Senator Amara Konneh Responds to Trump’s Remarks on Liberia and USAID

Senator Amara Konneh of Liberia criticized President Trump’s remarks regarding USAID funding in Liberia, arguing they promote a negative image of the country. He called for accountability and equitable treatment concerning foreign aid, while emphasizing that Liberia deserves fair representation as it works towards nation-building. Konneh highlighted the disparities in scrutiny faced by Liberia compared to other countries receiving considerable USAID assistance.

In response to remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address, Senator Amara Konneh of Liberia has expressed his concerns regarding the negative portrayal of the country. Senator Konneh, who has held significant government positions in Liberia, utilized his Facebook platform to address what he perceives as damaging narratives involving Trump and billionaire Elon Musk relating to alleged corruption within USAID funding for Liberia.

Senator Konneh highlighted that Liberia has become a focal point of allegations concerning USAID after President Trump noted a $1.5 million expenditure for election monitoring in the country. He remarked that these statements exacerbated the disappointment he felt regarding the portrayal of Liberia in social media discussions initiated by Trump and Musk.

In his statements, Konneh explained that the focus on USAID’s $17 million and $1.5 million expenditures aims to depict corruption linked to American firms. He clarified that such funds do not enter the national budget directly but are instead allocated through American contractors and organizations operating in Liberia.

Reflecting on his past experience in government, Konneh noted efforts to promote a more integrated approach to development in Liberia, emphasizing the importance of local involvement in project execution. He criticized American officials for rejecting his proposals to allow Liberians to manage these developments, quoting legal restrictions as the reason for their stance.

Konneh urged against the unfair targeting of Liberia compared to other nations receiving larger sums of USAID. He pointed to the vast assistance given to countries with poorer governance, arguing that they do not face the same level of scrutiny as Liberia does, exemplifying this with Ethiopia, which received over $1.7 billion despite human rights concerns.

Listing several countries that receive significant USAID funding, Konneh noted that Liberia receives substantially less, ranking 51st with a total of $159.8 million in contrast to the top recipients. He emphasized the need for equity in treatment concerning the scrutiny faced by Liberia versus other nations.

Acknowledging the $1.5 million allocated for election monitoring, he argued that the attention on Liberia is disproportionate, especially when considering the country’s relative standing on corruption indices. He called for transparency and accountability in how USAID funds have been managed in Liberia, suggesting a constructive engagement between the Liberian government and the U.S. Embassy.

In his closing comments, Senator Konneh reiterated that Liberia is undergoing significant development and does not warrant the treatment of a global outcast. He highlighted the ongoing struggle for nation-building, arguing that Liberia’s efforts to become a credible state should be recognized rather than condemned.

Senator Amara Konneh’s response to President Trump’s remarks emphasizes the need for fairness in the portrayal of Liberia regarding international aid. He advocates for accountability in USAID funding and challenges the narrative of corruption aimed at Liberia, urging greater recognition of the country’s efforts in governance. Konneh’s call for constructive dialogue with the U.S. reflects a desire for Liberia to be treated with respect as it continues its journey towards development.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com