Monrovia, Liberia, 27 July 2024 STAND strongly objects to and considers as unfair the remarks made by the National Orator during Liberia’s 177th Independence Day commemoration. The Orator described the longstanding historical ties between Liberia and the United States as an “outsized influence” and a “so-called special relationship.” Further, the Orator condemned the United States’ recognition of Liberia’s independence as a “bad product” of the Liberia-America relationship. This analysis demonstrates a lack of historical understanding and disregards the religious, moral, political, economic, and social benefits that this relationship has providedRead More

President of the Republic of Liberia On the Occasion of the 177th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Liberia The Centennial Pavilion, Ashmun Street, Monrovia, Liberia. July 26, 2024 Our Esteemed Guest, President Nana Dankwa Arkufo Addo, and Representatives of Other Foreign Heads of State; Mr. Vice President & Mrs. Koung; First Lady Kartumu Y. Boakai;​ Mr. Speaker and Honorable Members of the House of Representatives; Madam President Pro Tempore and Members of the Senate; Madam Former Vice President of Liberia, Honorable Jewel Howard-Taylor; Madam Chief Justice, Associate Justices, andRead More

National Oration by Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey 177th Independence Day Celebration, Republic of Liberia July 26, 2024 [SALUTATIONS; ALL PROTOCOLS OBSERVED] As someone who loves this country with every fiber of my being, I feel very honored and privileged to address you today. When I think of Liberia’s birth as a nation, I often picture fists of all shapes and sizes raised in the air [like this]. Because our declaration of independence on July 26, 1847 was a revolutionary act of defiance. Back then, when blackness was synonymous with bondage,Read More

By: Christopher S. Bestman facebook_20240728_094954 Monrovia, Liberia – July 26, 2024: In the wake of recent events during the Liberian Independence Day Celebration, the United States Embassy has released a statement to clarify the decision made by Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Rodriguez to leave the event. The United States and Liberia share a rich history and a commitment to democratic values. However, during the celebration, the national orator’s speech deviated into divisive rhetoric and included unfounded accusations, prompting a response from the U.S. diplomatic mission. The Embassy highlighted the longstanding partnershipRead More

By: Christopher S. Bestman Monrovia, Liberia July 26, 2024: As Liberia celebrated its 177th Independence Day, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and national orator Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey delivered a touching remarks that resonated deeply with citizens, urging a collective commitment to unity and progress. In his speech at the Centennial Pavilion, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai expressed gratitude for the nation’s resilience and the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom, justice, and democracy. He acknowledged that while Liberia enjoys independence, many citizens still face challenges such as hunger, homelessness,Read More

By: Abraham Sylvester PantoMonrovia, July 26, 2024 – Addressing scores of citizens, government officials and International guests at the Centennial Pavilion in Monrovia, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey, the National Orator for Liberia’s 177th Independence Day, called for a radical agenda to re-imagine the nation’s future.Dr. Pailey, a distinguished academic and Assistant Professor at the London School of Economics, delivered her speech under the theme, “A Radical Agenda for Re-imagining Liberia.” She emphasized the revolutionary spirit of Liberia’s founding in 1847 and the need to reconnect with the nation’s core principlesRead More

The Liberian Council of Churches has Outlined widespread public Corruption, Willful Non-adherence to Rule of Law and Others within the Unity Party -led government presided over by President Boakai Boakai. In a statement signed by its President, Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves, Jr., the Council stated that despite the Unity Party government is relatively six months, yet there were critical conditions which continued to affect the country since the inception of the Boakai led Administration. The LCC in its situation report and assessment of the Boakai’s regime raised concerns overRead More

Nimba County District #9 Representative—Taa Zogbe Kartoe Wongbe, has expressed disappointment in the conduct of House Speaker—Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa over the manner in which he has allowed himself to be remote controlled by the Executive branch of government. In a communication on his social media page, Representative Wongbe said the conduct of the Speaker is extremely strange and runs contrary to his campaign promises. See letter below: Dear Honorable Speaker Hon Cllr J Fonati Koffa, Greetings from Abuja! I am reminded of this picture during your Speakership election, whereRead More

The Liberia National Police has announced the dismissal of one of its officers— Ismael Trawally, in connection to the death of a minor. Making the pronouncement at a news conference Thursday, Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman said Corp. Ismael Trawally has been dismissed from the police due to his involvement in the shooting of little James Karnley in the ELWA Rehab Community on July 1, 2024. He said following preliminary investigation by the Professional Standard Division of the LNP, it was established that officer Trawally used force on theRead More

“We are currently in the negotiation phase. No formal agreement or contract has been signed with any party. The discussions are ongoing, and no financial commitment has been made by the Government of Liberia and not a dime paid,” says President Joseph N. Boakai in a communication dated July 9, 2024 to House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa. In his controversial communication to Speaker Fonati Koffa after the House of Representatives raised a number of inquiries over the arrival of the earth-moving equipment, President Boakai said no formal deal have beenRead More