Monrovia — The Government of Liberia has formally requested the European Union to recall and replace its Head of Delegation to Liberia, Ambassador Nona Deprez, accusing her of making statements that undermined the country's leadership, institutions, and investment climate.
The request, contained in a diplomatic communication dated March 6, 2026, and addressed to Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has triggered intense public debate and raised questions about the future of relations between Liberia and one of its most important international partners.
In the letter signed by Acting Foreign Minister Ethel Davis, the government alleged that Ambassador Deprez made a series of derogatory and misleading comments during official engagements with Liberian authorities, investors, and development stakeholders.
According to the communication, some of the remarks were reportedly made during the Liberia-European Union Business Forum held in Brussels on February 24-25, where the envoy allegedly questioned governance practices within the Liberian government and raised concerns about the role of Vice President Jeremiah Koung in the country's mining and energy sectors.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
The government further accused Ambassador Deprez of portraying Liberia's leadership in a negative light and making statements that could discourage investors and undermine confidence in state institutions.
While the government stopped short of declaring the envoy persona non grata, the Foreign Ministry made clear that such an option had been considered.
"The Government of Liberia notes that the conduct of Ambassador Deprez is of such a nature that it could warrant her declaration as persona non grata," Acting Minister Davis wrote. "However, in keeping with its firm commitment to preserving the cordial and productive relations that have long characterized the partnership between Liberia and the European Union, the Government has opted not to pursue that course of action."
Instead, the government requested that the European Union recall Ambassador Deprez for consultations and appoint a replacement.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of a long-standing partnership between Liberia and the European Union. For decades, the EU has been one of Liberia's most significant development partners, providing support in key sectors including governance, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, health, education, and post-war reconstruction.
However, the government's move has drawn criticism from opposition figures and political observers who argue that seeking the envoy's recall could be viewed as an overreaction and a sign of growing intolerance toward criticism.
Among the strongest critics is the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), whose Political Leader, Musa Hassan Bility, urged the government to adopt what he described as a more measured and diplomatic approach.
"If the diplomatic communication now in circulation is authentic, as it appears to be, then the Government of Liberia has indeed taken a very serious diplomatic step," Bility said in a statement.
"While we recognize the right and responsibility of every sovereign government to defend the dignity of the State, protect its institutions, and respond to any conduct that may undermine its national image, we believe this matter requires a more measured, tolerant, and strategic response."
Bility acknowledged that any statement by a foreign diplomat that misrepresents Liberia or casts doubt on the constitutional role of the Vice President should be taken seriously. However, he argued that the government's response should first focus on establishing the facts surrounding the allegations.
"The reported request for the Ambassador's replacement may appear reactionary if it is not accompanied by a clear effort to establish the facts and address the substance of the allegation," he said.
According to Bility, the central issue is not whether Ambassador Deprez should remain in Liberia but whether the claims allegedly attributed to her are true or false.
"If it is alleged that the Vice President is exercising authority over the mining and energy sectors outside of his constitutional and legal remit, then the government must first seek clarity and provide a direct answer to the Liberian people," Bility said.
"The Vice President, the Presidency, and the Government of Liberia deserve to be protected from false or misleading claims. But that protection cannot come merely by demanding the replacement of a diplomat. It must come through facts, explanation, and transparency."
The CMC leader further warned that recalling the ambassador without publicly addressing the substance of the allegations could leave lingering questions unanswered.
"Simply calling for the recall of the Ambassador does not, by itself, exonerate the Vice President," he said. "In fact, it may leave the allegation unresolved in the public space."
Bility called on the government to seek clarification from the European Union, demand corrections or retractions where appropriate, and publicly explain the constitutional roles of the President, Vice President, and relevant ministries responsible for the mining and energy sectors.
He also stressed the importance of preserving Liberia's relationship with the European Union.
"The European Union remains a major diplomatic and development partner of Liberia," he noted. "Our relationship with the EU should be protected and managed with maturity, mutual respect, and seriousness."
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Meanwhile, supporters of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) have also criticized the government's action, describing it as evidence of intolerance toward criticism.
Several CDC partisans pointed to the administration of former President George Weah, noting that despite repeated public criticisms from former United States Ambassador Michael McCarthy, the Weah government maintained cordial relations with the American diplomat.
They argued that Ambassador McCarthy frequently criticized governance issues during the previous administration, yet remained engaged with government officials, including President Weah, who often held friendly meetings and public engagements with the envoy.
According to CDC supporters, the government's request for Ambassador Deprez's recall sends the wrong signal to Liberia's international partners and risks portraying the country as unwilling to tolerate dissenting views.
The government has yet to publicly respond to the criticism, while the European Union has not issued an official statement regarding the reported recall request.
As debate intensifies, the diplomatic row has evolved beyond questions about Ambassador Deprez's alleged remarks and into a broader discussion about governance, transparency, diplomatic tolerance, and Liberia's relationship with one of its most important international allies.
