WASHINGTON, D.C. — Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has appealed for stronger U.S. su pport for Liberia’s energy sector and called for a permanent immigration solution for thousands of Liberians living in the United States during a high-level meeting with a senior U.S. State Department official.
According to a release issued by the Liberian Embassy in Washington, Foreign Minister Nyanti recently met with Frank Garcia Jr., U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen the longstanding relationship between Liberia and the United States.
The meeting, held in Washington, D.C., focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, advancing Liberia’s development priorities, enhancing regional security, and discussing the future of nearly 4,000 Liberians currently benefiting from Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), which is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2026.
Nyanti, accompanied by Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, outlined the Boakai administration’s development agenda and reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties with Washington.
A major focus of the discussions centered on Liberia’s energy sector, which the foreign minister described as critical to the country’s economic transformation.
Nyanti emphasized Liberia’s interest in pursuing a transformative energy compact aimed at addressing longstanding challenges in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
She said reliable and affordable electricity remains essential to industrial growth, foreign investment, job creation, and improving the overall quality of life for Liberians.
According to the embassy, the minister stressed that stronger energy infrastructure would position Liberia as a more competitive destination for regional and international investors.
Assistant Secretary Garcia reportedly acknowledged the significance of Liberia’s energy ambitions and expressed continued U.S. interest in supporting sustainable development and energy security initiatives across Africa.
The two officials also discussed regional security issues and Liberia’s role in promoting peace and stability within the Mano River Union and the broader West African region.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, improving governance, and advancing peacebuilding efforts while addressing regional security threats and economic challenges.
The meeting additionally explored opportunities to expand commercial diplomacy and encourage greater private-sector investment between the two countries.
However, one of the most sensitive issues discussed was the future of approximately 4,000 Liberians living in the United States under Deferred Enforced Departure status.
With the DED program set to expire on June 30, 2026, Nyanti urged consideration of a pathway to permanent legal status for eligible Liberians.
She highlighted the contributions of Liberians in the United States in sectors including healthcare, education, business, and public service.
“Liberians in the United States have long demonstrated resilience, hard work, and dedication,” Nyanti said. “We remain hopeful that a pathway to permanent legal status can be identified for eligible beneficiaries, ensuring stability for families and reinforcing the enduring bonds between our two nations.”
The minister expressed appreciation for America’s longstanding support to Liberia and pledged to continue constructive engagement on immigration issues affecting Liberian nationals.
Garcia welcomed the discussions and emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication on issues affecting the longstanding people-to-people ties between Liberia and the United States.
The meeting comes as Liberia seeks greater international investment, improved infrastructure support, and stronger diplomatic engagement with Washington amid growing economic and development challenges at home.
