-Government’s International Dilemma
By Jerromie S. Walters
Many have already raised skepticism and doubts regarding the Boakai-Koung administration’s ability to forge strong international relationships, with critics suggesting that the government has approached major global engagements unprepared. Many observers argue that without a solid strategy, Liberia risks missing out on valuable opportunities, especially as other nations come equipped with comprehensive developmental plans.
During its time in opposition, the Unity Party (UP) was vocal about these very issues, criticizing the previous administration for its weak international relations. This message resonated with voters, who overwhelmingly supported the UP in their quest for change, seeking a government that could better navigate the complexities of global diplomacy.
Since taking office, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has made numerous trips to international forums. However, the outcomes of these engagements have left many Liberians questioning the effectiveness of the government’s foreign policy and its preparedness to capitalize on these opportunities. Unlike other countries that often secure significant direct benefits from such events, Liberia seems to struggle to translate these engagements into tangible results.
While some pundits acknowledge that investment deals and bilateral or multilateral cooperation require time to materialize, there are growing concerns about the government’s foundational structure. Critics point out that the lack of a permanent Finance and Development Planning Minister since the resignation of ex-Minister Kamara has hindered the administration’s ability to present a cohesive economic strategy.
US$94.1 million deal and more
On Monday, September 2, 2024, ANTARA News Agency, a media outlet in Indonesia reported that Indonesia managed to secure investment agreements worth US$94.1 million in the health sector at the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF MSP) and the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) Joint Leaders Session 2024.
“This agreement was signed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indonesia and several African countries,” director of Africa at the Directorate General of Asia, Pacific, and Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DewiJusticia Meidiwaty, informed in Bali on Monday.
The news outlet notes that African countries are Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and Namibia. It was also reported that several Indonesian companies were said to be involved in the collaboration, including PT Bio Farma, Bio Farma Group, Dexa Medica, Triton, and PT Pertiwi Agung (Mensa Group).
As per details of the cooperation, state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Bio Farma has established strategic collaboration with Zimbabwe and Ghana. It has signed an MoU with Natpharm Zimbabwe for the registration, distribution, and marketing of pharmaceutical products. Bio Farma has agreed to carry out technology transfer with Ghana’s Atlantic Life Sciences by training staff from Ghana in Bandung and bulk API shipments. Through the Bio Farma Group, Indonesia has also expanded cooperation with Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. Bio Farma Group signed a master agreement for technology transfer collaboration with the Kenya Biovax Institute, Meidiwatyinformed.
Bio Farma is collaborating with its Nigerian counterpart for the purchase of Td (Diphtheria and Tetanus) and measles vaccines by the Nigerian government, as well as pursuing technology transfer for vaccine production with BVNL Nigeria. Furthermore, a sales agreement has been signed with Uganda for the marketing of pharmaceutical products, with sales estimated to start in 2026 or 2027. PT Dexa Medica began exporting pharmaceutical products to Tanzania in 2023, with the export value projected to reach US$2.5–US$3.0 million in the next three years.
Meanwhile, PT Triton Manufactures has inked an agreement on syringe procurement for South Africa, and PT Pertiwi Agung(Mensa Group) has signed an agreement to purchase instant energy drinks from Namibia. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the cooperation was established based on the Bandung Spirit, which prioritizes solidarity and cooperation between Asian and African countries following the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference.
Also on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the news outlet reported that Indonesia intends to explore the expansion of utilizing geothermal energy in African countries at the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF), according to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
“Based on our expertise in developing geothermal, we will focus on geothermal (for cooperation with African countries),” the ministry’s secretary general Dadan Kusdiana stated during the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) here on Tuesday. He further highlighted Africa’s significant geothermal potential, including in Kenya, which is estimated to produce 10 thousand megawatts (MW) of electricity.
Liberia’s benefit
On Monday, September 2, 2024, the Executive Mansion reported that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., held bilateral talks with his Indonesian Counterpart, President Joko Widodo, to discuss the strengthening of ties between Liberia and Indonesia. The release says the Liberian Leader expressed gratitude for the kind invitation to participate in the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum and to further solidify the friendly relations between the two nations.
Unlike other countries that are to benefit from the health sector deals worth 94.1 million US dollars, the Executive Mansion says President Boakai conveyed his appreciation for the warm reception and courtesies extended to him and his delegation since their arrival in Bali.
The release went on to emphasize that the two leaders reflected on the high point in their countries’ relations in 2013, marked by mutual visits and the establishment of a Joint Commission to enhance cooperation and trade. President Boakai also acknowledged Indonesia’s significant contribution to Liberia’s peace and stability during the civil conflict, particularly through participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission and private sector investment.
Howbeit, the Executive Manion reported that the meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude and a shared commitment to further strengthen the ties between Liberia and Indonesia. Considering the sad nature of how the country has failed to secure meaningful funding at major international engagements, political pundits hope that it can benefit from these elaborate visits accompanied by huge delegations.
Major Trips
On February 13, 2024, the Executive Mansion reported that the President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., left the country for a two-day work visit to the Republic of Ghana. While in Ghana, the President was scheduled to meet and hold consultations with Ghanaian Leader, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, on matters of mutual interest to both countries and issues obtaining in the sub-region.
Also, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., led a high-power government delegation on Thursday, March 7, 2024, to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, for a two-day official visit. During the visit, President Boakai and his Ivorian counterpart, President AlassaneOuattara, held discussions regarding a range of issues centered on Liberia-Cote d’Ivoire relations. The focus was on matters related to the Liberia-Cote d’Ivoire Framework Agreement, electricity, agriculture, and regional security.
In May 2024, the President of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., led the Official Liberian delegation to the US-Africa Business Summit that took place in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, from May 6-9, 2024. The Summit which is an annual event, brought together key business and government leaders from across Africa and the United States to hold discussions on enhancingtrade and economic partnerships.
In May 2024, the Liberian Delegation was among scores of representatives of member states of the African Development Bank who converged on the Kenyan Capital, Nairobi, for the Bank’s 2024 Annual General Meeting. On June 1, 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., departed Liberia for South Korea as Head of the Official Liberian delegation to the Korea-Africa Summit scheduled to take place in Seoul, Korea.
According to the Executive Mansion, President Joseph NyumaBoakai, Sr. and his delegation engaged in bilateral discussions with His Excellency Yool Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of South Korea, in Seoul, on the sidelines of the Korea-Africa Summit 2024. “President Yeol extended a warm welcome to President Boakai and congratulated him on assuming the presidency of Liberia. He expressed gratitude for Liberia’s historical support during the Korean War, emphasizing the enduring 60-year relationship between the two nations. President Boakai conveyed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit and reiterated Liberia’s unwavering commitment to deepening its partnership with Korea,” an Executive Mansion release states.
The Liberian Leader outlined the multifaceted challenges faced by Liberia, encompassing various sectors such as agriculture,infrastructure, human resource development, renewable energy, education, technology, fisheries, policy development, and port construction. Unfortunately, not much has been heard about vivid outcomes that benefit ordinary Liberians.
On Monday, August 19, 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, the United States of America to attend the 124h, National Black Business Conference. The President delivered the Keynote Address of the Conference. Members of the President’s Official Delegation included: Honorable Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet 2. Honorable Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio, Dr. Augustine Konneh, Senior Adviser, Ambassador Emmet Kennedy, Chief of Protocol of the Executive Mansion.
Like the recent engagement in Indonesia, the government is yet to point to major gains achieved from these engagements. Unless interests and commitments, not much of a direct impact has been made on the lives of ordinary Liberians.
