LIBERIA: ‘Acting Under False Pretense’ …Unconfirmed Diplomats Warned

The Liberian Senate through its Committee on Foreign Affairs has threatened to take action against those nominated to Ambassadorial positions and failed to face Senate confirmation, but are rather performing those tasks and duties.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Abraham Darius Dillon, said the action of the nominees who have already begun work without Senate confirmation is a violation of the Constitution, which mandates that all ambassadorial positions must go through Senate’s confirmation.

Sen. Dillon made the assertions Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the confirmation hearing on the Director of Passport-Designate, James Pearson, the Chief of Protocol-Designate Antoinette Wolo and Ambassador At-Large-Designate Bob Sheriff.

The Foreign Affairs Committee Chair vowed that legislative actions will be taken against those undermining the legislative and constitutional mandate of Liberian Senate.

“Let me state for the record, no one nominated to confirmation position should immediately begin work if he or she has not been confirmed by this Senate, especially those acting in ambassadorial role – be it ambassador-at-large or whatsoever,” added Chairman Dillon.

Accordingly, speaking during his confirmation hearing, the Director General-Designate for Passport and Visa, James Pearson, vowed to work along with other authorities to enhance the passport and visa services of the country.

Mr. Pearson said passports are more than travel documents, but symbols of identity and national security, as such, should be protected.

He assured the Senate of his vision to simplify and expedite the application and issuance process of passports by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing the digital platform.

He noted that the ministry will extend passport services to Liberians in the Diaspora and other parts of the country through mobile units to serve all citizens.

Mr. Pearson added that the ministry of Foreign Affairs will introduce an E-visa system to facilitate travel and boost tourism and business opportunities in Liberia.

At the same time, two nominees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have assured the Senate of their commitment and dedication to serve the country.

Liberia’s Chief of Protocol and Ambassador-Designate, Antoinette Wolo and Bob Sheriff, said they will work along with their colleagues to improve protocol and diplomacy respectively.

Ambassador-Designate Bob Sheriff also said if confirmed he will work towards the improvement of Liberia’s foreign image.

The Liberian Ambassador and Chief of Protocol-Designate also assured to serve with integrity and dedication to bring pride to Liberia if confirmed.

Based on their testimonies, all decisions now lie under the purview of the Committee on Foreign Affairs to report to Plenary to make a final determination.