By Monrovia, Liberia – Mark Toner, the nominated U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, has made a compelling promise during his confirmation hearing to battle corruption and lawlessness in President George Weah’s administration. He expressed deep concern about the deterioration of progress in Liberia since the end of the war in 2003, attributing it to corruption and a rise in lawlessness within the government. As the United States is Liberia’s largest bilateral donor, having provided over $5 billion in assistance since 2003, Toner seeks to restore the strides made in economic development, education, security, and public health by holding corrupt officials accountable and fostering self-reliance among Liberians.
Toner’s personal connection to Liberia is significant, having served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the country. He drew inspiration from the dedication and courage of Liberian health professionals working under challenging circumstances during his time there. If confirmed, he aspires to be the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, renewing the profound historical ties and shared commitment between the two nations to democracy, human rights, health security, economic prosperity, and regional stability. Liberia’s resilience was evident in the peaceful transition of power in 2017, and Toner sees the current elections as another test for the nation’s peace, with a runoff looming due to no presidential candidate gaining the necessary majority.
In response to Liberia’s election challenges, Toner commits to working alongside Liberia’s political leaders to promote transparency, fight corruption, and attract responsible foreign investment. He emphasizes the importance of addressing human rights issues, including gender-based violence, forced child labor, and human trafficking, and confronting the legacy of war crimes. The U.S. Ambassador-designate is optimistic about the United States collaborating with the Liberian government to strengthen democracy and create a brighter, more prosperous future for Liberia’s next generation.
By: Alphanso G. Kalama
