Liberia’s Orator Defends Her Independence Day Speech Amid Controversy

Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey, who served as Liberia’s National Orator for the 177th Independence Day Celebrations, has responded to the criticisms surrounding her speech delivered on July 26, 2024.

In an exclusive interview with the Liberia National Television (LNTV) on Saturday, July 27, 2024, Dr. Pailey resolutely stood by her statements, dismissing any need for apology.

“I owe no one an apology or qualm,” Dr. Pailey asserted. “I stand by my statements, I stand by every word, I stand by every sentence, I stand by every paragraph because, as I mentioned earlier, I am a scholar par excellence of Liberia. I am also a Liberian scholar who has a deep love for this country. I am not an American citizen; I am a Liberian citizen.”

Her Independence Day oration stirred significant debate, particularly regarding her remarks on Liberia’s relationship with the United States.

Dr. Pailey questioned the perceived “special relationship” between Liberia and the U.S., urging a re-evaluation of this dynamic and advocating for new strategic partnerships based on mutual benefit.

“I remain very concerned about the outsized influence of the United States in our transitional justice process,” Dr. Pailey stated in her speech. “We must forge new strategic partnerships based on mutual benefit and disabuse ourselves of the notion that we have a ‘special relationship’ with America. Truth be told, this so-called ‘special relationship’ only exists in our imagination.”

She highlighted historical grievances, reminding her audience that the U.S. was among the last countries to recognize Liberia’s independence and argued that America has often prioritized its own interests over those of Liberia. “Lest we forget, the United States has taken more from us than it has given. Lest we forget, the United States will always serve its own interests above all else,” she declared.

Dr. Pailey called for a re-imagined Liberia, one that is free from colonial relics and power dynamics. She proposed adopting new national symbols that better reflect Liberia’s cultural and historical identity. “A re-imagined Liberia is not only free from colonial relations of power, it is also free from colonial artefacts that cripple us,” she stated.

In her speech, she also questioned why the national motto on Liberia’s seal is not ‘the love of liberty united us here,’ as recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report.

Additionally, she criticized the name of the nation’s highest honor, suggesting that the term “pioneers” is politically charged and advocating for a revision of national symbols and honors.

Dr. Pailey’s remarks on renaming Monrovia, the capital city, to help decolonize the national identity, further ignited discussions.

She believes such changes are crucial for Liberia to forge a new political identity and break free from its colonial past.

While her speech received a mix of praise and criticism, Dr. Pailey’s unwavering stance in the LNTV interview underscores her commitment to sparking important conversations about Liberia’s future. Her supporters commend her bravery and vision, while critics argue that her approach might be too radical and divisive.

As Liberia reflects on its 177 years of independence, Dr. Pailey’s words continue to resonate, challenging the nation to rethink its historical narratives and current alliances.

Her call for a re-imagined Liberia aims to inspire a deeper, more critical engagement with the country’s past and its path forward.

The national discourse spurred by Dr. Pailey’s oration is indicative of a vibrant and dynamic society grappling with its identity and aspirations.

Her role as a public intellectual and scholar brings an important perspective to the ongoing dialogue about Liberia’s future, pushing the nation to consider bold and transformative ideas.
The statements by the orator led to the U.S. delegation, headed by Chargé D’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez, to walk out of the ceremony.
Shortly after the event, the U.S. Embassy issued a statement saying, “Independence Day Celebrations should be a time for hope, unity, and celebration. Introducing divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations during such an event undermines its purpose. The CDA’s decision to walk out was a measured response to maintain the event’s decorum and spirit.”