Monrovia — STAND has expressed strong objections to the remarks made by the National Orator during Liberia’s 177th Independence Day commemoration. The Orator’s description of the historical ties between Liberia and the United States as an “outsized influence” and a “so-called special relationship” has been met with sharp criticism from the organization.
The Orator condemned the United States’ recognition of Liberia’s independence, labeling it a “bad product” of the Liberia-America relationship. STAND argues that this analysis demonstrates a lack of historical understanding and disregards the numerous benefits the relationship has provided to Liberia, encompassing religious, moral, political, economic, and social aspects.
STAND highlighted the irony of criticizing the United States, a nation that has been a steadfast supporter of Liberia throughout its history, including during its pre-conflict, conflict, and post-conflict periods. The U.S. government has provided millions in development assistance annually, opened its borders to thousands of Liberians during the civil war, and consistently supported Liberia’s positive endeavors. STAND denounced the Orator’s remarks as both baseless and unjust towards the United States.
The organization further asserted that the Orator’s negative characterization of this special relationship reflects a dangerous anti-American sentiment rooted in radical ideology, failing to appreciate the extensive support provided by the United States. This support has significantly surpassed that of any other development partner.
STAND emphasized that such rhetoric undermines the well-being of ordinary Liberians, whose livelihoods are significantly bolstered by U.S. development assistance. The Orator’s distortion of facts, according to STAND, tacitly endorses bad governance in Liberia, which has led to widespread poverty, inadequate social services, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a lack of accountability.
STAND unequivocally stated that America is not responsible for Liberia’s challenges. Instead, Liberian leaders are primarily accountable for crafting policies to improve living standards, a responsibility in which successive governments have failed.
The Independence Day celebration, STAND argued, should be an opportunity for national renewal, especially considering Liberia’s divisions as reflected in election results, wealth and income disparities, and widening poverty gaps. The Orator’s attempt to alienate Liberia from its key international development partner on such a solemn occasion raises serious concerns.
STAND questioned the logic behind blaming America for issues such as corruption, illegitimate concessions, resource mismanagement, illicit drug trade, lack of criminal accountability, and the unmet hopes of citizens. The organization pointed out that these issues are the responsibility of Liberia’s leaders, not the United States.
Additionally, STAND criticized the Orator for failing to hold Liberia’s leaders accountable for the poor conditions at JFK Hospital, the overall healthcare system, the lack of investment in agriculture, the poor state of roads, and shortcomings in the education system.
In contrast, the United States has provided substantial support, including military training, healthcare funding, and essential drug supplies. Since 2003, the U.S. has spent $2.4 billion in development assistance to Liberia through the State Department and USAID. The U.S. has also provided training and capacity building for Liberia’s justice system, which has struggled to address corruption and hold perpetrators accountable.
Finally, STAND urged Liberian citizens to ignore the Orator’s unfair and radical rhetoric against the United States Government, as it undermines national interests. The organization reminded citizens that “while being carried on the shoulders of the United States, it would be unwise to complain about its armpit.”
STAND reaffirmed that the United States remains Liberia’s premier development partner, and the Liberian people, who are grateful for their sustained assistance, will not be misled by the Orator’s divisive comments. On behalf of the Liberian people, STAND apologized to the government and people of the United States and expressed a commitment to maintaining a strong relationship between Liberia and the United States.
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