President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has initiated the recall of several diplomats who were appointed to Liberia’s Foreign Service between July 2023 and February 2024. This significant move comes after a comprehensive review labeled these appointments as “hasty, uncoordinated, and untimely.”
The decision to recall these diplomats stems from the findings of a Special Committee led by Ambassador George W. Wallace, Jr., a seasoned diplomat and Advisor to the President on Foreign Affairs. The Committee, which included experienced ambassadors, the Internal Audit Division, the Civil Service Agency, and other key divisions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was tasked with investigating the recent wave of appointments to Liberia’s diplomatic missions.
The report, now in the possession of Verity, outlines the Committee’s conclusion that the appointments made during the specified period failed to comply with the established procedures outlined in the Foreign Service Manual of the Republic of Liberia and the Foreign Relations Law. The appointments were deemed to be flawed, prompting the Committee to recommend a recall of all diplomats appointed during this timeframe, including those who have already assumed their posts abroad.
The recall is intended to facilitate a thorough review of the diplomats’ credentials and a reassessment of the appointments based on Liberia’s current strategic needs. This review process will align with a new Foreign Service Strategy that is under development, ensuring future diplomatic postings are made based on merit and the specific requirements of Liberia’s foreign missions.
The Committee’s report highlights the need for a more rigorous and coordinated vetting process, reflecting the critical role that diplomats play in representing Liberia on the global stage. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the direction of Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has issued notices to the affected diplomats, instructing them to return to Liberia within a specified timeframe.
The Ministry has assured the recalled diplomats that it will cover the costs of their travel, including the return of dependents under the age of 18. Diplomats have been given a two-week window to inform the Ministry of their intended return dates, after which travel arrangements will be made. Failure to respond within the given timeframe will be interpreted as a refusal to return, thereby releasing the Ministry from any further obligations.
The Ministry has also pledged to conduct the recall process with complete transparency, ensuring that no special interests are considered during the review and reappointment process. This move represents a pivotal step in President Boakai’s efforts to streamline and professionalize Liberia’s diplomatic service, which is essential for advancing the nation’s foreign policy objectives and strengthening international relations.
As the Ministry embarks on this recall and review process, there is growing anticipation that the new Foreign Service Strategy will establish higher standards for future diplomatic appointments, ensuring that Liberia is represented by qualified and capable individuals who can effectively promote the country’s interests on the global stage.
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