By Olando Testimony Zeongar
MONROVIA – A presidential directive issued Thursday, annulled several high-profile diplomatic portfolios in ambassadorial and trade and investment reps categories respectively.
According to Information Minister, Jerolinmek Piah, by directive of President Joseph N. Boakai, all Ambassadors-at-Large, Special Envoys, and Trade and Investment Representatives portfolios are with immediate effect canceled.
An Ambassador-at-Large is a diplomat of the highest rank who is accredited to represent a country and its people internationally. S/he is entrusted to operate in several neighboring countries, a region, or sometimes hold a seat in an international organization like the United Nations or the European Union. In some cases, an Ambassador-at-Large may be specifically assigned a role to advise and assist the state or government on particular issues. Ambassadors-at-Large may not be assigned to a specific diplomatic post but are appointed on special missions.
A Trade and Investment Representative (TIR) is an individual who represents a government or organization in international trade and investment matters. They work to connect businesses with international partners, facilitate trade agreements, and promote investment opportunities on behalf of a given government.
Generally, Special Envoys are senior officials with diplomatic experience and expertise, who are tasked with achieving a specific goal or set of goals within a defined timeframe.
“By directive of the President, Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai, all Ambassadors-At-Large, Special Envoys, Trade and Investment Representatives, are hereby canceled with immediate effect,” Minister Piah announced at a Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) press briefing yesterday.
The Information Minister disclosed that, in accordance with the Liberian leader’s directive, officials to these posts would be re-appointed based on what the president’s directive termed Liberia’s governance needs for such roles in the current dispensation.
“The reappointments will also come with clear and specific terms of references and reporting lines within the framework of the country’s foreign policy direction,” Minister Piah added.
He emphasized that the process of annulling these portfolios would be characterized by giving those occupying such posts at the time of the presidential directive the courtesy due them and undertaking the process in a dignified manner.
To do so, Information Minister Piah further announced that all those serving in these posts at the time of annulment by the presidential directive will be properly notified and thanked for their respective services to the country.
