Bong County Rep. Moima Briggs Mensah Wants US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Recalled
PHOTO: (L-R) Rep. Moima Briggs Mensah and US Chargé d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez
If Pres. Boakai Doesn’t Listen And Act,” The Legislature Will Summon Him
The United States Embassy its Chargé d’Affaires in Monrovia, Catherine Rodriguez has come under serious criticism for walking out of Liberia’s 177th Independence ceremony, because the National Orator strongly criticized America for not doing enough to assist this West African country in its national development efforts.
In her speech, the Independence Orator, Dr. Robtel Pailey, the Liberian born Professor at the London Schoold of Oriental and African studies said: “Truth be told, the United States of America has taken more from us than we have received. Liberia is nobody’s stepchild.” Takeaways From The Fiery Historical Rhetoric By Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Orator That US Diplomats To Storm Out Of Hall – News Public Trust
Bong County Electoral District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah described the action of the US diplomat as as “disgusting” and “shameful”. warning that if President Boakai does not address the issue, she will propose to the Legislature to request an explanation from him.
The United States Embassy in Liberia described the Orator’s comment as “provocative”, thus prompting their storming out of the historic Pavilion on Ashmun Street in central Monrovia by uS Chargé D’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez.
A statement issued by the Americans shortly after 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.”- US Embassy, Monrovia
Rep. Mensah is calling on President Joseph Boakai to ask the US government to recall Chargé d’Affaires Rodriguez.
”If President Boakai doesn’t listen and act, a communication will be before the Legislature requesting the president to appear and clarify why he refused to ask the American government to recall the charge d’Affairs,” the Liberian lawmaker warned.
The Bong County Representative said the US envoy’s walk out of the Centennial Pavilion on July was disrespectful to Liberian leaders and foreign guests.
She recalled that the Liberian exercise tolerance and did not get angry recently, when former U.S. Ambassador McCarthy criticized the Liberian government and lawmakers for accumulating wealth for themselves.
“McCarthy’s comments suggested that lawmakers were not serving the Liberian people but rather enriching ourselves at the people’s expense. Did we get angry or speak out when he criticized us? No. We should always expect negative feedback, learn from it, and work towards improvement,” Rep. Mensah stated.
“The President sat, listened, and applauded her without any reaction, unlike the Ambassador who could not accept the truth,” she said.
“Did she lie?” she asked, pointing out that the Liberian Constitution is a carbon copy of the American Constitution and that the Liberian flag represents the American flag.
“What did she say that was different? She told us it’s time to think about ourselves and practice tolerance, nationalism, and respect,” Rep. Mensah added.