MONROVIA, Montserrado – Liberia’s 177th Independence Day orator, Robtel Neajai Pailey, has defended her controversial comments on the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Liberia and the United States.
During her speech, Pailey said the U.S. had taken more from Liberia than it has given.
“Liberia is nobody’s stepchild,” she said, criticizing the U.S. for what she described as interference in Liberia’s transitional justice process.
“I remain very concerned about the outsized influence of the United States in our transitional justice process.”
She called on Liberians to forge a new strategic partnership based on mutual benefit and to disabuse themselves of the notion that the country has a special relationship with the U.S., adding that such was only in their imagination.
“Lest we forget, the United States was one of the last countries to recognize our independence. Lest we forget, the United States has taken more from us than it has given. Lest we forget, the United States will always serve its own interests above all else. Once we accept these truths, we will appreciate that a re-imagined Liberia can never be anyone’s stepchild.”
Pailey’s speech prompted the charge d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Catherine Rodriguez, to walk out of the ceremony.
In a statement to justify the walkout, Rodriguez said the decision was a measured response to the orator’s comments.
“The United States and Liberia share a unique history and democratic values. Unfortunately, the national orator introduced divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations,” the embassy said.
“While the orator is entitled to freedom of speech, the [charge d’affaires] chose to exercise her right not to listen to such remarks.”
The statement added that the U.S. has a long history of providing foreign assistance, amounting to at least $163 million annually, separate from its contributions to several international organizations providing aid to the Liberians.
It emphasized that Independence Day is a time for hope and unity and that the U.S. remains a steadfast partner to Liberia, dedicated to fostering a positive and collaborative relationship based on shared values and mutual respect.
“We look forward to continuing our work together, now and in the future, for the benefit of both nations.”
Despite the strong critique of Pailey’s statements and the mixed reactions from the public, the orator said she owes no one an apology and stands by her expressions.
“I stand by every word, I stand by every sentence, I stand by every paragraph because I mentioned earlier, I am a scholar par excellence of Liberia. I am also a Liberian scholar who has a deep love for this country. I am not an American citizen; I am a Liberian citizen,” she said in a post-speech interview before she departed from Liberia over the weekend.
The Liberian government has said Pailey’s statements are solely hers and do not reflect its views. Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah clarified that orators express their personal views and do not speak for the government.
“What she said were her views, and in the spirit of respecting freedom of expression, we should respect the orator for her view,” he said. “They don’t represent the government, and I don’t intend to discuss an orator’s view during a national event.”
At the same time, Montserrado’s Senator Saah Joseph called out the orator on his Facebook page to note that the U.S. government and American non-governmental organizations have played a crucial role in Liberia’s development across various sectors, providing support in health, education, infrastructure, and governance.
Joseph noted that those contributions in Liberia have been extensive and multifaceted, addressing critical areas such as health, education, infrastructure, and governance, adding that these efforts have played a significant role in Liberia’s post-war recovery and ongoing development.
“Madam Orator! Please kindly view some contributions made by America and American NGOs in Liberia. The United States and American non-governmental organizations have played a crucial role in Liberia’s development across various sectors, providing support in health, education, infrastructure, and governance,” he wrote.
Featured photo courtesy of the Executive Mansion
