MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai departed Liberia on September 8, 2025, to attend the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, sparking debate over the duration of his stay abroad and the potential impact on Liberia’s domestic priorities. The UNGA is scheduled to conclude on September 28, 2025, meaning the Liberian delegation will be in the United States for nearly three weeks.
The UN General Assembly, which opened on September 9, 2025, brings together world leaders to deliberate on global issues under this year’s theme, “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” President Boakai is expected to address the plenary, attend bilateral meetings with international partners, and participate in the Liberia National Diaspora Conference in Washington, D.C., aimed at strengthening engagement with Liberians abroad and promoting investment opportunities.
A high-level Liberian delegation accompanies the President, including Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Education Minister Jarso Maley Jallah, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, and Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Jerod Cole Bangalu. The delegation will participate in various specialized sessions, including climate and maritime law discussions.
Criticism Over Extended Travel
Some Liberians have drawn parallels between President Boakai’s extended foreign engagements and the lengthy trips undertaken by former President George Weah, which were criticized for straining the country’s limited resources. Exiled activist Martin K. N. Kollie has voiced concern over what he calls excessive government spending on overseas travel, citing nearly US$8 million in foreign travel expenses over the past 24 months. He argues that such expenditures divert funds from pressing domestic challenges, including hunger, unemployment, and poverty.
Kollie stressed the need for a “radical shift” in public spending and called for reforms, including judicial improvements and anti-corruption courts, to ensure accountability in governance.
Executive Mansion’s Justification
In response, the Executive Mansion issued a statement emphasizing that President Boakai’s UNGA visit includes a robust schedule of diplomatic, economic, and development engagements. These activities, it said, reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to multilateralism and global partnerships while highlighting the strategic importance of the Liberian diaspora in national development.
“The President will join fellow Heads of State and Government, world leaders, and global partners to deliberate on pressing international issues, including peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, and global cooperation,” the statement read.
Public Debate and Political Reaction
Political analysts note that activist Kollie, who campaigned vigorously for the Unity Party in 2023, has consistently held the current government accountable. Observers now question whether the Boakai administration will heed calls to curb public waste and redirect resources to urgent national needs.
As the President and delegation carry out their official duties abroad, Liberians remain closely watching the balance between international engagements and domestic priorities.
