MONROVIA – United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, has officially announced his retirement, a year into his two-year diplomatic assignment. Speaking during an exclusive interview on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Ambassador Toner confirmed that his decision to step down was personal and unrelated to political pressure or external influence.
The announcement came just a day after President Joseph Nyuma Boakai joined four other African leaders at the White House for a high-level meeting with U.S. President Donald J. Trump. “It’s been a real honor to serve here in Liberia,” said Ambassador Toner. “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.”
Toner, a career diplomat with 32 years of service in the U.S. Foreign Service, clarified that his departure was rooted in a desire to reunite with his family after many 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 said, adding that both President Boakai and Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti were gracious in accepting his decision.
Addressing speculation that the shift in U.S. political leadership may have influenced his retirement, Ambassador 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.”
Asked about a report in The Wall Street Journal suggesting that the African leaders who met with President Trump were asked to accept deported nationals, Toner declined to confirm whether the matter was raised during the closed-door session. “What I can say is that this administration takes illegal immigration seriously and is exploring all options with partner nations. Whether Liberia agrees to accept certain deportees is a sovereign decision,” he explained.
Toner also cautioned against reducing the White House summit to immigration concerns alone. “Let’s not create false narratives. Liberia’s presence at that table is significant. It reflects Liberia’s rising stature in the region and the world. This is a country that has held three credible elections, seen two peaceful transfers of power, and has two living former presidents residing peacefully at home. That’s something few democracies, African or otherwise, can boast.”
He added that the summit was primarily about repositioning U.S.-Africa relations around trade, investment, and strategic partnership. “This administration is pivoting from aid to trade. That’s been one of our priorities here in Liberia as well,” he said. “There’s a real focus now on creating deeper commercial ties, encouraging private sector investment, and supporting infrastructure development.”
The ambassador praised President Boakai for his remarks at the summit, saying the Liberian leader’s presence and eloquence highlighted the country’s democratic resilience and economic potential. “President Boakai made a compelling case for Liberia’s inclusion in this new trade-focused agenda. His call for a mineral mapping survey to attract responsible investment is a sound strategy, and we are fully supportive of efforts to modernize the economy,” Toner noted.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ambassador Toner cited milestones in the U.S.-Liberia relationship, including the recent U.S. backing of Liberia’s non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and the government’s participation in key economic partnerships, such as the Ivanhoe Liberia railway access agreement.
He also addressed Liberia’s ongoing governance challenges. “We are candid with our partners. Corruption remains a barrier. Transparency, accountability, and justice are essential pillars for long-term growth. The establishment of a war and economic crimes court continues to be a necessary conversation.”
As he prepares to depart Liberia, Toner said he leaves with a sense of pride. “It’s been a remarkable journey. Liberia is a country of tremendous resilience, and I remain confident in its future. My time here, both as a young Peace Corps volunteer and now as ambassador, has shaped me profoundly.”
Ambassador Toner is expected to formally exit his post in the coming weeks. The U.S. State Department has yet to announce a successor.
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