Liberia: New US Ambassador Christopher Toner Arrives Months After US Senate Confirmation Hearing

Toner, a career Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, served as the Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France before his appointment as Ambassador to Liberia.

Monrovia- New U.S Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Christopher Toner arrived in Liberia on Friday, August 2. Amb. Torner is expected to present his official credentials to President Joseph Boakai and to commence his duties. Ambassador Toner who will succeed Amb. Michael McCarthy, who was noted for his strong stance against corruption during his tenure, arrival signifies an important moment and era in US-Liberian relations.

By Jaheim T. Tumu,Jaheimt.tumu@afrontpageafricaonline.com

Toner, a career Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, served as the Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France before his appointment as Ambassador to Liberia.

 Previously, he was a Senior Advisor at the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and a Senior Faculty Advisor at the National Defense University. Earlier, Toner held positions as the State Department’s Deputy Spokesperson, Acting Spokesperson, and as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the State Department’s Bureau of European Affairs.

He has also served as the Director of Press Operations in the Bureau of Public Affairs and Director of Press and Public Affairs in the Bureau of European Affairs.

Toner was also Spokesperson at the U.S. Mission to NATO in Brussels, Belgium. Prior to joining the State Department, Toner served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia.

A career foreign service officer, he was confirmed late October replacing Ambassador McCarthy. His arrival comes at a critical time as Liberia continues to tackle numerous political and economic challenges including the War and Economic Crime Court

 However, during his confirmation, Amb Toner vowed to the U.S Congress that he would continue the anti-corruption efforts initiated by his predecessor, McCarthy.

He expressed to the U.S. Congress that the substantial support provided by the U.S. government for Liberia’s development was rapidly diminishing under the then Weah-Taylor-led administration.

Toner stated, “The United States is the largest bilateral donor to Liberia, with more than $5 billion in bilateral assistance since 2003. That assistance has paid concrete dividends in the economic, education, security, and public health sectors, but that progress has also been heavily eroded by growing lawlessness and corruption within the present administration.”

He emphasized, “If confirmed, I will lead our embassy’s efforts to hold corrupt government officials accountable and keep Liberia on a path to self-reliance, so that ordinary Liberians see the benefits of private-sector growth and accountable government, and the country remains the United States’ most steadfast partner in Africa.”

Like his predecessor, Toner appears to be fervent in dedicating his energy and concentration to helping root out corruption and disregard for the rule of law in Liberia.

Toner’s position on corruption, accountability, and the rule of law seems to follow the pattern established by Ambassador McCarthy, where numerous officials from the Weah-led government faced sanctions due to their alleged engagement in corrupt practices and pay-to-play schemes and at the same time openly criticized the regime.

“If confirmed, I look forward to building on the outstanding work the previous Ambassador and his excellent team have done to assist with the many challenges facing Liberia. I am optimistic that the United States can work with its partners in the Liberian government and people to help strengthen their democracy and secure a brighter, more prosperous future for the next generation,” Toner stated before the Senate panel.

Background of Ambassador Toner

Toner holds advanced degrees in International Relations and Economics from prestigious universities. His academic foundation has equipped him with the analytical skills necessary for high-level diplomatic negotiations.

Toner’s early started his career with the US State Department as a political officer, where he focused on political analysis and reporting. His early assignments included postings in Europe and Asia, where he gained experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.  He advanced at his senior roles in Washington, D.C. where he held several senior roles, including Director of the Office of West African Affairs. He oversaw US policy towards West African countries, including Liberia, giving him direct insight into the region’s dynamics.

He earned his B.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame and his M.A. degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. He is the recipient of multiple State Department performance awards and speaks French and Polish. He is married and has four daughters.

Ambassador Toner’s proactive approach and comprehensive agenda are poised to enhance the US-Liberian partnership, addressing critical issues and fostering long-term development and stability.

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