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A no-holds-barred speech by a gritty orator at Liberia’s 177th Independence Day celebration has generated a possible diplomatic row with the country’s biggest ally since independence—the United States of America.
Dr Robtel Pailey dissected the history of Africa’s “oldest modern Republic” and lamented what she believes to be an illusive, unproductive relationship with some of Liberia’s biggest allies.
Her speech angered some, with others, particularly the US representatives at the event, staging a walkout.
Background
Like many independent countries, Liberia gained independence from the American Colonization Society (ACS) in 1847 and has since harnessed bilateral and multilateral relations with other countries and foreign partners.
One of the countries Liberians often mentioned as their traditional ally is the United States of America. Both countries have benefitted since Liberia obtained independence 177 years ago.
At the celebration marking Liberia’s 177th Independence Day on July 26, 2024, in Monrovia, Dr Robtel Pailey, an academic activist and author, made a controversial oration.
She spoke on “A Radical Approach To Re-imagining Liberia,” which is part of the national theme “Building A New Liberia For All Liberians.”
Picks from the orator
In her speech, Dr Parley reflected on Liberia’s bond and dark days and how the country dared to be sovereign.
Just a few paragraphs into the speech, Dr Parley, an Assistant Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), said, “Liberia has mortgaged its resources to the highest bidder, placing profit before people and planet.”
She further stated that the nearly two-century-old country’s negotiations of land ownership, political participation, identity, and belonging yielded both productive and destructive outcomes.
The activist academic and author said dignity must define Liberia, calling on the country to focus on building people as it does with building institutions.
Her reference to the U.S. as an “outsized influence in our transitional justice process” may have damaged the smooth diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
“We must forge new strategic partnerships based on mutual benefit and disabuse ourselves of the notion that we have a ‘special relationship’ with America. Truth be told, this so-called ‘special relationship’ only exists in our imagination.
“Lest we forget, the United States was one of the last countries to recognise our independence. Lest we forget that 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 said.
Once we accept these truths, we will appreciate that a re-imagined Liberia can never be anyone’s “stepchild.”
The diplomatic boycott
However, in a shocking scene at the 177th Independence Day celebration, representatives from the U.S. Embassy near Monrovia led by its Charge d’Affaires (CDA) Catherine Rodriguez, walked out of the event, saying the oration was a “divisive rhetoric.” The embassy responded minutes after the delegation’s action, explaining why the CDA left the celebration.
The organisation said, “The United States has a long history of providing foreign assistance, amounting to at least $163 million annually, separate from the U.S. government’s contributions to several international organisations that also provide aid to the Liberian people.”
“Numerous U.S. foundations, private American citizens, and nongovernmental organisations are dedicated to uplifting the Liberian people,” the Embassy added.
“While the orator is entitled to freedom of speech, the CDA chose to exercise its right not to listen to such remarks,” the US Embassy’s statement concluded.
Government of Liberia’s response
Addressing journalists minutes after the Independence programme, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah stated that orators express their personal opinions and do not speak for the government.
“What she said was her view. We should respect the orator for her view in the spirit of respecting freedom of expression.”
Mixed reactions from Liberians
Reacting to the boycott, Representative Moima Mensah called the U.S. government to recall Charge d’Affaires (CDA) Rodriguez.
According to the Bong district #6 lawmaker, the CDA’s action was a gross disrespect to Liberia’s president, Joseph Boakai, heads of state from other countries present, and other government officials of Liberia, including Liberians themselves.
“Just because this lady reminded us how much we have always put America first, it is time to think about ourselves. Did she lie?”
She threatened to bring the issue before the plenary and demand an explanation if President Boakai did not immediately declare the United States Chargé d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez persona non grata for her actions.
For his part, Political Commentator Henry Costa said America is not responsible for Liberia.
“We ought to be ashamed of ourselves as a country of 177 years of existence for blaming America for our backward, wretched and poor state.”
“We are a rich nation managed poorly by our leaders, and that’s why we are extremely poor—and not because America withheld billions in aid to us.”
“In fact, it has poured billions into this country,” he continued.
