“Tighten Ties With Regional, Continental Organizations” -US Congressional Advocate Urges African Gov’ts

By Bill W. Cooper
The United States congressional advocate for the interests of Africa in the US, Melvin Foote, has urged the government of President Joseph Boakai to strengthen its relationships with regional and continental organizations.
According to Foote, the current freeze on aid through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) must be seen as a wake-up call for African leaders to work together to reduce the impacts such a decision may have on the continent.
The US-based advocate further narrated that the ongoing freeze on aid across the world by the United States government is having an unprecedented humanitarian impact on millions around the world. As such, the need for struggling nations to think outside the box cannot be overstated.
However, this appeal comes in the wake of the recent announcement regarding the closure of USAID support to Liberia, a development that has raised concerns about the future of development initiatives in the country.
Upon taking office in January of this year, US President Donald Trump, announced the freezing of all external aid from the US government to other nations across the globe, with Liberia being no exception.
The funding cut stems from President Trump’s “America First” policy, which temporarily suspended a significant portion of foreign aid, including the USAID program, pending a 90-day review.
Liberia had previously secured US$114.5 million through amendments to its Development Objective Agreement with the U.S., as the country’s oldest ally, representing about 14% of its national budget.
USAID has been instrumental in funding various sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, and governance, and its absence raises alarms about the future of these essential services.
The institution has also been a critical partner in Liberia’s recovery and development efforts, but the withdrawal of their support raises questions about the sustainability of ongoing projects and the overall trajectory of Liberia’s development.
In an interview on the Super Morning Show on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Foote, who is also the founder and president of the Constituency for Africa, based in Washington DC, however, lauded President Joseph Boakai for efforts aimed at improving governance across Liberia.
He, however, noted that countries like Liberia stand a chance of weaving out the opportunities if they form strong partnerships with counterparts on the continent, ensuring a robust bilateral relationship.
Foote, at the same time, warned the Unity Party (UP) government to prioritize strengthening relationships with regional and continental organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (A, U), among others.
He argues that these organizations can play a pivotal role in filling the gap left by the reduction of U.S. aid and cautioned, “It is time that Liberia looks inward and outward in the midst of this unfolding situation from the U.S.”
“Because, regional organizations can provide support, share resources, and foster collaboration among member states. So, by strengthening these ties, Liberia can enhance its resilience and ensure that its development goals are met, even in the face of external challenges,” he acknowledged.
Meanwhile, in addition to fostering regional ties, Foote further highlighted the importance of building local capacity within Liberia, urging the Boakai administration to invest in human capital development, including education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship as key areas for growth.
He maintained, “Liberia has a wealth of talent and potential as such, by investing in its people, the government can create a more sustainable and self-reliant economy. This is not just about receiving aid; it’s about empowering citizens to drive their development.”
Foote added, “So, while the loss of USAID funding is significant, it should not be seen as a dead end because, for me, I see it as a chance for Liberia to innovate, to seek partnerships beyond traditional sources of aid, and to leverage its resources more effectively.”