NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Minister of Information, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has dismissed allegations surrounding the late Liberian diplomat designate, George Solo, clarifying that his ambassadorial appointment process was still ongoing at the time of his death and had not been rejected by the host country.
By: Gegee Brima – alhajigegeebrima@gmail.com
Speaking at a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Minister Piah explained that diplomatic appointments follow established international and governmental procedures involving multiple institutions, and cannot be unilaterally controlled by any single authority.
He noted that once a president nominates an ambassadorial candidate, the host country must be formally notified and asked to grant agrément—official approval for the nominee to serve.
According to him, the host country then conducts due diligence and background checks before communicating its decision to Liberia. “If a positive response is received, that constitutes the granting of the agrément,” he said, adding that only after this stage can Liberia proceed with Senate confirmation, presidential commissioning, and the presentation of credentials.
No Agreement Granted, but No Rejection
Addressing the case of Mr. Solo directly, Minister Piah stated that the agreement process had not been completed before his passing.
He explained that the host country had requested additional clarifications and information, which prolonged the process rather than resulting in any formal rejection.
“Up to the moment of his death, no agreement was granted, but he was never rejected,” Piah clarified.
Possible Reassignment Discussed
Minister Piah also revealed that discussions had begun within government regarding a possible reassignment of the late diplomat to Liberia’s maritime sector, a proposal he said Mr. Solo reportedly welcomed prior to his death.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained communication with the family of the deceased, including engagement with his wife in the United States, while extending condolences following his passing.
Piah Condemns Political Exploitation
The Information Minister also condemned what he described as attempts by political actors to exploit Mr. Solo’s death for political gain through misinformation and ethnic sentiment.
“For those who are determined to use his death for politics, that is unfortunate,” he said, stressing that such actions mislead the public and distort facts.
Piah further cautioned against divisive political rhetoric, noting that Liberia’s history demonstrates the dangers of ethnicity-based and misinformation-driven politics.
He urged citizens to reject what he described as the politics of hatred, division, and manipulation, particularly in sensitive national matters.
