MONROVIA – As his tenure comes to a close, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner paid a farewell visit to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The meeting underscored the United States’ ongoing commitment to deepening commercial diplomacy and fostering economic development in Liberia.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, President Boakai presented Ambassador Toner with a traditional Liberian shirt and a c ommemorative pin to honor his service and connection to the country. The Ambassador also made a courtesy call on Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, thanking her for her role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Ambassador Toner had officially announced his retirement on Thursday, July 10, 2025, marking the conclusion of a diplomatic career spanning over three decades. The announcement came one year into what was expected to be a two-year assignment in Liberia.
In an exclusive interview on the day of his announcement, Toner said his decision to step down was purely personal. “It’s been a real honor to serve here in Liberia,” he noted. “I’ve had deep ties to this country since I was a Peace Corps volunteer here some 36 or 37 years ago. To return at the end of my diplomatic career has been an incredible privilege.”
A veteran of the U.S. Foreign Service with 32 years of experience, Toner emphasized that the choice to retire was motivated by a desire to reunite with his family after years of overseas postings. “Just like members of the military, we diplomats often spend extended periods away from loved ones. I made a personal decision, and I don’t regret it,” he stated.
Responding to speculation that his retirement might have been influenced by shifting political tides in the United States, Toner was unequivocal. “We serve the administration in office, whether Democrat or Republican. I’ve been proud to serve under President Biden and equally committed to implementing President Trump’s policies. That’s the duty of a public servant.”
Throughout his tenure in Liberia, Ambassador Toner championed economic cooperation, democratic governance, and people-to-people exchanges. His leadership was marked by efforts to build upon historic U.S.-Liberia relations while also addressing emerging development challenges.
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