The Liberian government held a meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to discuss the implications of the USAID aid freeze. Key officials highlighted significant challenges facing health and education sectors, seeking international support to mitigate these issues. The meeting emphasized collaboration with international partners to sustain Liberia’s development amid funding challenges.
The Liberian government convened with members of the Diplomatic Corps to address the significant repercussions of the recent USAID aid freeze. This high-level meeting, attended by Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and Deputy Minister for Economic Management Dephue Zuo, was presided over by UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni, bringing together essential international stakeholders to devise strategies that sustain Liberia’s developmental progress despite the funding setback.
The meeting included a notable representation of diplomats, such as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Augustine Gang and Ambassadors from nations including the United States, the European Union, Germany, Nigeria, and Ghana. Their attendance underscored the international community’s concern regarding the aid freeze and its potential repercussions for Liberia’s social and economic development.
Deputy Minister Zuo detailed the severe challenges generated by the USAID aid freeze, particularly affecting critical sectors like health, education, and electoral support. He cautioned that “the effects of the aid suspension are already being felt across key sectors” and stressed that without immediate intervention, vulnerable communities would face dire consequences.
Minister Ngafuan expressed cautious optimism about Liberia’s ability to overcome the crisis, drawing on the nation’s history of resilience. He referenced previous significant crises, including the global food and financial crisis, the Ebola epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic, affirming that international cooperation is crucial during such challenges.
Ngafuan outlined the government’s proactive measures, including expenditure rationalization and bolstering domestic resource mobilization, to mitigate the impact of the aid freeze. He reassured attendees of the government’s commitment to protecting essential programs in health and education, which are particularly susceptible to funding shortages.
He urged international partners to step forward to help close the funding gap, stating, “We will intervene to sustain critical health and education programs, but we call on our partners to scale up their support.” The minister emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration with bilateral and multilateral partners in addressing the crisis.
In response to Liberia’s appeal, the ambassadors present reiterated their commitment to support the nation through this challenging period. Ambassador Augustine Gang, representing the Diplomatic Corps, declared, “Our countries stand with Liberia in thick and thin.”
A notable development during the meeting was the announcement from the European Union Ambassador regarding funding directed to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for monitoring the upcoming Nimba By-election. This initiative is particularly crucial given the aid freeze’s impact on electoral support, with the Ambassador asserting the importance of credible elections for Liberia’s democratic stability.
Minister Ngafuan concluded by committing to uphold transparent communication with international partners. He assured attendees that the government would continue providing regular updates as the situation evolves. Additionally, he noted the upcoming high-level Partners Roundtable planned for March 2025, which will focus on the USAID aid freeze and Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
This Roundtable is anticipated as a platform to enhance collaboration, identify new funding streams, and reinforce commitments to Liberia’s development. As Liberia navigates the difficulties presented by the USAID aid freeze, the government seeks solidarity from its international partners to ensure the continuity of critical development programs. The meeting proved essential for mobilizing support and reaffirming commitments amid uncertainty.
In summary, the Liberian government is actively engaging with the international community to address the implications of the USAID aid freeze. The high-level meeting underscored the challenges faced by critical sectors and emphasized the need for collaborative action. Finance Minister Ngafuan’s commitment to transparency and proactive measures reflects a determined approach to sustaining Liberia’s development. The support from international partners remains essential as the country navigates through this crisis.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
