WASHINGTON – The Biden governance is preparing to lift travel restrictions on Liberian president joseph Boakai, despite concerns about corruption allegations leveled against him prior to taking office, U.S. officials confirmed Friday, september 6, 2025. the decision, finalized after internal debate within the State Department and National Security Council, signals a shift in U.S. policy toward Liberia and aims to foster stronger diplomatic ties wiht the West african nation.
The move comes as the U.S. seeks to re-engage with African leaders and counter the growing influence of China and Russia on the continent. While the allegations against Boakai - stemming from a 2019 examination into missing funds – haven’t resulted in convictions, they prompted scrutiny from lawmakers and anti-corruption advocates. Lifting the restrictions is intended to facilitate high-level discussions on trade, security, and democratic governance, but also risks criticism from those who believe it sends the wrong message regarding accountability.
According to three officials familiar with the matter, the administration steadfast that maintaining the travel ban would unduly hinder diplomatic efforts and potentially destabilize Liberia’s fragile democracy. The restrictions were initially imposed during the Trump administration following reports by Liberia’s general Auditing Commission regarding discrepancies in funds while Boakai served as Vice President. The commission alleged that approximately $30 million was unaccounted for. Boakai has consistently denied any wrongdoing,attributing the discrepancies to accounting errors and political motivations.
“We’ve carefully weighed the concerns and believe that direct engagement with President Boakai is the most effective path forward,” stated a senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This isn’t a signal that we condone corruption, but rather a recognition that isolating liberia won’t solve the problem. We will continue to press for clarity and accountability.”
The decision follows a recent review of U.S. policy toward Liberia, prompted by Boakai’s election in November 2023. The administration consulted with various stakeholders, including members of Congress, human rights organizations, and Liberian civil society groups. While some expressed reservations, the prevailing view was that maintaining the travel ban would be counterproductive.
Liberia, founded by freed American slaves in the 19th century, has a complex relationship with the United States. The country has received notable U.S. aid over the years, notably following a brutal civil war that ended in 2003. The U.S. maintains a strong security partnership with Liberia,providing training and equipment to its armed forces.
