Liberia: President Boakai Leads High-Level Liberian Delegation to China Amid Ongoing Port Outsourcing Negotiations

 

Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to secure the necessary support for his ambitious ARREST agenda, even if it puts him at odds with national organs such as the Legislature, Judiciary, or international partners.


The Boakai-Koung administration, much like its predecessor, has been actively seeking opportunities and exploring various options to secure resources for its development agenda. Sources indicate that the upcoming trip to Asia is seen as a prime opportunity to garner support for key initiatives, including the administration’s road projects and the potential outsourcing of the Buchanan, Greenville, and Harper ports.

President Boakai is set to lead a 50-member delegation to Asia, starting with participation in the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali, Indonesia, from September 1-3. Following this, he will travel to the People’s Republic of China with select members of his delegation to attend the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing from September 4-6, 2024.

According to the Ministry of Information, the Liberian delegation includes First Lady Katumu Y. Boakai; Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow-Nyanti; Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Sylvester M. Grigsby; Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto; Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah; Minister of State Without Portfolio Mamaka Bility; and National Investment Commission Chairman Jeff Blibo. Other notable members include Sinoe County Senator Augustine Chea and Grand Kru County Representative Nathaniel Baway.

President Boakai and his delegation will hold high-level talks in Indonesia to seek partnerships and support in various sectors, including agriculture (particularly in oil palm, rice, and rubber production), energy, petroleum, water supply, sanitation, public health, tourism, education, scholarships, and scientific research.

“The visit to Indonesia will mark 69 years of friendship and cooperation between our two countries. We share a common history of resistance to colonial dominance and the advancement of freedom for the people of Africa,” Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah said in a statement released ahead of the visit.

The statement added: “Indonesia and Liberia have collaborated on many fronts since the 1950s when we both championed Afro-Asian solidarity to end colonialism. Today, Indonesia and Liberia have common economic and development interests, particularly in expanding palm oil production and refining, as well as increasing rice production for both local consumption and export.”



seawalls and breakwaters to protect against erosion.


FPA has learned that the Boakai administration is also contemplating outsourcing the Ports of Greenville and Harper. Discussions with relevant Chinese authorities are expected to continue during the President’s visit to China.


Other issues topping the President’s agenda include agriculture, communications, and road projects. The Liberian government is also expected to renegotiate the controversial Yellow Machine deal with South Africa’s GUMA Group and China-based SANY Group, sources say.


Under the Lens


President Boakai’s first trip to China comes as the United States continues to bolster its influence on its key allies in Africa, amid the growing influence of Russia and China. It also follows calls for Liberia to explore other strategic partnerships. Notably, during Liberia’s 177th Independence Day celebrations, orator Dr. Robtel Pailey criticized U.S.-Liberia relations and urged the government to forge new partnerships based on mutual benefit.


Senators Karnga-Lawrence and Dillon Also in China


Accompanying the delegation to China is a group from Liberia’s 55th Legislature, led by Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, a key ally of President Boakai.


According to a release, Karnga-Lawrence is already in China, will deliver a speech on “Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development,” addressing the challenges and strategies for reducing poverty and promoting sustainable growth globally.


Senator Darius Dillon, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, will also deliver a speech on “Global Security and Lasting Peace,” sharing insights on Liberia’s role in promoting peace and security on the international stage.

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