Amidst debate about the health of the more than 200 years relationship between Liberia and the United States, Washington’s new envoy to Monrovia plans to hold talks with the West African nation’s youth while seeking balanced in diplomatic ties.
About 63 per cent of Liberia’s 5.5 million population is less than 25 years old and 32.8 per cent is 10-24 years old. On July 26, the keynote speaker at the country’s 177th Independence anniversary called for a rethinking of ties with America, claiming “U.S. has taken more from Liberia than it has given.” This assertion did not sit well with the United States Mission in Liberia, which called it “divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.”
On Wednesday United States Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner presented his Letters of Credence to Liberian President Joseph Boakai, expressing his eagerness to work with the authorities to foster stronger bilateral relations between the United States and Liberia, according to a statement issued by the embassy.
“He also hopes to travel throughout Liberia to hear, especially from young people, about their prospects for the future and how our bilateral relationship can work to achieve it.
“Both President Boakai and Ambassador Toner emphasized the importance of engaging with Liberia’s youth and helping the next generation of leaders reach their maximum potential.
“Ambassador Toner noted that the United States will continue to support the historic and significant relationship between the two countries so that it evolves into a partnership of equals.
Ambassador Toner affirmed the U.S. government’s willingness and commitment to work with President Boakai’s demonstrated vision to address challenges in the areas of accountability, education, security, health, the economy, rule of law, and governance, which align with the Liberian government’s ARREST agenda.”
The World Bank’s recent Liberia Poverty Assessment 2023 Report: Towards a More Inclusive Liberia highlights the dire situation, with 8 out of 10 individuals affected by poverty in rural areas, compared to 3 out of 10 in Monrovia. The report describes Liberia as one of the world’s poorest countries, largely due to a resource-driven growth model that has failed to generate sufficient employment opportunities or foster broad-based growth and development.
The United States says it provides foreign assistance, amounting to at least $163 million annually.