But How Prepared Is Liberia Host The New Arrivals?

PHOTO: Minister Jerolmek Matthew Piah speaking to Journalists today, Tuesday

‎By Aruna Goepogui

‎‎MONROVIA, Liberia, August 18, 2026–The Liberian government has disclosed that it has reached a deal with the United States government to host 1,200 foreign nationals that the US has decided to deport, with the first batch of 20 slated to arrive here this Thursday, August 20.

The government made the revelation today, Tuesday at the Information Ministry press conference on Capitol Hill, when Information Minister Jerolmek Matthew Piah said the government is preparing to receive the first group of 20 individuals from the United States under what he called a humanitarian arrangement between the two governments.‎

Details of the deal are not fully known so far, but Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh said such an arrangement is normal in international relations, when deportees from other countries would prefer to go to a third country due to various personal reasons.

‎Information Minister Piah said Liberia has agreed to accept up to 1,200 individuals from the United States under the arrangement.‎

‎Piah said the individuals include nationals of African countries and other countries in the Western Hemisphere who have been medically cleared to travel.‎

‎According to him, the first group of 20 is expected to arrive in Liberia on August 20, with the government already making preparations for their reception and welfare.

A report in the Washington Post newspaper said the Donald Trump  administration has struck several such third-country deportation deals with African countries.

Under a series of often-secret agreements that are part of a broad U.S. crackdown on illegal immigration, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has deported thousands of people to nearly two dozen countries that are not their own, advocates say. Liberia agrees to take 1,200 deportees from the United States – The Washington Post

‎Piah said the arrangement is humanitarian in nature and is consistent with Liberia’s longstanding tradition of providing refuge and protection to people fleeing persecution, political instability and conflict.

‎‎“The government wants to emphasize that those being brought to Liberia will be received as guests of the Republic,” the Information Minister said.

‎‎He noted that Liberia’s history of welcoming displaced people dates back to the country’s founding, highlighting its historical connection with African Americans, including formerly enslaved and free Black people from the United States who contributed to the establishment of Liberia.‎

‎The Liberian government, which made the public announcement barely 48 hours to the expected arrival of the foreign deportees from the US, recalled Liberia’s role during the period of European colonialism, when, according to him, the country provided support and a safe environment for African liberation activists and freedom fighters.‎

‎He said Liberia’s participation in the current arrangement should therefore be viewed within the context of the country’s established humanitarian principles rather than as a departure from them.

‎‎The Information Minister assured that the government would provide the necessary support to facilitate the safe reception and protection of the transferred individuals.

‎He explained that anyone transferred to Liberia who later wishes to remain in the country will have the opportunity to apply through the appropriate legal process.

‎‎Piah added that the Liberian government is expected to receive support to manage the program and strengthen the country’s broader migration-management system.

‎He emphasized that the arrangement will be implemented in accordance with Liberia’s laws, traditions and international obligations.

‎‎At the same time, the government is calling Liberian citizens to extend hospitality to the incoming individuals and treat them with dignity and respect.

‎Information Minister Piah said Liberia considers the arrangement an opportunity to demonstrate its tradition of hospitality and humanitarian protection to the international community.‎

‎Liberia sees this arrangement as an opportunity to showcase Liberian hospitality to the world,” he said, while assuring citizens and residents that the government would work to ensure the transferred individuals receive the necessary protection and humane treatment.