-Opposition CDC frowns on 177th Independence Day Orator’s assertions on Liberia-U.S. relations
By Jerromie S. Walters
Like scores of its supporters earlier did, the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has frowned on remarks made by Ms. Robtel Pailey, the 177 Independence Day Orator, about Liberia-U.S. relations during her speech celebrating Liberia’s National Independence Day. The CDC emphasized that the oration should focus on themes of peace and prosperity rather than divisive attacks.
In her speech, Pailey criticized the United States, a move that the CDC argues does not reflect the sentiments of all Liberians. The party highlighted the essence of the long-standing relationship between Liberia and the U.S., asserting that many citizens value this partnership.
“The National Independence Day Oration should be about peace and prosperity, not about attacks. The attacks against the United States of America by the 177 Independence Day Orator, Ms. Robtel Pailey, does not represent the view of all Liberians, who cherish the long-standing relationship between Liberia and the United States of America.”
While the CDC embraces the principle of free speech, the party says it opposes any rhetoric that undermines the values and principles of the United States or any of Liberia’s international allies. The party condemned the supportive responses from officials of the Boakai-Koung Unity Party Administration, labeling them as irresponsible.
“While the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) supports free speech, we absolutely don’t condone any speech or action that demonstrates semblance of attacks on the values and principles of the United States of America and – or any of Liberia’s international partners or diplomatic friends. The CDC further condemns and terms as irresponsible, the responses in support of the unfounded attacks from the officials of the Boakai-Koung Unity Party Administration.”
The CDC characterized Pailey’s comments as indicative of a fundamental misunderstanding of both Liberian history and contemporary realities. They pointed out that the United States has been a crucial ally in Liberia’s development since the country’s founding, contributing significantly to post-war reconstruction efforts.
“The Orator’s attacks demonstrate an elementary lack of understanding of Liberian history and current realities. From the foundation of Liberia and up to present, the United States has been a supportive partner to Liberia’s growth and development.
The statements by Ms. Robtel Pailey are not backed up with any empirical data and therefore stem from emotion rather than an academic or intellectual foundation.”
The party criticized Pailey’s remarks as lacking empirical support and rooted more in emotion than in factual analysis. They argued that a more constructive focus for the oration would have been the government’s alleged attacks on state institutions, including violations of Supreme Court rulings and the tragic incidents in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County, and Monrovia.
“The National Orator should have spoken about the vicious attacks by the current government on the various institutions of the state- disregard to the Supreme rulings, violations of the Procurement Laws, murder of citizens in Kinjor, Grand Capemount county and Monrovia! Have we as a nation paused to calculate how much the United States and other partners have invested in Liberia postwar reconstruction and development efforts? From the days of ECOMOG, ECOMIL, UNMIL to now? It is in the tens of Billions of United States Dollars.”
The CDC also called attention to the substantial investments made by the United States and other partners in Liberia’s development, estimating these contributions to be in the tens of billions of dollars since the civil war. They questioned why the U.S. should be held accountable for basic infrastructure and public services, such as the construction of parks for citizen recreation, which they argue should be the responsibility of Liberia’s national leadership.
“The United States, however, cannot do simple things for Liberia that should be done by the National leadership of Liberia.
For instance, the construction of public parks for citizens’ recreation started after 170 years – how can the United States of America be blamed for such a lack of patriotic leadership?”
The former ruling party (CDC) urged for a more balanced and respectful dialogue about Liberia’s relationships with its international partners and emphasized the need for unity and constructive engagement in the pursuit of national progress.
