Liberia at 166 Africa s Oldest Independent Republic

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Liberia s declaration of independence in 1847 was spearheaded by Joseph Jenkins Roberts, born in Norfolk, VA, who was then Governor of the Commonwealth of Liberia, and became its first president.

Liberia was founded in 1822 by former slaves and free-born Blacks from the United States of America, guided by the American Colonization Society (ACS).

Paul Cuffee, a wealthy mixed-race New England ship owner and activist, was an early advocate of settling freed blacks in Africa.

1 T h e L i b erian Embassy, U S A Newsletter Inaugural Edition July 26, 2013 Vol. 1 No 1 Liberia at 166 Africa s Oldest Independent Republic On July 26, 1847, 166 years ago, Liberia declared her independence, and became Africa s first republic. Liberia s declaration of independence in 1847 was spearheaded by Joseph Jenkins Roberts, born in Norfolk, VA, who was then Governor of the Commonwealth of Liberia, and became its first president. The country was a commonwealth before its declaration of independence. Liberia derives Her name from liberty, meaning land of the free. Liberia was founded in 1822 by former slaves and free-born Blacks from the United States of America, guided by the American Colonization Society (ACS). Established on December 24, 1816, the ACS was a philanthropic organization, chartered to find a new home in Africa for freed men and women of color in the United States. Paul Cuffee, a wealthy mixed-race New England ship owner and activist, was an early advocate of settling freed blacks in Africa. Among the founders of the ACS were many prominent early American leaders, including Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Daniel Webster, Francis Scott Key, Henry Clay, and Bushrod Washington, an associate justice of the Supreme Court and the nephew of George Washington. Liberia s capital city, Monrovia, is named after James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. The Liberian Constitution was written at Harvard Law School. Liberia s three branches of government, namely the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary are modeled after the system of government of the United States, and its national flag of red, white and blue bears close resemblance to the American flag. (continued on page 2 ) L i b er i a - US Relations Stro n ger The attention of the Embassy of Republic of Liberia in Washington, D.C. has been drawn to an article in the June 17, 2013 edition of Front Page Africa news publication entitled, U.S. Policy Shift? John Kerry vs. Hillary Clinton A Liberia Tale of the Tape. (Continued on page 4) Inside this issue: Ambassador s Independence Day Greetings 3 Biometric Passports 4 US-Liberia Partnership 5 Liberian Diaspora 6 Cassava leaf recipe 7

Vol 1 Number 1 Page2 T h e L i b e r i a n E m b a s s y, 5 2 0 1 1 6 t h S t r e e t, N. W. W a s h i n g t o n D. C.

2 Vol 1 Number 1 Page2 T h e L i b e r i a n E m b a s s y, t h S t r e e t, N. W. W a s h i n g t o n D. C., The Embassy of Liberia in the United States is located at: th Street NW Washington, DC The chancery was purchased by the Liberian Government in Initially, the 16th Street property was used as both the Ambassador s residence and chancery during the tenure of the first Liberian Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Charles D.B. King. Ambassador King later purchased the property located at 5303 Colorado Avenue N.W. to serve as the Ambassador's Residence. Subsequently, Ambassador George Padmore acquired the property at 3507 Fulton Street N.W. which currently serves as the Ambassador s Residence. Liberia at 166 Continued from page 1 Liberia and Ethiopia together championed the cause of the liberation of the entire African Continent from colonial rule to self determination. They are founding members of the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity (OAU), renamed the African Union (AU). Liberia led in the creation of the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Mano River Union (MRU), which groups together Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Ivory Coast. There was a bloody military take-over of the government on April 12, Almost 10 years following the military coup, an armed rebellion which began December 24, 1989 to force the government from power, plunged the country into nearly 15 years of civil war. More than 250,000 people are estimated to have died during the civil upheaval that ended in Since late 2003, a United Nations peacekeeping force has been deployed in the country as a critical component of the United Nations Mission to Liberia (UNMIL), established by the UN Security Council to lay the foundation for the restoration and consolidation of peace and beginning the reconstruction process of the country, a mandate that has been well executed thus far. On January 16, 2006, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was inaugurated as Liberia and Africa s first democratically elected female president. In 2011, President Sirleaf won re-election for a second and last term. Since coming to office, President Sirleaf has worked tirelessly to restore Liberia s tainted international image as a failed state, and the rebuilding of the country s ruined economy and infrastructure. President Sirleaf negotiated debt liquidation for more than US $4.6 billion of Liberia s national debt. During her administration, the country has also attracted more than US $17 billion in direct private investment being channeled into the country s mining, agriculture and forestry sectors. Oil became a new potential in Liberia s private sector development in Indeed, while many challenges abound, there is no doubt that Liberia has made significant progress towards sustainable peace and progress.

People of Liberia, My Wife, Kebeh, joins

We enjoin our fellow Liberians to focus on

another, remaining as one people and never

Anthem In Union Strong, Success is sure.

3 The Liberian Embassy USA Newsletter Vol 1 Number 1 Page3 Ambassador and Mrs. Jeremiah C. Sulunteh On behalf of The President of Liberia, H. E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Government and People of Liberia, My Wife, Kebeh, joins me in extending congratulations to all Liberians, on the 166th Independence Anniversary of Our striving nation. We enjoin our fellow Liberians to focus on our goal of nation building through constructive engagement with the government, and as a people, with one another, remaining as one people and never forgetting the words of our National Anthem In Union Strong, Success is sure. God Bless Our Leaders, God Bless our People, and God Bless Liberia. Please Enjoy the Holiday. Senior Staff of the Embassy of Liberia, Washington D C USA

WAS Biometric Passport was launched at the Embassy of Liberia near Washington, D.C.

4 Vol 1 Number 1 Page4 The Liberian New ECOWAS Biometric Passport On June 6, 2012, the Liberian ECOWAS Biometric Passport was launched at the Embassy of Liberia near Washington, D.C.The formal launching marked the beginning of the processing of the Liberian ECOWAS Biometric Passport abroad, thus enabling thousands of Liberians in the Americas to obtain their new passport without traveling to Liberia.In March 2013, the Liberian Consulate in New York also began processing passport applications. Plans are underway for mobile passport application processing equipment that will be taken to various parts of the United States, especially in areas with high Liberians population.to apply for the new Liberian ECOWAS Biometric Passport, please check the ECOWAS Passport Website at A link to the ECOWAS Biometric Passport website can also be found on the website of the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, D.C. at For further inquiries regarding the Liberian ECOWAS Biometric Passport, please telephone the Embassy of Liberia at (202) X115 L i b er i a - US Relations Stro n ger c o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1 The article asserts that since the departure of Hillary Clinton as U.S. Secretary of State, speculations have heightened regarding America s relationship with Liberia with some critics suggesting that Washington is unhappy with the Sirleaf administration s policy and lack of political will to fight corruption. It further states that, Clinton, a long-time friend of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has been viewed as Liberia s key voice in the Obama administration, adding that, her departure is no doubt being felt, and her successor s apparent distance offers a glimpse about Washington s current ties with its perennial stepchild. The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia wishes to reiterate that relations between the United States and Liberia are warmer than at any period in the hundred years of bilateral relations, and is therefore consistent with the current up-scaled tenor of U.S.-Liberia relations. The Embassy of Liberia wishes to note with satisfaction the elevated levels of cooperation attained in U.S.-Liberia relations over the last seven years of the Administration of Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf including U.S. support for the cancellation of Liberia s US$4.9 billion debt under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. (continued on page 6)

Vol 1 Number 1 Page5 Partnership Dialogue: Cementing and Institutionalizing U.S.-Liberia Relations History was made on January 15, 2013 during a ceremony at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.

5 Vol 1 Number 1 Page5 Partnership Dialogue: Cementing and Institutionalizing U.S.-Liberia Relations History was made on January 15, 2013 during a ceremony at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. when President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of the Republic of Liberia and then U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton signed a Statement of Intent launching a Partnership Dialogue that institutionalizes the long-standing bilateral relationship between Liberia and the United States of America.The U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue is intended to promote diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries by providing a flexible, nonbinding mechanism to ensure sustained, high-level, bilateral engagement on issues of mutual interest. It will allow the two countries to look at their relationship strategically, with a view towards the long term, and to focus on those areas that encourage broad-based economic growth, beginning with the following three critical areas: Agriculture and Food Security, Energy and Power Infrastructure, and Human Development. The Partnership Dialogue will not affect the two government s other bilateral or multilateral commitments. Speaking at the occasion, Secretary of State Clinton said the Partnership will expand the cooperation between the United States and Liberia and ensure high-level engagement for years to come. She added that the Partnership Dialogue establishes Working Groups in the three key areas mentioned. In the area of agriculture and food security, Secretary Clinton indicated, helping Liberia s farmer use their land more effectively and get their crops to the market more efficiently will be critical to improving the health and prosperity of Liberians under the Feed the Future Initiative; look for new opportunities to attract private investment in the agriculture sector, and recommend policies to promote food security and better nutrition. In the area of energy and power infrastructure, Secretary Clinton said, we know that access to affordable, reliable energy is essential to creating jobs and sparking growth that helps to build a strong economy. So, we will take stock of all outstanding needs for the generation, transmission and distribution of energy; promoting a regulatory environment that s friendly to new investments in energy; and look for ways to accelerate development of a well-governed and inclusive energy sector. Regarding the third area, Secretary Clinton said the Partnership will look at human development with a real emphasis on creating more economic opportunities for the people of Liberia, to expand access to education and employment so that many more Liberians have a chance to not only better themselves and their families, but make a contribution to their nation. On May 7, 2013, the inaugural session of the U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue was held at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, with the signing of a Joint Statement, following a day-long deliberation involving senior government officials of both countries.the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, signed on behalf of the Government of Liberia, while Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman, U.S. Department of State Under Secretary for Political Affairs, signed on behalf of the Government of the United States.

Vol. 1 Number 1 Page6 T h e L i b e r i a n C o m m u n i t y A s s o c i a t i o n, W a s h i n g t o n D C In November 2012, Ambassador Sulunteh created the Office of Daspora Affairs.

In order to bridge the gap the embassy plans to establish ways to engage and encourage the Diaspora in the reconstruction process of Liberia.

6 Vol. 1 Number 1 Page6 T h e L i b e r i a n C o m m u n i t y A s s o c i a t i o n, W a s h i n g t o n D C In November 2012, Ambassador Sulunteh created the Office of Daspora Affairs. The primary goal of the Office is to seek to bridge the divide between the Government of Liberia, and the Liberians residing in the United States of America through the Liberian Embassy. In order to bridge the gap the embassy plans to establish ways to engage and encourage the Diaspora in the reconstruction process of Liberia.The Embassy s Diaspora Affairs office is looking to better serve Liberians by encouraging cooperation and collaboration between home based Liberians and Liberians residing in the Diaspora. This undertaking will create greater partnerships, economic revitalization, capacity building, and professional training. The Office encourages Liberians and Friends of Liberia to join in this endeavor. Please contact Mrs. Decontee Clements-Kanneh, Assistant to the Ambassador for Diaspora Affairs, on any matter related to the Diaspora Office (202) The Liberian Community Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area is the representative organization of Liberians and their associations in the District of Columbia and the adjacent communities in suburban Maryland and Virginia. Over 10,000 Liberians reside within this geography, with the bulk consisting of arrivals in the periods during and immediately succeeding the Liberian civil crises. Of this number the association boasts of a registered membership of nearly 200 (census from Elections 2013). As a constituent member of ULAA, the LCA affiliation with the overall governing body has presented numerous opportunities for collaboration in working for the common good of Liberians in the USA. The Organization is headed by a President and a corps of elected officials who constitute the Executive Committee. The elected officials are put into office for a two year term with possibility for re-election only once. The highest decision making body of the association is the General Assembly which meets at least once quarterly. Current Officers: President : Ms. Nee Allison, Vice President : Ms. Sando Konah, Financial Secretary: Mrs. Darlene Kweme, and Chaplain : Mrs. Estella Duwana. L i b e r i a - U S R e l a t i o n s S t r o n g e r c o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1 On January 15 this year, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and then Secretary of State Hilary Clinton launched a high level U.S.-Liberia Partnership Dialogue, which reaffirmed United States strong commitment to supporting Liberia in the areas of agriculture and food security, energy and power infrastructure, and human development. The Partnership Dialogue was inaugurated on May 7, 2013 at ceremonies held at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington D.C. to concretize and further institutionalize the bilateral relations through the signing of a Joint Statement. Deputy Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Honorable Wendy R. Sherman, signed on behalf of the U.S. Government, while H.E. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, signed for the Government of Liberia. Deputy Under Secretary Sherman averred quite emphatically that The establishment of this Dialogue and of the sustained high-level contact that the U.S. and Liberia have maintained in recent years demonstrates our great friendship and bilateral relationship, which has only become stronger over the years (Gabriel I H Williams: Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs

Vol 1 Number 1 Page7 The Liberian Embassy Trade Office The Government of Liberia established its Trade and Investment Office (TIO) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2009 in order to expand outlook,

Since its incumbency, the Trade and Investment Office has fostered partnerships and practical working relationships with several national and multilateral agencies and organizations to increase

The Trade and Investment Office has also concretized and facilitated investment arrangements with several corporations and business entities which have culminated in direct capital investments in

7 Vol 1 Number 1 Page7 The Liberian Embassy Trade Office The Government of Liberia established its Trade and Investment Office (TIO) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2009 in order to expand outlook, develop perspectives, and boost private direct investments in Liberia. Since its incumbency, the Trade and Investment Office has fostered partnerships and practical working relationships with several national and multilateral agencies and organizations to increase private investments in Liberia. The Trade and Investment Office has also concretized and facilitated investment arrangements with several corporations and business entities which have culminated in direct capital investments in Liberia With Liberia experiencing signs of positive economic change due to the results of sound government policies, which no doubt have fostered the improvements in infrastructure, capacity building, healthcare delivery, and education, the Liberian Embassy s Trade and Investment Office will continue to work with all foreign investors and Liberians living in the Diaspora to ensure that Liberia s economy continues to flourish. Gurly T Gibson, First Secretary and Trade Consul for the Liberian Embassy heads the Trade office in Philadelphia Contact Information: gtetagibson@cs.com - Web Address Cassava Leaf A National Taste Cassava Leaf is truly a national dish. There are many variations for preparation, but the description below is generally the accepted Liberian method. Please ignore the specific meat ingrediants, because some Liberians will not use certain meats because of religious or cultural preferences. 3 cups ground cassava leaf 1 pig-foot (boil and cut up) 1lb dried meat or fresh meat (optional) ½ Chicken 1 medium dried fish (steam and remove bones) 12 crawfish (dried or fresh) 3 or 5 bonnies (steam and remove bones) 1 large onion (chopped) and 1 teaspoon ground Fever Tea leaves for flavor (optional) 5 cups water (use more water if needed) 2 pods hot peppers and salt to taste, 2 cups raw palm oil 1 cup beans or peas- Congo, Country or Cow peas (optional) Boil all ingredients together except cassava leaf, soda and seafood. When half cooked, add cassava leaf and soda. After cooking for about 15 minutes, add seafood and palm oil. Simmer over low heat and continue to stir to prevent burning. Cook down until water is dried. Eat with plain rice. The Liberian Country Cloth One of Liberia s most beautiful and traditional woven clothes, made in the interior of Liberia (Lofa County) in the fields and from the cotton tree, is called Country Cloth. Country Cloth, made of cotton and weaved to create shirts, gowns, hats and other items is one of Liberia s dear treasures. Originally, the cloth was handspun, hand dyed and hand woven cotton, created in using a simple foot treadle loom. It would often be plain white, but natural dyes would be used to add color and design to make the cloth beautiful.

Editorial Staff Editor Assist. Editor Advisory Board : Graphics/ tech Editor: Gabriel I. H. Williams Decontee Clements Kanneh Cecelia Harmon-Rogers Edmund Kai Neblett Sr.

Org Liberia Liberia, officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country in West Africa bordered by Sierra Leone to its west, Guinea to its north and Côte d'ivoire to its east.

8 Editorial Staff Editor Assist. Editor Advisory Board : Graphics/ tech Editor: Gabriel I. H. Williams Decontee Clements Kanneh Cecelia Harmon-Rogers Edmund Kai Neblett Sr. Telephone : (202) Fax: (202) newsletter@liberianembassyus.org The Liberian Embassy, th Street, Washington D C Website: US.Org Liberia Liberia, officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country in West Africa bordered by Sierra Leone to its west, Guinea to its north and Côte d'ivoire to its east.and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean It covers an area of 111,369 km² and is home to about 3.7 million people. Gross domestic product billion USD (2011) Primary Industries for Investors.Agriculture (Rubber, Timber, Cocoa, Coffee, Fishery), Mining (Gold, Oil, Diamonds, copper, ion ore), Infrastructure( Roads, buildings, marine time) Population growth rate % annual change (2011) Government.Republic Branches of Government..Executive, Legislative Judiciary Current President. Her Excellency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (first female President) Climate..Tropical: 2 Seasons :Rainy (from mid April to Mid October) Dry Season (Mid Oct to Mid April) The Embassy is open to serve the Public, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Jan 1 Feb. 11 March (2nd Wednesday) March 15 April (2nd Friday) April** May 14 July 26 New Year Day Armed Forces Day Decoration Day JJ Roberts Birthday Fast and Prayer Day Good Friday National Unification Day Independence Day August 24 October 24 November (1st Thursday) November 29 December 25 Note Flag Day United Nations Day Thanksgiving Day President Tubman s Birthday Christmas Day In Addition to These Holidays, The Liberian Embassy and other Consulates in the U.S. Follow the Federal Government closing schedule

Nurturing Relationships to Strengthen Our Community.

Nurturing Relationships to Strengthen Our Community. Address by His Excellency Jeremiah C. Sulunteh, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to the United States at the Inauguration of Officers of the Association of Citizens and Friends of Liberia (ACFLI)