The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia greatly appreciates and shares the deep concerns and sorrow that Liberians, from the most senior levels of government to ordinary citizens, have expressed to us in recent days regarding the tragic killing of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. We grieve for his family and community, which includes members of the Liberian diaspora and U.S. Embassy employees from Minnesota. The peaceful protests in which thousands of Americans have taken part across the United States demonstrate determination to put in place meaningful reforms, seek accountability, including through criminal investigations at the federal and state levels and in the legal system, and address the racial discrimination that is an all-too-present reality for many Americans. These protests are sincere and legitimate exercises of the Constitutional guarantees of the rights to free expression and assembly. At this time, as Americans begin the hard conversations about the challenges our society faces at home, we take heart from the resilience and courage of Liberians who are working to ensure peace and justice in their own country. As we strive to live up to our core values and work closely with our partners and friends to create a better world for all, Dr. King’s words ring true: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere….Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
