—- As Pres. Joseph Boakai And Delegation Arrived For US-Africa Business Summit
IPNEWS: Diaspora Alert (DA) urges the international community to withhold aid to Liberia on grounds that the government has demonstrated a lack of commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. DA is troubled that the Unity Party-led government’s highly publicized 100-day plan has ended in spectacular failure, shattering the hopes and aspirations of Liberians. Despite lofty promises, the administration has failed to deliver on all 12 objectives of its commitments, including: fighting corruption, road expansion, curbing drug abuse, improving sanitation, prudent economic and financial governance, and revitalizing tourism amongst others. Even the deliverables’ strategic goal of ‘rebuilding public trust in public sector governance’ has been compromised by the very individuals responsible for implementing the plan, leading to a growing distrust in government.
In a statement, Eric Pervist, Chairman, Diaspora Alert stated that his organization believes that continued aid without conditions, particularly to a government notorious for financial indiscipline and human rights abuses, will only serve to enrich senior government officials. Moreover, it will perpetuate a cycle of dependency and undermine Liberia’s ability to achieve sustainable development, thereby exacerbating the very problems that aid aims to address.
In light of this, Diaspora Alert wants the international community to withhold aid until the government takes concrete steps to address its failures. A government that cannot keep its own promises will not honor foreign obligations or manage foreign aid effectively.
Meanwhile, President Joseph Boakai and delegation have finally arrived in Dallas, Texas ahead of the US-Africa Business Summit set to take place from today May 6-9, 2024
According to an executive mansion release, the Liberian leader departed the Country on Friday, May 3, 2024 and was welcomed at the American airport by the President and Members of the Liberian community in Dallas, who greeted him with cheers and waving of flags.
The US-Africa Business Summit is a prestigious event that brings together leaders from Africa and the United States to discuss and foster business relationships and partnerships.
This year’s summit will focus on key sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and technology.
The release further noted that President Boakai’s presence at the summit is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase Liberia’s potential for investment and economic growth.
It added that the President’s visit also provides a platform for networking and collaboration with other African leaders and American business representatives.
