Published: July 17, 2024
MONROVIA – The government plans to repatriate 54 out of 68 foreign service employees to Liberia for a revetting process, according to Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, Chair of the Liberian Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee. This announcement followed a hearing with Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the Capitol Building.
During the transition from the Coalition for Democratic Change Administration to the Unity Party government in late December 2023, several individuals were appointed to foreign service positions.
“Approximately 54 out of 68 of those serving in foreign service did not meet the criteria set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Many were not transported or deployed according to protocol; they simply wanted to leave,” Senator Dillon stated.
The Committee on Foreign Affairs summoned officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address issues concerning these foreign service employees. Following the hearing, Senator Dillon highlighted that the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning and Foreign Affairs, in accordance with legislative oversight, would initiate the repatriation of the unqualified individuals.
Senator Dillon confirmed that these government employees would return to Liberia for revetting as deemed necessary by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to using its oversight responsibilities to ensure the well-being of all citizens.
“We want to make it clear that we will not overstep into the Executive’s domain; we will use our oversight to ensure proper procedures are followed,” he stated.
The Montserrado County lawmaker described the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ report on these employees as damaging, noting that foreign service employees fall into various categories, each being addressed accordingly.
“There are established criteria for serving in foreign service. One cannot simply be assigned without meeting these standards. However, when you inherit a problematic situation, it needs to be addressed,” Senator Dillon emphasized.
The 54 employees are expected to be repatriated within a week. Senator Dillon stressed that the Unity Party government is committed to resolving this inherited issue without shifting blame.
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