U.S. Affirms Support for New Liberian Government with Focus on Anti-Corruption Efforts

The United States government, led by Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield, has reiterated its commitment to collaborate with the incoming Unity Party-led administration in Liberia. During her visit to witness the inauguration of President Joseph N. Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Ambassador Greenfield highlighted the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Liberia.

Praising Liberia for its peaceful transition of power, she expressed the U.S.’s eagerness to assist the nation in strengthening its democracy. The U.S. government has played a pivotal role in Liberia’s post-war recovery and has extended support during crises such as war, Ebola, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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Ambassador Greenfield specifically addressed the issue of corruption, emphasizing the U.S.’s staunch stance against it. Describing corruption as a cancer, she stressed its detrimental impact on education, health, and infrastructure, urging for concerted efforts to minimize its prevalence. The U.S. has consistently spoken out against corruption, both in Liberia and globally.

“Corruption is a cancer, and it’s something that the United States has been consistently and strongly speaking against, not just here in Liberia but in other places in the world. I served here as ambassador, like I said in 2008, and made it part of my message over reports from that time to now to raise concerns about corruption wherever it is identified, and we know that corruption keeps a country from striving to move forward. It takes education, health, and infrastructure away from ordinary citizens,” she said.

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Despite some recent contentious actions, including sanctions against perceived corrupt Liberian officials, Ambassador Greenfield’s visit reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to Liberia and its support for the new government’s efforts to build a stronger democracy while combating corruption.