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LIBERIAN REACTIONS TO THE RECALL OF
HIS EXCELLENCY NATHANIEL MILTON BARNES, LIBERIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE
UNITED STATE... By: A. SAYKU KROMAH 08 August, 2010  Since
the announcement of the Liberian Government on August 2, 2010 that
Ambassador Barnes had been recalled for reassignment, we have received
numerous calls from Liberians, both at home and abroad seeking our view
on the reasons that may have motivated the President to recall him. My
answer to most of them has been, "All Ambassadors serve at the, will and
pleasure of the President." It is one of her constitutional duties, and
probably the only one that she has unscrupulously adhered to. The matter
would have been left there and case closed, if it had not been for one
of my former colleagues (also now in self-imposed exile) who said that,
Sayku, remember who you are talking to. To him and my other colleagues
who are equally being bombarded with explinations that I have decided to
write this brief expose. In addressing this issue, I should like to state that it is not a thesis on Diplomatic Appointments and Recall of Diplomatic Personnel, for that one would have to refer to Sir George Satow's Guide to Diplomatic Practice, B. Sen's International Law for Diplomats.I do not know why the recall of an Ambassador should raise so much concern among Liberians whom, including myself. I can only conjucture that it might be that Liberians have taken a personal affirnity to the youngpersonable, gentleman with whom they can relate because of the proximity of age, and easy accessibility to most Liberians irrespective of status. The most obvious reason could also be that the United States of America has the largest concentration of Liberians outside the territorial confines of the Republic of Liberia. Additionally, per capita, the Liberian population in the United States constitutes tha largest informed and financial stable group of Liberians in the world, as well as the most politically engaged. Firstly, what are some of the accomplishments of Ambassador Barnes and the disadvantages of his abrubt recall. Ambassador Barnes came to DC after successfully serving as Liberia's Permanent Representative (Ambassador) to the United Nations in New York. Some of us were surprised that President Ellen Johnson would appoint a former Finance Minister (1999-2002) of President Charles McArthur Taylor to such a significant diplomatic post. Most of Ambassador Barnes' former colleagues in that Government were on UN travel ban, assets freeze, and the Liberian Government itself was under a very regid sanctions regime. What was the wisdom in sending him to the UN with the possibility of expanding most of his energy supposedly explaining his own role in the Taylor regime? It is a common saying that hindsight vision is always 20/20. The speed with which Ambassador Barnes executed his awe-inspiring duties leading to the successful removal of the economic sanctions regime, by establishing and sustaining personal relationships with the major actors in the UN system which is so critical to any successful diplomatic undertaking. The President felt vidicated and after only two years at the UN, Ambassador Barnes was appointed as Ambassador to Washington, DC. Again, some of us sceptics were doubtful of the US Government accepting Nathaniel Barnes, because of his association with the Taylor regime in the capacity of Minister of Finance. The Ambassador was not only accepted in the belt-way power circles, but wasted no time in engaging the Liberian Community, maintaning an open door policy at the Embassy. His singleness of purpose (ensuring Liberia's critical intetrest are maintained) eventhough the Bush Government was in lameduck phase, made it possible for Liberia to remain on the Buch Government radar. It was a delicate balancing act, because the Presidental elections were at hand, and this could be a tricky time for any diplomat that is lacken in the nuances of the craft. The fact that , President Sirleaf was invited to the Special Program that President Barak Obama had at the UN at the last General Assembly is a demonstration of how Mr. Barnes has transitioned from the Bush era contacts to establishing close ties with the new depensation in Washington, DC. Not withstanding, People have assigned all kinds of motatives to the President's decision to reacll Ambassador Barnes. Some conclude that the President does not believe that her most important diplomatic figure, Nathaniel Barnes shares in her political ambition of succeeding herself (remember, Ambassador Barnes himself was a candidate in the 2005 presidential elections as the standard bearer of the Liberia Destiny Party - LDP). The adherents of this view have argued that Ambassador Barnes' service record with the Government of Liberia, in a relatively short span of time (1988-2010) has been examplified by selfless dedication to duty driven by personal commitment to the overall well-being of the Liberian people. For them, the international experienced acquired as Liberia's foremost Ambassador at the UN and Washington DC hs prepared him for the Nation's highest office or a heartbeat away from that seat. Therefore, Madam Sirleaf would be digging her own political grave by letting such a popular figure continue to acquire international and national prominance which could prove very useful in a presidential campaign. Hence, borrowing a page from the playbook of Mr. Samuel Kayon Doe of blessed memory, who asked all his cabinet members and high officials of government to take advantage of an opportunity he had given them to resign from Government and concentrate on building their political parties, it is my understanding that Madam Sirleaf is offering all her Officials an opportunity to declare their political intentions or risk termination. Quite frankly, I do not see why any Government would want to recall an Ambassador who within two short years, has established and maintained official contacts in two administrations (Bush and Obama) in the World's Greatest capitol, and with members of the US Legislature before the next congressional elections. Or why did the Ellen Government wait this late in the game to recall the Ambassador on the eve of a congressional election that could lead to a major power shift in the US Congress? One Liberian academician proffered that President Sirleaf was only waiting for her Photo Opportunity (Official Visit) with PresidentObama which Ambassador was working on, that successfully took place last May, 2010. In the view of the President, which no one has the right to question, Ambassador Barnes' mission has been successful accomplished. Both he and President Sirleaf have a lot to be proud of - she making the decision to appoint him to the two most important diplomatic missions, the UN and Washington, DC, and he, the ability to overcome the challeges imposed by the missions leaving a legacy without any scandal. The only question now lingering in the minds of most informed Liberians is whats next for a young, energetic, public-spirited, politically savvy and successful Liberian who in a relatively short period of time has had the opportunity to service his country as Executive Director of National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) March 1999 to Sugust 1999, Minister of Finance from September 1999 - 2002, Liberian Ambassador to the United Nations from May 2006 - 2008, and Liberian Ambassador to the United States from 2008 - Aaugust 2010. And all this without any major scandal? Mr. Ambassador, what is your next move? Somebody please help me here, the people need to know. The rumor mill already has it that Madam Sirleaf is woeing the Ambassador to Monrovia to join her efforts above the cabinet level. Presently, the Ambassador may just be any viable candidate's passage to the Executive Mansion. It should come as no surprise if Madam Sirleaf determines that this would ensure her first round victory. About the author: Mr. Sayku Kromah is a former career Liberian Diplomat who served as Researach Assistant at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Second Secretary and Vice Consul, Liberian Embassy Bonn, First Secretary and Consul, Liberian Embassy New Delhi, Sr. Desk Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Counselor and Consul, Liberian Embassy, Lagos, and Appointed Minister-Counselor, Liberian Embassy, Abuja. Mr. Kromah attended nearly all peace conferences on Liberia, including the Banjul Conference 1990, Monrovia Conference 1991, Cotonou, Accra, and Abuja Conferences. He currently lives in Philadelphia, USA. Contacts: saykukromah@yahoo.com or (215) 758-1040 |
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