Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian government has voiced serious concern over the looming mass deportation of undocumented citizens from the United States and the abrupt suspension of USAID-funded programs. These developments could have significant economic and social repercussions for the country.
Regarding the situation, Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah acknowledged that Liberia has yet to receive an official notice regarding large-scale deportations. However, he confirmed that four Liberians, whose removal had been processed before the new immigration directive, are scheduled to arrive in Monrovia within days.
In an effort to prevent further deportations, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has formally reached out to the US Secretary of State, seeking high-level discussions on alternative solutions. Liberia’s diplomatic corps is also engaging lawmakers at both state and federal levels in Washington to explore options that would shield affected Liberians from forced removal. During a recent virtual conference, Ambassador Dr. Al Hassan Conteh and Minister Nyanti assured Liberians in the US that the government is actively pursuing diplomatic interventions.
On the domestic front, authorities have mobilized an Inter-Agency Task Force to prepare for potential deportations. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the task force comprises representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Internal Affairs, and Information, law enforcement agencies, and the Liberia Refugees, Repatriation, and Resettlement Commission. Officials say the initiative aims to coordinate efforts to support returning Liberians should deportations proceed.
Meanwhile, the government is struggling with the fallout from USAID’s decision to freeze its global development programs, which directly impacts key sectors in Liberia. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has directed ministers overseeing agriculture, health, education, and the rule of law to assess the potential disruptions and devise strategies to mitigate the effects of the funding halt.
While acknowledging that Liberia has no control over US policy decisions, Piah reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to diplomatic engagement and strategic negotiations. He assured President Boakai’s team that they would work diligently to safeguard the interests of Liberians at home and abroad while pushing for solutions that would prevent economic and social instability.
