HoR Moves to Overhaul Foreign Affairs, Advancing President Boakai’s ARREST Reform Agenda
Z. Benjamin Keibah
The House of Representatives has initiated an urgent review of a comprehensive bill to restructure the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assigning its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Good Governance, Executive, and Judiciary to conduct a detailed assessment and report within two weeks.
The action follows a formal proposal from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., who emphasized the need to “reposition Liberia’s foreign policy machinery to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global environment,” reflecting the broader ARREST Agenda for national reform and institutional modernization.
The proposed legislation, titled the “Act to Amend and Restate Provisions of the Executive Law,” aims to streamline administrative structures, eliminate operational bottlenecks, and create a more coordinated framework capable of delivering results in diplomacy, international cooperation, and citizen services.
In line with crafted setup, President Boakai has implemented a strategic reshuffle of assistant ministerial positions, including Daniel Kokoi as Assistant Minister for International Organizations, Leon Talery as Assistant Minister for International Cooperation, Naomi Gray as Assistant Minister for European Affairs, and Jackie McCay as Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, responsible for foreign service coordination and the welfare of Liberians abroad.
Legislators emphasized the inclusive nature of the review, with input expected from policy stakeholders to ensure alignment with national priorities and international best practices.
One lawmaker noted, “We cannot continue to operate with outdated systems while the world is moving forward—this review is long overdue.”
The initiative coincides with Liberia’s rising international profile in 2026, including its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a pivot toward economic diplomacy led by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, with engagements such as the Liberia–EU Business Forum advancing investment in key sectors.
