In a heartfelt letter to former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Jefferson T. Koijee, the Secretary General of Liberia’s opposition party, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), has raised urgent concerns about the state of affairs in his homeland. Written on February 26, 2025, the letter is a plea for solidarity, accountability, and action to address the deepening crises in Liberia.
Koijee, a former Mayor of Monrovia, begins by expressing his optimism about Trump’s leadership, particularly in addressing global challenges such as corruption, human rights violations, and what he describes as the “growing threat of the sexual revolution.” He emphasizes the need for strong leadership that prioritizes self-reliance and traditional values, both in the United States and in Africa.
Liberia’s Struggles Under President Boakai
Koijee paints a grim picture of Liberia under President Joseph Boakai’s administration. He accuses Boakai of undermining democracy, violating human rights, and fostering corruption. According to Koijee, Boakai has orchestrated a legislative coup, manipulated fiscal policies, and operated an unconstitutional budget, all while failing to address the country’s most pressing issues.
The letter highlights alarming human rights abuses, including over 100 reported deaths in just one year due to state-sponsored violence, police brutality, and ritualistic killings. Koijee also points to political harassment, such as the violent invasion of the CDC headquarters and the targeting of dissenters on social media.
Corruption and Mismanagement
Koijee doesn’t mince words when it comes to corruption. He details several instances of financial misconduct under Boakai’s administration, including unaccounted expenses, off-budget spending, and fraudulent transactions. Despite these abuses, millions of Liberians still lack access to basic necessities like clean water, electricity, and healthcare.
Koijee also criticizes the misuse of U.S. foreign aid, particularly a $1.5 million USAID grant intended to boost voter confidence. He alleges that these funds were used to manipulate Liberia’s electoral process, further eroding trust in the government.
A Plea for Liberians in the U.S.
One of the most poignant parts of Koijee’s letter is his appeal to President Trump to reconsider the deportation of 1,563 Liberians living in the United States. Many of these individuals fled Liberia to escape political persecution and violence. Koijee argues that deporting them to a country plagued by instability and human rights abuses would put their lives at risk. He reminds Trump of his past efforts to protect Liberians through policies like Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness (LRIF) provision, urging him to show similar compassion now.
Upholding Shared Values
Koijee concludes by praising Trump’s commitment to religious freedom and traditional values, particularly his efforts to combat what he calls “radical gender ideologies.” He draws a parallel between Trump and the biblical figure Cyrus, who liberated the Jews from Babylon, suggesting that Trump’s leadership could similarly liberate Liberia from its current crises.
A Call to Action
Koijee’s letter is more than a critique of Liberia’s leadership, it’s a call to action. He urges President Trump to stand with the Liberian people in their fight against corruption, human rights violations, and democratic erosion. He reminds Trump of the historical ties between Liberia and the United States, from the naming of Monrovia after President James Monroe to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, and appeals to their shared values of freedom, accountability, and self-determination.
In a world where global leadership is often tested, Koijee’s message is a reminder that the struggles of one nation can resonate far beyond its borders. His plea is not just for Liberia but for the principles that bind nations together in the pursuit of justice, peace, and prosperity.
