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The walkout by US Charge d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez during a ceremony marking Liberia’s 177th Independence Day celebration has been greeted with mixed reactions.
By: Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, July 26, 2024: Bong County Electoral District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah is urging President Joseph Boakai to request that the American Government recall its Chargé d’Affaires, Catherine Rodriguez.
During Liberia’s 177th Independence celebration on Friday, July 26, Chargé d’Affaires Rodriguez was seen leaving the hall while the Orator of the Day was still speaking.
The orator expressed concerns about the significant influence of the United States on Liberia’s transitional justice process. She argued that the perceived “special relationship” with America is illusory and that Liberia should seek new strategic partnerships based on mutual benefit rather than clinging to the notion of a special relationship with the U.S.
The Orator criticized the U.S. for prioritizing its own interests and emphasized that Liberia must strive for genuine independence and self-determination. While the Orator was speaking, Rodriguez and the UN Ambassador exited the event.
In response to Rodriguez’s departure, Representative Mensah criticized the action as disrespectful to Liberian leaders and foreign guests. She called on President Boakai to formally request the American government recall Rodriguez, expressing disappointment and frustration with the incident.
Mensah described the situation as “disgusting” and “shameful,” warning that if President Boakai does not address the issue, she will propose to the Legislature to request an explanation from him.
” If President Boakai doesn’t listen and act, a communication will be before the Legislature requesting the president to appear and clarify why he refused to ask the American government to recall the charge d’Affairs.”
She questioned whether foreign interests are overly managing Liberia and emphasized the need for national pride and self-respect.
The Representative also reflected on past criticisms from former U.S. Ambassador McCarthy, noting that despite similar criticisms, there was no equivalent outcry.
For example, she recalled when former U.S. Ambassador McCarthy criticized the Liberian government and lawmakers for accumulating wealth for themselves. “McCarthy’s comments suggested that lawmakers were not serving the Liberian people but rather enriching ourselves at the people’s expense.”
“Did we get angry or speak out when he criticized us? No. We should always expect negative feedback, learn from it, and work towards improvement.”
So, what did she say that was different? She merely stated what we already know. It’s time for us to reflect and to practice tolerance, nationalism, and respect.”
She argued that the Orator’s remarks, which highlighted issues facing the country, were fair and practical, urging lawmakers to take such feedback constructively.
Mensah believes that the Orator was very practical in addressing every sector of the country, including lawmakers, even calling them lawbreakers and urging them to engage with their constituents.
She highlighted how the Orator reminded the Boakai administration about issues like salary cuts and the use of yellow machines, noting that the President, who was elected on a platform of reform, has seen momentum decline while citizen expectations remain high.
“The President sat, listened, and applauded her without any reaction, unlike the Ambassador who could not accept the truth,” she said.
“Did she lie?” she asked, pointing out that the Liberian Constitution is a carbon copy of the American Constitution and that the Liberian flag represents the American flag.
“What did she say that was different? She told us it’s time to think about ourselves and practice tolerance, nationalism, and respect.”
In closing, she stressed that the Orator’s comments should prompt self-reflection and a commitment to genuine progress and respect rather than defensiveness. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah
