Published: July 30, 2024
Monrovia – The Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), led by former Foreign Affairs Minister Maxwell Kemayah, has strongly condemned the recent actions of the UP-led government against qualified Liberian Foreign Service officers.
In a media engagement on Monday, the leadership of MOVEE criticized the Boakai-Koung administration for allegedly attempting to “humiliate qualified Liberian Foreign Service officers assigned to various Embassies of Liberia.” This criticism comes in the wake of a controversial government decision to repatriate 54 out of 68 foreign service employees for a revetting process.
Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, Chair of the Liberian Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee, announced the government’s plan following a hearing with Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the Capitol Building. According to Senator Dillon, many of these officers did not meet the criteria set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and were not properly transported or deployed according to protocol.
However, according to MOVEE, its independent investigation revealed that these officers were “trained, vetted, appointed, and commissioned by a legitimate government during the regime of Former President Weah.” The party described the administration’s actions as “a blatant assault on democracy and the fundamental rights of qualified and competent Liberian citizens to serve their country.”
MOVEE leadership urged the government to “abandon these divisive strategies and prioritize the welfare and progress of the Liberian populace,” warning that “the patience of the people is wearing thin.”
The opposition political party reaffirmed its support for the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) but cautioned the public against conducting business with certain expelled members. “MOVEE wishes to caution the public not to do business with Mr. Matew Shan, Jeremiah Edison Paye, and Mr. Goodrich Cheayon in the name of MOVEE. These individuals were expelled for various violations, and any statement issued by them does not have legal bearing on our party or represent the institution.”
In a broader call for unity and good governance, MOVEE reiterated its commitment to working towards a just and equitable society. “MOVEE calls for the Liberian Executive to foster coordination with other branches of government, embark on unity, transparency, and responsible governance in Liberia. We remain committed to working tirelessly towards a future where all Liberians can prosper in a society built on justice, equality, and opportunity for all.”
The party also condemned recent remarks made by Dr. Robtel Pailey during Liberia’s 177th Independence Day celebrations. “MOVEE described Dr. Robtel Pailey’s attack as heartless and ungrateful, considering the numerous contributions of the United States to the Liberian National Police, the Armed Forces of Liberia, the Judicial Institute, and the rule of law, good governance, and decentralization of services in Liberia among others,” the statement read. “The Independence Day Oration was toxic and undeserved. Liberians and international partners expected a modest message that would foster peace and unity, provide hope for the citizenry, and urge the government to fulfill its campaign pledges rather than expressing absolute ingratitude towards Liberia’s most reliable, steady, and responsive Traditional Ally.”
MOVEE expressed support for the CDC’s recent press statement issued by National Chairman Atty. Janga Kowo, emphasizing that “as diplomatic relations are concerned, any country has the right to sway from one competing nation to the other without injuring the long-standing relationship we have built for centuries.”
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