Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Koung was met with a wave of protests during his recent trip to the United States, where he attended the 10th Powering Africa Summit in Washington, D.C., before moving on to a town hall meeting in Pennsylvania with members of the Liberian diaspora.
While the summit aimed to advance U.S.-Africa energy partnerships, Koung’s engagements quickly turned contentious as community members voiced their frustrations regarding governance and human rights violations back home when he visited Pennsylvania.
The Liberian community in the U.S., estimated to be around 100,000 strong, plays a significant role in influencing both the economy and politics of Liberia. With many Liberians in the diaspora sending remittances back home, their economic contributions are crucial for the country’s development.
However, this community is also keenly aware of the political dynamics affecting their homeland, making their voices increasingly relevant in discussions about governance.
Koung’s visit was organized by the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania (LAP) and the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) as an opportunity to foster dialogue on national development and accountability. Unfortunately, the event quickly diverged from its intended purpose.
Protests erupted as attendees held placards and chanted anti-government slogans, accusing the Unity Party-led administration of failing to deliver on its campaign promises and seeking justice for human rights violations.
“You are a murderer!” one passionate participant shouted, while others called for accountability regarding specific incidents, such as the killing of civilians in western mining region of Kinjor in Grand Cape Mount County.
Amidst the hostile atmosphere, VP Koung attempted to reason with the audience, explaining that his role was akin to that of a “parked car.” He described the constraints he faces as a Vice President within Liberia’s “imperial presidency,” which he claimed does not allow him the freedom to disagree or criticize the President on policy matters.
The term “parked car” was first coined by Koung’s boss, President Joseph Boakai, during the 2017 elections when he described himself as a “racing car parked in the garage.” This metaphor referred to his role as Vice President under the legendary leader Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from 2006 to 2018.
Koung remarks, however, did little to quell the anger felt by many in room.
There was palpable disappointment and frustration from the diaspora community, illustrating broader displeasure with the administration regarding issues of justice, governance, and accountability.
Despite the significant challenges presented by the protest, Koung’s visit also carried an important message regarding Liberia’s energy needs. Liberia, once ravaged by civil war, continues to struggle with inadequate electricity supply and energy infrastructure. The country still grapples with high rates of energy poverty, leaving many citizens without reliable access to electricity.
As leaders like Koung engage with international partners at forums like the Powering Africa Summit, the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions remains a critical topic for Liberia.
This is what the 31st Vice President told the summit:
President Boakai understands that the economic transformation of our country—and indeed the African continent—cannot be achieved without addressing the energy challenges that continue to hinder growth and development.
Recognizing the importance of energy within our government’s ARREST Agenda, the President asked me to serve as Chairman of a High-Level Steering Committee tasked with exploring immediate, medium and long-term solutions to Liberia’s energy crisis.
We gather here today to address an issue that is central to Africa’s future.
Energy is the foundation of economic growth, social progress, and technological advancement. Without affordable and reliable electricity, industrialization is impossible, and our efforts to uplift millions of people from poverty will remain difficult.
The United States has long been a strategic partner in Africa’s energy sector. Initiatives such as Power Africa have mobilized billions of dollars in investments, helping to expand electricity access across the continent.
In Liberia, we have seen firsthand the impact of these collaborations.
- Power Africa Initiative has been instrumental in supporting rural electrification and technical capacity-building in Liberia.
- The West African Power Pool (WAPP) and the Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea (CSLG) interconnector project have enhanced regional energy trade, increasing stability and access for about 2.8 million people.
These partnerships have succeeded because they are built on mutual interests, strong governance frameworks, and long-term commitments.
They have improved access to electricity by 31%, driven economic growth, and created a roadmap for further investments in clean energy and infrastructure.
The next decade presents an opportunity to build on these successes by Scaling Renewable Energy Investments. Liberia aims to increase its hydropower capacity, expand solar infrastructure, and explore wind energy solutions.
With Mount Coffee’s expansion from 88 MW to 132 MW including a 20 MW Solar farm, 16 MW SCATEC solar project, and the planned St. Paul 2 Hydropower Project (150 MW), we envision a cleaner and more resilient energy mix.
We encourage U.S. businesses and investors to explore Liberia’s energy sector opportunities, particularly in off-grid electrification, transmission infrastructure, and green energy innovation.
The CSLG Interconnector has already proven how cross-border collaboration can improve access and affordability. Strengthening regional grids and partnerships will be key to ensuring energy security for all.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Liberia is committed to fostering a transparent and investment-friendly environment that encourages innovation and sustainable financing for energy projects.
The U.S.-Africa energy partnership is more than an economic opportunity—it is a commitment to shared prosperity, climate resilience, and energy equity.
By leveraging our collective strengths, we can power industries, create jobs, and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
As we move forward, let us reaffirm our commitment to action. The time for words is over, it is time to implement solutions that will light up Africa, empower its people, and transform its economies.
The future of Africa depends on our ability to solve the current energy crisis across the continent.
Together, we can make this vision a reality.
