Civil Society group, the Solidarity for a New Day has refuted remarks made by the National Orator during Liberia’s 177th Independence Day commemoration.
The Orator had described the historical relationship between Liberia and the United States as an “outsized influence” and a “so-called special relationship,” and condemned the U.S. recognition of Liberia’s independence as a “bad product” of this relationship.
STAND, however, has taken a stance in defense of the longstanding ties between the two nations, affirming the significant religious, moral, political, economic, and social benefits that this relationship has provided to Liberia.
The organization finds the Orator’s analysis to be lacking in historical understanding and dismissive of the extensive support the U.S. government has offered to Liberia, particularly during its pre-conflict, conflict, and post-conflict periods.
The group said, the U.S. has provided millions in development assistance annually, welcomed thousands of Liberian refugees during the civil war, and consistently supported Liberia’s positive endeavors.
The organization considers the Orator’s remarks to be “baseless and unjust” towards the U.S., and warns that the negative characterization of the relationship echoes a “dangerous anti-American sentiment rooted in radical ideology.”
STAND firmly asserts that the responsibility for Liberia’s challenges lies primarily with the country’s leaders, who have failed to craft policies and implement effective governance to improve the living standards of the Liberian people.
The organization questions how the United States can be blamed for issues such as corruption, mismanagement of resources, and the shortcomings in the healthcare, education, and infrastructure sectors.
STAND urges Liberian citizens to ignore the Orator’s “unfair and radical rhetoric” and recognize the United States as Liberia’s premier development partner.
The organization apologizes to the U.S. government and people on behalf of the Liberian people and expresses its commitment to maintaining the strong relationship between the two nations.
