U.S. Envoy Mark Toner Says Boakai’s White House Invite Shows Liberia’s Rising Global Standing

Monrovia, Liberia: Outgoing United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, has hailed Liberia’s growing international importance, saying its inclusion in a recent high-level White House meeting is clear evidence of how far the country has come in global diplomacy and regional leadership.

In an exclusive interview with a New Narratives journalist, Ambassador Toner cautioned against underestimating the significance of the invitation extended by the U.S. government to President Joseph Boakai. He emphasized that only five African leaders were invited to the White House meeting, and Liberia being among them was no accident.“Look, that meeting don’t underestimate it. Don’t try to draw false narratives out of it. The White House reached out to five African leaders, and the fact that Liberia was included on that list speaks significantly to Liberia’s position, both regionally and globally,” he said.

According to Toner, Liberia’s growing diplomatic and democratic reputation is beginning to receive the recognition it deserves on the global stage. He pointed to the country’s recent achievement in securing a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council as another strong signal of Liberia’s elevated status.

“Let’s not forget Liberia won a permanent member status at the UN Security Council. Liberia is one of the strongest and most stable democracies in the region,” the Ambassador said.

He noted that the country has become a trusted voice in regional affairs and is seen as a reliable partner in peacekeeping, stability, and democratic governance. Liberia’s geographic location, historical ties with the United States, and democratic resilience, he said, make it strategically important.

“President Boakai was very eloquent in his remarks with President Biden. That moment spoke volumes about Liberia’s rising stature. It’s not just symbolic—it reflects Liberia’s strategic importance in West Africa.”

Toner highlighted that the country has made tremendous democratic progress since the end of its brutal civil war over two decades ago. He praised Liberia for holding peaceful and credible elections in 2005, 2011, and 2023, as well as for its smooth transfers of power between administrations.

“I’ve often said this since 2003, Liberia has had three peaceful, credible elections and two peaceful transitions of power. You also have two former presidents living freely here. That is a powerful statement, not just for Africa, but for any democracy around the world,” he said.

The Ambassador emphasized that Liberia’s continued commitment to peace, democratic values, and regional cooperation is earning it a place among Africa’s most respected nations. He credited the Liberian people, civil society, and leaders for working together to maintain the country’s democratic course.

Toner also expressed confidence in Liberia’s future under President Boakai’s leadership, pointing to the new administration’s early efforts to reengage with key international partners and strengthen transparency, governance, and infrastructure.

As Ambassador Toner prepares to depart Liberia after completing his diplomatic assignment, he said he remains optimistic about the country’s trajectory. He called on Liberians to stay united and continue building on the democratic gains achieved over the past 20 years.

“Liberia matters. That’s the message. This invitation was not by chance. It was earned through years of hard work, peacebuilding, and commitment to democratic values. The U.S. recognizes that, and so does the international community.”

Ambassador Toner’s remarks come at a time when Liberia is looking to deepen its ties with key allies, including the United States, the European Union, and regional bodies.

The White House meeting and Liberia’s international engagements are seen as part of a broader effort to reposition the country on the world stage.