President Joseph Boakai has been scrutinized for recently revoking appointments of Ambassadors-at-Large, Special Envoys, and Trade and Investment Representatives with immediate effect.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah (contributor)
Monrovia, Liberia, October 30, 2024—President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent diplomatic shake-up has sparked serious scrutiny of the country’s foreign policy.
The President’s decision to cancel multiple diplomatic appointments raises critical concerns about the vetting processes and clarity of terms of reference for those positions.
Speaking to OK fm on Monday, October 28, 2024, Abdullah Kiatamba, a Liberian political analyst, said the abrupt action raises questions about the vetting processes and the lack of clear terms of reference for appointees.
According to him, the absence of structured guidelines may lead to inefficiencies and misalignments in Liberia’s diplomatic efforts, potentially compromising its international relations and strategic interests.
“There were no specific guidelines or clear dos and don’ts regarding the positions,” he says.
He notes the lack of direction could lead to confusion and hinder effective diplomatic engagement, emphasizing the need for a more structured framework in future appointments.
President Boakai recently revoked all appointments of Ambassadors-at-Large, Special Envoys, and Trade and Investment Representatives to address challenges within the Liberian diplomatic sector.
However, Kiatamba explains that the President typically sets the overarching foreign policy direction, while the Foreign Ministry, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, implements that agenda through diplomacy.
He notes that the government did not provide anything, so officials created their own terms of reference without clear guidance. He spoke of research he did because of his interest in the matter, which uncovered that the national security team conducted an internal investigation and concluded abuses and challenges, which they told the President, and he instructed them to act.
According to him, some appointees’ roles are questionable, but there is debate about whether the President should roll out the policy and focus on those with problems rather than dismissing the entire group and embarrassing some people publicly.
Now, the second school of thought is that if those involved were informed ahead of time that the process would be canceled, they would have gone ahead and accelerated whatever deal, which would have caused more damage.
He continues that it is a good idea to bring everything back to the status quo.
When asked why the national security team rendered their decision generally, which could place a dark cloud on people’s reputation, he explained that because of the nature of the situation and statements from appointees that could contradict the country’s official foreign policy position, he trusts the decision of the security team that investigated the matter.
The Liberian political analyst then focuses his concern on the next steps leading to the vetting process, which should be as fast as possible to ensure that those who are doing well continue to work and those who fail to meet minimum scrutiny are asked to take different roles.
The Liberian government has taken some measures to address significant issues in its foreign policy, particularly regarding unauthorized actions or mismanagement. Withdrawing diplomatic and service passports is a step toward regaining control and ensuring that those representing the country adhere to its official policies and standards.
The sanctions against the administration of former President George Manneh Weah regarding diplomatic passports that linked former passport director Andrew Weplue highlight significant concerns about misuse of authority and corruption. Such incidents can undermine trust in the government and raise questions about the integrity of the diplomatic process.
Addressing these issues is crucial for restoring confidence in Liberia’s foreign relations and governance.
Kiatamba notes, “With all that is happening, I think the Government was right to cancel those diplomatic appointments. I agreed with them hundred percent.” Editing by Jonathan Browne
