Liberia: Rep. Moima Briggs Mensah Calls for Recall of US Chargé d’Affaires, Citing ‘Gross Disrespect’

Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey in her 2024 national oration said the United States has taken more from Liberia than it has given./Credit: Executive Mansion. Here, President Boakai and Amb. Rodr

Monrovia – Representative Moima Briggs Mensah (District #6, Bong County) has called on President Joseph Boakai to immediately declare United States Chargé d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez a persona non grata for her unprecedented actions during Liberia’s 177th Independence celebration.

Chargé d’Affaires Rodriguez walked out of the official ceremony held at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in response to the Independence Day orator’s “provocative” comments against the United States.

In her speech, Liberian scholar and activist Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey stated that the United States has taken more from Liberia than it has given. “Lest we forget, the United States will always serve its own interests above all else,” Dr. Pailey remarked, followed by thunderous applause from the audience. “Once we accept these truths, we will appreciate that a re-imagined Liberia can never be anyone’s ‘stepchild’.”

Rep. Mensah suggested that, alternatively, President Boakai should request the US government to recall Rodriguez. She threatened to bring the issue before the plenary if President Boakai does not comply, demanding an explanation for his refusal.

“President Joseph Boakai, it is either he sends that woman back by tomorrow, or in the spirit of diplomacy, he writes to America to recall their Chargé d’Affaires,” Rep. Mensah stated. “If President Boakai does not take this stance, I will put a communication on the floor that he will come and tell us why he refused to ask the American government to recall the Chargé d’Affaires.”

She emphasized, “It is regrettable. I say the President must act now to save our country, to restore our identity, to restore the respect of Liberia that has been taken from us by the Chargé d’Affaires walking out.”

National orator Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey stated that the United States has taken more from Liberia than it has given.

The US Embassy defended Rodriguez’s walkout, stating it was a response to divisive rhetoric undermining the event’s spirit. In a statement, the Embassy said, “Independence Day celebrations should be a time for hope, unity, and celebration. Introducing divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations during such an event undermines its purpose. The CDA’s decision to walk out was a measured response to maintain the event’s decorum and spirit.”

Rep. Mensah condemned Rodriguez’s actions, emphasizing that the orator’s speech highlighted historical grievances and the need for Liberia to prioritize its own interests. “Just because this lady reminded us how much we have always put America first, it is about time we think about ourselves. Did she lie? Our constitution is a carbon copy of the American constitution, our flag is a replica of the American flag, everything we do,” she said.

She added, “Why did she say that was different? She just said it is about time we think about ourselves and focus. For that reason, people who always tell us that we must be tolerant, people who always criticize us that we should be nationalistic, people who always criticize us that we must be respectful to our nation, people who will always put their hands around us—no matter how grave it was—a Chargé d’Affaires will not walk out on us.”

Rep. Mensah suggested that, alternatively, President Boakai should request the US government to recall Rodriguez.

Rep. Mensah expressed strong disapproval of the US Chargé d’Affaires and her delegates’ decision to walk out during the speech, particularly given the presence of high-ranking officials such as President Boakai and other dignitaries.

This incident, she argued, could be seen as a diplomatic slight and may have repercussions on international relations. “The most disgusting and regrettable incident that took place was Madam Chargé d’Affaires walking out of our Independence Day celebration, with our president seated, with our visiting presidents seated, with our Chief Justice seated, with our Speaker seated, all of the vice presidents, the Senate Pro-Tempore, and all of the citizens of Liberia, and she walked out with her delegation,” she emphasized.

She recalled past criticisms by US officials, especially former Ambassador Michael McCarthy, towards Liberian lawmakers for enriching themselves while constituents suffered without basic need, stressing the importance of accepting negative feedback constructively.

Rep Mensah said, “Putting us against the Liberians people that we were not doing nothing for the Liberian people, but we about enriching ourselves. Did we get angry? Did anyone of us speak to him? We should always accept negative feedback and make the best out of it and work towards it.”

The post Liberia: Rep. Moima Briggs Mensah Calls for Recall of US Chargé d’Affaires, Citing ‘Gross Disrespect’ appeared first on FrontPageAfrica.