-Warns Against Misuse
MONROVIA – The Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank (LiDTT) has lauded the Boakai administration for a series of recent foreign policy successes, headlined by a landmark U.S. visa extension for Liberian travelers, while issuing a stark warning to citizens to protect this “national asset” by strictly adhering to immigration laws.
In a public statement, the LiDTT extended commendations to President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and legislative committees for securing tangible diplomatic gains that are elevating Liberia’s global standing. The most immediate benefit for citizens is the U.S. State Department’s decision to extend the validity of B1/B2 visas for Liberians from one year to three years.
The think tank described this revised reciprocity agreement as a direct result of strengthened bilateral ties with the United States, opening “new avenues for diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian cooperation.”
“This historic extension reflects the deepening of Liberia’s longstanding bilateral relationship with the United States,” the LiDTT stated. However, the praise was coupled with a firm caution. The group emphasized that this privilege comes with a grave national responsibility.
It underscored the government’s policy against visa overstays and urged all Liberians to “uphold the integrity of this privilege” by adhering strictly to visa regulations and maintaining truthful conduct. “Such respect for the law not only safeguards Liberia’s international reputation but also ensures continued goodwill and future benefits for all Liberians,” the statement read, framing individual actions as having direct consequences for the nation’s diplomatic future.
Beyond the U.S. visa breakthrough, the LiDTT highlighted Liberia’s growing influence at the United Nations. The nation’s distinguished selection to chair the UN Sanctions Committee on Sudan and to co-chair committees on the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen signals “Liberia’s renewed and respected presence on the global stage.”
These appointments complement Liberia’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The think tank also singled out Foreign Minister Nyanti for her “resilient leadership” in pursuing Liberia’s associate membership with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), an effort that marks a strategic shift in the nation’s foreign policy outreach.
Looking ahead, the LiDTT encouraged the administration to “sustain this momentum” by proactively strengthening global ties to attract investment crucial for national development.
In a unifying call to action, the group urged every Liberian—irrespective of religion, politics, or tribe—to take collective pride in the visa milestone.
It described the achievement as a “national asset” that benefits all citizens equally and must be “embraced as a unifying symbol of national progress.” The Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank concluded by reaffirming its support for these advances and calling on all citizens to “honor their country by upholding the principles of integrity, respect, and patriotism.”
