The New Dawn (Monrovia)

Liberia: Gov't Seeks U.S. Embassy Response

11 October 2012

Barely 24 hours after an online news magazine African Standard reported that the U.S. Government has cut off security aid to Liberia, has the Government of Liberia said it has not received an official confirmation.

Deputy Information Minister Norris Tweah told the New Dawn Wednesday the ministry has contacted the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia on the report, and was awaiting response from the embassy.

This paper also contacted the US Embassy and the Public Affairs Officer there Sally Hodgson promised to call back, but up to press time last night she had not returned the call.

Similarly, the African Standard claimed the Embassy has remained tightlipped despite making contact. However, the Standard claimed credible sources on Thursday, 4 October 2012, disclosed the U.S. withdrew arms and ammunition it had earlier supplied the Government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

The arms and ammunition were reportedly used by Madam Sirleaf's elite security force - the Executive Protection Service.

Further quoting what it termed "highly placed and respected security insider" within the Johnson-Sirleaf administration, it said the U.S. has recalled its Security Advisor to the Government of Liberia and has also discontinued US$7 million military aid towards security reform here.

The U.S. Government has been a key ally of the Sirleaf's Administration, and was very instrumental in ensuring the government attains the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion point last year that led to the waiver of more than US$3 billion foreign debt.

The U.S. State department spearheaded the training of the first batch of 2,000 strong men and women for the restructured Armed Forces of Liberia.

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  • Liberian People
    Oct 11 2012, 19:11
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    If this story is true, this means that the US has been frustrated with President Sirleaf's corruption, lack of investment in the Liberian People, nepotism, and failure to prosecute corrupt Liberian Officials who have stolen millions of US dollars for the Liberia people and have been promoted by the president. The president just put a halt to the prosecution of one of minister, Randy Jackson who used public funds for his personal needs. President Sirleaf has become part of the corrupt practice in Liberia, and Liberian should not expect any real reform from her. Liberians must look for a new leader who will be committed to fighting corruption with action, judicial reform, investment in the Liberian Peole, and promoting good governance. President Sirleaf has been a big dissapointment to Liberians except her friends, ministers, and inner circles.