditions that fill our hearts, enliven our souls, and sharpen our minds. We fought brutal, protracted wars that left death and destruction in their wake. And in the aftermath of such carnage, we achieved ‘negative peace’, the absence of direct physical violence, when we should have pursued ‘positive peace’, the absence of ‘structural violence’….
“In this, our 177th year, I urge us to re-imagine what it means to be “one nation indivisible.” Oh, how “sweet” this country could be if we only rebuilt it for all of us to enjoy. We must believe that there is sufficient space to accommodate our differences and our shared experiences. That there are enough resources to supply our basic needs and cultivate our God-given talents. And, so, we must narrow wide gaps between the poor and prosperous, the powerless and powerful, women and men, girls and boys, young and old, rural and urban, domestic and diasporic.”
These are profound words with which I identify and amplify. This is the message I will take away from Dr. Robtel Pailey’s oration to the nation. Living up to these words and driving this agenda is also how we can best move forward with our friend and ally, the United States.
She’s Challenging Us to Reflect
By Dr. James Kollie (former Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs, Finance and Development Planning Ministry)
I thought she was challenging us to reflect and see our relationship with the US differently. I don’t see her remarks as being against the US but rather a critique of how we see our relationship with the US and the need for us to re-imagine that relationship and radically change it.
She did not blame the US for our problems. Rather, I would say, she place the blame at our feet. Everything we want to do, we are interested in “how the Americans think about it.” Our leaders always say “let’s pass it by the Americans.” Actually, the blame is on us and not the Americans.
Let us accept these truths and chat our own course. I have argued that in our rational self interest, we should begin to look East. I stand with Comrade Robtel.
