-U.S. Diplomats unhappy with 177th Independence Day Orator’s assertion
By Jerromie S. Walters
During Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 26, 2024, the Orator of the event Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey’s fiery comments on Liberia-U.S. relations flared dissension and led to a walkout by the U.S. Delegation, headed by the Charge of Affairs.
The Orator’s assertion that Liberia has not benefited from its relationship with the United States as it should, struck a nerve with the delegation and prompted their departure from the event. She said, “Truth be told, the United States of America has taken more from us than we have received. Liberia is nobody’s stepchild.”
The United States is Liberia’s biggest ally. This makes Dr. Pailey’s comments all the more significant. Many pundits view her action as an attempt to undermine the longstanding relationship between the two countries, which has been maintained for decades.
This incident was not the first time tensions arose between Liberian officials and the U.S. Charge De’ Affairs. During a cabinet retreat, the Charge De’ Affairs was speaking on behalf of the diplomatic community when both the President and Vice President walked out of the event.
The walkout by the U.S. Delegation following Dr. Pailey’s speech has raised questions about the intention behind her remarks. Pundits are left wondering whether her action was deliberate and what impact it may have on future diplomatic relations between Liberia and the United States.
The U.S. Embassy had this to say following the event: “Independence Day Celebrations should be a time for hope, unity and celebration. Introducing divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations during such an event undermines its purpose. The CDA’s decision to walk out was a measured response to maintain the event’s decorum and spirit.”
Former Montserrado County District #8 Representative Moses Acarous Gray wrote via his official Facebook page: “To attack and shame the US Government in the presence of her diplomatic allies and adversaries was a dare wrong undiplomatic move. Interestingly, some officials from the Executive are commending her on social media.Just the IMPLEMENTATION.”
Like Gray, Sekou Kalasco Damaro, former presidential Aide and supporter of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) noted in a Facebook post: “No wonder Boakai has been pivoting to China lately. They brought in an orator to insult our longstanding partner, the U.S., while government officials are applauding. And as if that wasn’t enough, Mr Boakai’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Cornelia took to social media to congratulate the orator for her insult of America.”
Liberia and the United States relations
The relationship between Liberia and the United States is a complex and multifaceted one that dates back to the early 19th century. Established by freed African-American slaves and free people of color, Liberia has historical ties to the United States that have shaped the course of both countries’ histories.
Liberia was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society, a group of American abolitionists and slave owners who sought to repatriate freed African Americans to Africa. The first settlers arrived in Liberia in 1822 and established a colony that would later become the Republic of Liberia in 1847. The country’s capital, Monrovia, was named after U.S. President James Monroe, who supported the colonization efforts.
Throughout its history, Liberia has maintained close ties with the United States, which has often been seen as its biggest ally. The U.S. has provided significant financial and other aid to Liberia, particularly during times of crisis such as the civil wars that ravaged the country in the late 20th century.
However, the relationship between Liberia and the United States has not been without its challenges. Critics argue that the U.S. has at times interfered in Liberian politics and governance. Additionally, there have been accusations of exploitation and neocolonialism, with some arguing that Liberia has not received the support and benefits it deserves from its relationship with the U.S.
Recent events, such as the controversial speech by Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey during Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Celebration, have highlighted the complexities of the Liberia-U.S. relationship.
