Senator Amara Konneh criticized President Trump’s remarks during the State of the Union regarding USAID funding in Liberia, calling for a cessation of negative portrayals of Liberia. He emphasized the need for accountability in the utilization of USAID funds and proposed more local control over development projects. Konneh urged constructive engagement with the U.S. Embassy, defending Liberia’s progress and demanding fair treatment in international narratives.
In light of recent comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address, Senator Amara Konneh of Liberia has criticized the portrayal of his nation. He urged both President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk to cease characterizing Liberia negatively, emphasizing the impact of their narratives on perceptions of the country’s integrity, particularly concerning USAID funding.
Senator Konneh expressed his concerns through a Facebook post after President Trump’s remarks regarding the $1.5 million allocated by USAID for election monitoring in Liberia. He stated that the targeting of Liberia in discussions surrounding alleged corruption within USAID was disappointing. According to his assertion, this portrayal aimed to bolster Trump’s campaign against the agency by suggesting political connections to financial misappropriations.
The senator clarified that the USAID funds do not flow directly to the Liberian government but are instead channeled through American firms operating in the country. He commented, “U.S. funding in Liberia DOES NOT flow through our national budget. Rather, it is often channeled through companies based in Washington, D.C., Virginia, or Maryland.”
Reflecting on his previous work within the Liberian government, Konneh advocates for a more inclusive approach to development assistance, where local entities would implement projects rather than relying primarily on foreign contractors. He indicated that American officials resisted such proposals due to legal restrictions.
Moreover, Konneh pointed out the disproportionate criticism Liberia faces compared to other nations receiving more substantial USAID assistance but with poorer governance records. He cited that in 2023, the U.S. allocated $68 billion for international aid, with Liberia receiving just $159.8 million.
Despite acknowledging the importance of the $1.5 million for monitoring purposes, he stressed the need for accountability concerning the disbursement of USAID funds in Liberia. Konneh urged the Liberian government to proactively engage with the U.S. Embassy to clarify these funding issues.
In conclusion, Konneh asserted that Liberia is on a path of nation-building and should not be treated as an outlier in the realm of international assistance, stating, “We are an imperfect republic still struggling with self-discovery… Nevertheless, we don’t deserve to be treated like a pariah when our efforts to be a credible state are far better than the largest recipients of U.S. foreign assistance.”
Senator Amara Konneh’s recent remarks reflect a significant concern regarding the portrayal of Liberia in light of comments made by President Trump. He argues that both the negative commentary and scrutiny over USAID funding are unwarranted and disproportionate compared to other nations benefiting from U.S. assistance. Konneh seeks bilateral engagement with the U.S. to ensure Liberia’s ongoing nation-building efforts are acknowledged rather than stigmatized.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
