NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia says it has reached an arrangement with the United States Government to receive up to 1,200 third-country nationals who are being removed from the United States over a one-year period.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The Liberian Government announced the arrangement Tuesday, August 18, 2026, saying it is based on an exchange of notes between Liberia and the United States on September 4 and September 10, 2025.
According to the government, the first batch of 20 individuals is expected to arrive in Liberia on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
The individuals to be transferred are third-country nationals, including citizens or nationals of African and Western Hemisphere countries who are medically authorized to travel. Some of those transferred may seek asylum in Liberia.
The government says preparations have been made for their reception at Roberts International Airport and for their stay in the country.
In a statement, the Liberian Government emphasized that the individuals are not criminals and are not being prosecuted under either U.S. or Liberian law.
It described them as “guests of the Republic of Liberia,” citing the country’s longstanding tradition of providing shelter and protection to people fleeing persecution, war and other forms of conflict.
The government says those transferred will remain free to leave Liberia if they choose. However, individuals who wish to remain in the country will be allowed to apply for asylum in accordance with Liberian law.
Liberia also says it will provide necessary support to help the transferred individuals seek protection and remain safe during their stay.
Addressing concerns over the nature of the agreement, the government says Liberia’s decision was not based on a financial or political exchange.
It stressed that the arrangement is not a transaction involving a quid pro quo, saying Liberia has neither demanded nor received compensation or a promise of reward in exchange for accepting the individuals.
However, the government acknowledged that Liberia will receive support to help manage the program and strengthen its broader migration system.
The administration says its decision is rooted in humanitarian considerations and Liberia’s historical role as a refuge for people escaping political crises and persecution.
It pointed to Liberia’s founding as a settlement for freed Black people from the United States and elsewhere, noting that the country’s name is derived from the Latin word liber, meaning “free.”
The government also highlighted Liberia’s historical support for African liberation movements during the era of European colonialism, citing the country’s role as a safe haven for freedom fighters, including former South African President Nelson Mandela, who lived in Congo Town.
According to the government, Liberia’s acceptance of third-country nationals from the United States is consistent with this historical tradition.
It argues that rejecting people who cannot return to their countries of origin would run contrary to Liberia’s longstanding humanitarian principles and national interests.
The government is therefore calling on Liberians and residents to receive the transferred individuals with courtesy and what it describes as “true African hospitality.”
The arrangement comes as the United States expands efforts to remove certain non-U.S. nationals who cannot remain in the country, with third-country arrangements allowing some individuals to be transferred to countries other than their countries of citizenship or origin.
