By Seltue Karweaye Sr.
America has long been regarded as Liberia’s strategic ally. Liberia has been modeled after the USA. The country was founded by freed African-American slaves in 1822 and declared independence in 1847. We adopted the American presidential system of government, which strengthened our ties with America. As the largest donor to Liberia, we aspire to be seen as America’s closest ally in Africa, given our historical connection.
Wednesday’s meeting at the White House between President Trump and the new Liberian President Joseph Boakai was more than just a courtesy call; it was an opportunity to revitalize a relationship that has the potential to become America’s most significant strategic partnership on the African continent. The timing of this visit is no accident. It comes on the heels of the Concession and Access Agreement signed between the Government of Liberia and the U.S.-owned Ivanhoe Atlantic, a company owned by an American-Canadian billionaire, on July 4, 2025. Despite Liberia’s geopolitical and economic importance, the country’s relationship with the United States went through a rough patch during the latter part of former President George Weah’s tenure.
Boakai’s historic victory over his predecessor, coupled with the latter’s dignified concession and the seamless transition of power that occurred less than two years ago, stands as a landmark achievement for Liberia, a nation striving for stability and democratic growth. This event not only represents a crucial moment in the country’s political landscape but also reflects a significant success for the U.S. administration, which has made the promotion of peaceful and fair elections a central focus of its foreign policy. By tirelessly mobilizing political and diplomatic resources, the U.S. has demonstrated a commitment to democracy that is all too rare in recent history.
During the American Independence Day celebration at the U.S. mission in Monrovia, President Boakai took a moment to highlight the vital role that the United States has played in Liberia’s democratic journey. He expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the U.S. for its unwavering support, stating, “The United States has remained a steadfast ally, backing Liberia in its democratic endeavors, reinforcing our institutions, and standing beside us during challenging national moments.” His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause, reflecting a shared appreciation for the partnership between Liberia and the United States as they continue to navigate the complexities of governance and development together.
From his polished and dignified demeanor during meetings with President Trump and other high-ranking American officials at the White House to his exceptionally well-crafted and eloquently delivered speech, President Boakai left a lasting impression on everyone present. His articulate presentation not only captivated the audience but also showcased his command of the English language. His eloquence prompted President Trump’s demeaning remark, “Such good English, it’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” In response, President Boakai shared details about his educational background, revealing the institutions that shaped his language skills. This revelation intrigued Trump, who looked around the table and added, “That’s very interesting. I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.” President Trump elaborated.
I consider myself a detail-oriented and somewhat meticulous person, yet I found little to remark negatively about Boakai’s ongoing visit to the United States, particularly when compared to then-President Weah’s earlier meeting with then-President Joe Biden. During Weah’s visit, he opted to watch a World Cup soccer match alongside Biden and other African leaders, which seemed to lack the seriousness expected in diplomatic engagements. In stark contrast, Boakai demonstrated a deep understanding of the protocols and conventions essential for state visits.
Unlike Weah, Boakai carried himself with exceptional self-confidence and a graceful ease that made a strong impression. His demeanor was not only warm and approachable but also polished and sophisticated, reflecting a keen awareness of his role on the international stage. Boakai maintained complete control during his interactions, embodying the essence of a statesman. His wise and measured speech conveyed not only his ideas but also a sense of gravitas and respect for his audience. Even the somewhat condescending remark from the President. Trump, regarding Boakai’s command of the English language, inadvertently gave Liberia significant attention in the world media, causing the country to continue trending on social platforms since Boakai’s visit to the White House. I couldn’t have asked for a more impressive representation of our nation on such a prominent platform.
At 80 years old, Boakai stands as a remarkable figure in the realm of politics, having attained a prestigious array of titles, including president, vice president, minister, etc. His extensive experience in political roles equips him with a profound insight into political dynamics. Additionally, his education in the United States has allowed him to engage deeply with American culture, making him one of the most familiar faces to many Americans. Given this impressive background, one might wonder why former President Trump would praise Boakai’s command of the English language as if it were a surprise. Is it possible that Trump is demonstrating what George W. Bush once described as the “soft bigotry of low expectations”—a tendency to set lower standards for individuals based on preconceived notions about their backgrounds?
Recently, Liberia made a groundbreaking discovery of substantial mineral deposits rich in vital resources, including uranium, lithium, manganese, cobalt, and neodymium. This significant finding has sparked major concerns regarding the potential exploitation of these resources by foreign entities, which could threaten the country’s sovereignty and economic stability.
In light of this situation, I strongly urge President Boakai to conduct a thorough and critical examination of the concession and access agreement established between Robert Friedland, the American-Canadian billionaire, and his company, Ivanhoe Atlantic, and the Liberian government. The agreement, valued at an impressive $1.8 billion, has the potential to reshape our economic landscape, but it also carries risks that need careful assessment.
We must prioritize transparency and accountability in foreign investments in Liberia’s mineral sector. A well-regulated approach is necessary to safeguard our nation’s valuable resources and ensure that their benefits extend to all Liberian citizens, fostering long-term economic growth and sustainable development. Only through diligent oversight can we prevent the pitfalls of resource exploitation and secure a promising future for our people.
Why am I appealing to the President? A long-time friend of mine in Monrovia expressed his outrage recently concerning President Boakai’s visit to the United States. He was so frustrated that he couldn’t see any positive aspects of the state visit, dismissing it as a meaningless spectacle when critical issues at home remain unresolved. He questioned the rationale behind meeting with a U.S. president who once infamously referred to African nations as “shithole countries” during his first ternure as President
Given Donald Trump’s previously unflattering comments about African nations, it is indeed puzzling why he extended an invitation to the leader of a country he so openly disparages. Moreover, my friend wonders why President Boakai accepted the invitation in the first place. He argued that Boakai might be viewed as a puppet of the United States, pointing to the fact that the U.S. Embassy was the first to announce the $1.8 billion concession and access agreement with Ivanhoe Atlantic to the Liberian public instead the Liberian government.
While I can understand the merits of my friend’s argument, suggesting that President Boakai should prioritize tackling pressing national issues, I believe that his visit to the White House was a strategic move. The exposure from this high-profile meeting offers a unique opportunity for Liberia. President Boakai and his delegation must seize the opportunity presented by Trump’s remark, “Such good English, it’s beautiful. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?” by engaging with prominent media outlets in the United States, such as the New York Times, CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and BET, etc and effectively highlight Liberia’s potential as a vibrant destination for investment, retirement, and tourism.
Specifically, President Boakai could emphasize the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and the warmth of its people. Promoting key sectors like agriculture, tourism, and technology could attract foreign investors looking for promising opportunities. Additionally, showcasing Liberia as a safe and welcoming nation would encourage American tourists to explore its beautiful beaches and historical sites. By taking advantage of this moment, President Boakai can not only enhance Liberia’s global image but also invite Americans to discover the many opportunities that await them in our country.
Welcome to the United States of America, Mr. President.
