Liberian Senators Call for Urgent Action Amid U.S. Foreign Aid Suspension

Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia: A group of Liberian senators is raising concerns over the United States' suspension of foreign aid, warning that it could severely impact key sectors such as health, education, and agriculture in Liberia.

The senators are urging the Liberian Senate to take immediate steps to secure stable funding and mitigate the potential negative effects of this decision on the country’s development agenda.

USAID’s Impact on Liberia’s Central Counties

The six most populous counties—Bong, Grand Bassa, Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado, and Nimba—have greatly benefited from USAID-funded programs that have improved essential services across the country.

Health – USAID has strengthened healthcare systems, ensuring access to antiretroviral medications and critical healthcare services for vulnerable groups, including women, girls, newborns, and children under five.

Agriculture – In Nimba County, USAID has supported smallholder farmers and provided assistance to 30 agribusiness startups, promoting growth and sustainability in the agriculture sector.

Concerns Over Foreign Aid Suspension

In a formal communication to Madam Pro Tempore of the Senate, the senators expressed concerns that the U.S. aid suspension could cause:

Disruptions in hospital supplies, affecting access to life-saving medications and essential healthcare services.
Interruptions in school feeding programs, which currently provide meals to thousands of students.
Limited support for agriculture, potentially worsening food insecurity and unemployment.

Call for Immediate Action

The senators are calling on the Liberian Senate to ensure that stable funding allocations are prioritized to maintain the continuity of these critical programs.

They recommend that the Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance, along with the Committee on Foreign Affairs, invite key ministries—including Finance and Development Planning, Foreign Affairs, Health and Social Welfare, Education, and Agriculture—to provide a briefing on the socio-economic impact of the aid suspension and explore strategic solutions.

Senators Leading the Call for Action

The communication was signed by the following senators:

Amara M. Konneh – Senator, Gbarpolu County

Edwin M. Snowe – Senator, Bomi County

Gbezhongar M. Findley – Senator, Grand Bassa County

Augustine Chea – Senator, Sinoe County

The senators emphasize that proactive measures are necessary to safeguard Liberia’s development progress and prevent setbacks in essential services that millions of citizens rely on.