Monrovia – The Opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has condemned the remarks made by Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Orator, Ms. Robtel Pailey, criticizing the United States of America. The CDC asserts that her statements do not reflect the views of all Liberians, who value the long-standing relationship between Liberia and the United States.
Dr. Pailey, a Liberian scholar and activist, criticized the United States during her Independence Day speech, claiming that the country has taken more from Liberia than it has given. Her comments prompted United States Chargé d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez to leave the event.
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy emphasized that Independence Day celebrations should be a time for hope, unity, and celebration, and that introducing divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations undermines this purpose. The Embassy explained that Chargé d’Affaires Rodriguez’s departure was a measured response to maintain the event’s decorum and spirit.
The CDC issued a statement late Friday, stating that the National Independence Day Oration should focus on peace and prosperity rather than attacks.
“While the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) supports free speech, we do not condone any speech or action that appears to attack the values and principles of the United States of America or any of Liberia’s international partners or diplomatic friends, “the CDC said.
While Jerolinmek Piah, Liberia’s Information Minister distanced the government from Dr. Pailey’s speech, top officials of the Unity Party-led government heaped praises on Dr. Pailey for “great speech.”
Deputy Minister of State Cornelia Kruah-Togba wrote, “Liberian Girl! Congratulations Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey!
Well done.” Mo Ali, Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, stated, “Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey, thank you for that oration.”
Boakai Jaleiba, Vice President for Administration at the National Oil Company of Liberia, also wrote, “So the American people walked out of the hall because the Independence Day Orator criticized the US?”
Bong lawmaker Moima Briggs-Mensah, in a live Facebook message, called for Chargé D’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez to be recalled over her actions.
However, the CDC condemned the supportive responses from officials of the Boakai-Koung Unity Party Administration, describing them as irresponsible. According to the CDC, the Orator’s remarks demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of Liberian history and current realities. The former ruling party highlighted the longstanding support the United States has provided to Liberia’s growth and development, from its founding to the present day.
The CDC argued that Ms. Pailey’s statements lack empirical evidence and are driven by emotion rather than an academic or intellectual foundation.
In a statement issued through its chairman, Atty. Janga Kowo, the CDC suggested that the national orator should have addressed the “vicious attacks by the current government on various state institutions, disregard for Supreme Court rulings, violations of procurement laws, and the murder of citizens in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County, and Monrovia.”
The party questioned whether Liberians have considered the significant investments made by the United States and other partners in Liberia’s postwar reconstruction and development efforts, including support from ECOMOG, ECOMIL, and UNMIL. The CDC noted that these contributions amount to tens of billions of dollars.
The party noted that the United States cannot be blamed for issues that should be addressed by Liberia’s national leadership, such as the late initiation of public park constructions after 170 years.
