Liberia: How U.S. Delegation Walkout Soured Liberian Independence Day Celebration

The United States delegation walked out of the Centennial Memorial Pavilion, Monrovia, while an orator was making a speech during the 177th anniversary of Liberia’s independence. This happened with Liberia’s president present, among other high profile guests.

The abrupt walkout of the U.S. delegation on July 26, led by the Chargé d’affaires (CDA), Catherine Rodriguez, drew mixed reactions, with many Liberians calling the walkout disrespectful. Nonetheless, some sects took the side of the U.S. representative, justifying her actions.

The speech by Dr Robtel Neajal Pailey contained remarks about the relationship between Liberia and the U.S.

“Finally, I remain very concerned about the outsized influence of the United States in our transitional justice process,” Pailey said. “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’ with America only exists in our imagination lest we forget that the United States was among the last countries to recognise our independence.

“Lest we forget,” the orator continued as the U.S. delegates walked out of the door, “the United States has taken more than it has given. Lest we forget, the United States will always serve its interests above all else.”

Liberia, a former colony under American Colonization Society, gained independence in 1847. This came after pressure from Britain, which led to Liberia becoming the first democratic republic in Africa.

After the Independence Day event, the U.S. Embassy in Liberia defended the U.S. delegation’s walkout. It said in a statement that the Independence Day celebration should be a time for unity, hope and celebration, and not making “divisive rhetoric” and allegations.

“Introducing divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations during such an event undermines its purpose,” the statement read. “The CDA’s decision to walk out was a measured response to maintain the event’s decorum and spirit.”

But Liberian representative Moima Briggs Mensah of District #6, Bong County, condemned the walkout, saying it was disrespectful.

“The most disgusting and regrettable incident that took place was Madam Chargé d’Affaires walking out of our Independence Day celebration, with our president seated, with our visiting presidents seated, with our Chief Justice seated…, and she walked out with her delegation,” Mensah said.

She called on President Boakai to declare Rodriguez a persona non grata (meaning someone who is no longer welcome in the country). She also suggested that President Boakai contact the U.S. government to recall Rodriguez.

The legislator threatened to take the matter to the legislative house if President Boakai did not comply, where he (Boakai) would explain why he had not taken action.

However, the Liberian government quickly distanced itself from Pailey’s oration. After the event, Liberia’s information minister said the orator’s speech was her personal views, which does not represent the views of Liberia’s government.

The Movement For Economic Empowerment (MOVEE) party condemned Pailey’s speech, tagging it “toxic and undeserved.” In a statement issued on July 29 by the acting national chairman of MOVEE, Prince Mehn, the party said the oration was an attack on the U.S.

MOVEE said Liberia and its international allies expected a modest message that would bring about peace and unity rather than a display of ingratitude towards Liberia’s most reliable, steady and responsive traditional ally.

On the other hand, a former head of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Chief Cyril Allen, described the action of the U.S. Embassy delegation as “undiplomatic,” saying that the walkout was disrespectful and not in line with diplomatic missions.

Allen asserted that the Chargé d’Affaires needs to apologise to both Liberia’s President and the citizens of Liberia.

So far, the Chargé d’Affaires has not publicly apologised to the Liberian president or the citizens. It is also unlikely the president will heed Representative Mensah’s call for Rodriguez’s recall, nor will he declare her persona non grata.

Read the full address here.

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Emmanuel Ejiofor

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