Brief History
Brief History of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs came into existence along with the first Government in 1848. It was created by constitutional provisions as first cabinet position in the Executive Branch of Government. In its formative days, the Ministry was referred as the Department of State, and the Minister was called Secretary of State.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the arm of government charged with the task of formulating and implementing the foreign policy and foreign relations of Liberia. The Ministry always retains a central position that coordinates actions in the light of national objectives. This is due to the fact that foreign policy is an embodiment of domestic or national policies.
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first Ministry in the cabinet is charged with the responsibility of implementing, with the approval of the President, the foreign Policy and conduct the foreign relations of the country. The Ministry is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs who is also known as the Dean of the Cabinet, and is appointed by the President, with advice and consent of the Senate, and is First Minister of the government.
The Minster of Foreign Affairs therefore is the Chief Adviser to the President on Foreign Affairs. His exact role largely depends on his personality and that of the Chief Executive on problems that arise during his tenure.
An important factor associated with the importance of the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs is the precedent, which makes the Secretary next in succession to the Presidency after the Vice Presidency. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, until recently acted for the President when he (President) was either momentarily disable or without the public's jurisdiction.
In the political history of Liberia, especially respective to transfer of power, five Secretaries of State, namely Daniel Barshall Warner, Hilary Richard Wright Johnson, Arthur Barchlay, Garretson Wilmot Gibson, Charles Dunbar Burgess King and Edwin J. Barclay accented to the Presidency. Edwin J. Barclay ascended to the Presidency directly from the State Department. Two other Secretaries of State James S. Smith and Clarence L. Simpson became Vice Presidents of Liberia. F.E.R. Johnson and Louis Arthur Grimes became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, while Ernest Barclay was Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia.
FOREIGN POLICY
• Liberia’s Foreign Policy is firmly rooted in its political ideology of liberalism and democracy. Generally speaking, the guiding principles of Liberia’s foreign policy has been the maintenance of national security and the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, the promotion of peace and harmony based on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, and unity in the international community.
• The fundamental thrust of Liberia’s foreign policy objective before the mid 1960s was predominantly the maintenance of national independence, due to threats posed by colonial powers to the Lone Star of freedom and Liberia’s support to independence movement in Africa. The foreign policy objective, with successes of the independence and anti-apartheid struggle was devoted to economic, social and political development.
• As a result of the 14 years of violence and armed conflict in Liberia that spilled into other countries in West Africa between 1990 and 2003, the foreign policy was focused on securing national and regional peace and promoting reconciliation. With the end of the war, the Foreign Policy objective is being refocused on socio-economic development and the consolidation of peace and security in the sub-region.
This foundation is copied after the pattern adopted by the United States of America from where the founding fathers of Liberia had come as ex-slaves and free men of colour. Generally speaking, the guiding principles of Liberia's Foreign Policy has been the maintenance of national security and the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, the promotion of peace and harmony based on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, and unity in the national community based on the virtue of liberal democracy. The fundamental thrust of Liberia’s foreign policy objective before the Tubman era was predominantly the maintenance of the national independence. Since the Tubman administration to date, the foreign policy objective of the country, in addition to the maintenance of national independence has been the devotion to economic, social and political development.
Realistically speaking, Liberia's survival as a state in the face of difficult challenges posed by colonial masters like Great Britain and France have been the skill and maturity with which her leaders conducted her foreign policy and foreign relations. Thus mastery of the act of diplomacy has remain the hallmark, and one of the credible achievements of Liberia.
Administratively, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Olubanke King-Akerele who is assisted by three principal deputies, a corps of other officials with the rank of Deputy Ministers, Assistant Ministers, Directors and other Senior Personnel. Below is the administrative structure of the Ministry and the description of functions.
THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, under the direction of the Head of State and President, formulate and implements the Foreign Policy of the Government of Liberia; promotes beneficial intercourse between Liberia and other countries; protects Liberian rights and interests throughout the world; directs the conduct of the Foreign Service.
The functions of the Minister, among others, under the direction of the President, and according to paragraph 20.3 of Chapter 20 of the New Executive Law include:
• To formulate and implement the foreign policy of Liberia;
• To promote beneficial intercourse between Liberia and other countries;
• To protect the rights and interest of Liberia throughout the world;
• To direct the conduct of the foreign Service of Liberia as its Head Officer;
• To issue regulations governing the activities of foreign Diplomatic and Consular Missions accredited to the Republic of Liberia consistent with the Geneva convention;
• To issue passports and visas;
• To act as custodian of archives of the Republic of Liberia;
• To act as keeper of the Seal of the Republic of Liberia.
•
The Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, by legislation falls under the direction of the President of Liberia. The Office is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Reporting directly to the Minister are:
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs assists the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the discharge of his duties; and in the event of the absence, death, resignation, or removal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; performs the duties of the Minister of Foreign Affairs as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs until a successor is appointed or the assumption of duties of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Deputy Minister has a close wortking relationship with the Minister and full knowledge of the day-to-day operations of all bureaux within the minisry so as to facilitate the necessary continuity and smoothness in all spheres of the minisry's operations in the event he has to act due to the Minster's absence or momentary disability. The Deputy Minister also signs passports, issues multiple entry visas as well as certificates of incorporation, registration of patents, copyrights and trademarks. Hon. William V.S. Bull, a career diplomat is the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Under this Department there are four regional Bureaux
• Bureau of American affairs
• Bureau of Africa-Asia Affairs
• Bureau of European Affairs
• Bureau of foreign Affairs
THE DEPUTY MINISTER FOR ADMINISTRATION
The Deputy Minister for Administration assists and advises the Minister of Foreign Affairs in providing the Administrative services for the Ministry. He serves as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs in the absence of both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and his principal Deputy Minister for Administration. The Deputy Minster for Administration performs such other duties as may be the Ministry squarely falls on the shoulders of an experienced Administrator, Hon. Johnson N. Gwaikolo. DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
• Division of Finance
• Division of Maintenance
• Division of Printing
• Division of Procurement
• Division of Personnel
• Division of Security
THE DEPUTY MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND INTEGRATION
The Deputy Minister for Economic Cooperation and Integration is responsible for matters of international economic cooperation and integration between Liberia and other countries or organizations of a bilateral, multilateral and regional or inter-regional nature within the context of Liberian foreign policy. He advises the Minister and other bureaux in the Ministry with regard to activities and programs relating to negotiations and implementing all programs of cooperation and integration to which the Government of Liberia is a party. He supervises the Assistant Ministers and Directors in the department and along with them assess the performance of the Department. The Deputy Minister for Economic Cooperation and Integration is Hon. Conmany B. Wesseh.
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
• Bureau of International Cooperation & Economic Affairs
• Bureau of International Organization Affairs
THE CHIEF OF PROTOCOL
The Chief of Protocol is responsible for the observance of protocol in connection with official and ceremonial functions; he provides liaison with foreign diplomatic missions and personnel accredited to the Republic of Liberia and is also responsible to prepare executive commissions, diplomas, letters of credence, ordinances and other documents required by diplomatic custom Ambassador Edward Dunn the Chief of Protocol of the Republic of Liberia.
DEPARTMENT OF PROTOCOL AFFAIRS
• Protocol & Ceremonies
• Special Services Unit
THE LEGAL COUNSELLOR
The Legal Counsellor advises the Minister of Foreign Affairs on problems relating to international law and diplomacy and on all matters of a legal nature with which the Ministry is concerned; he provides legal services with regard to treaties, conventions, protocol, and other international agreements within the Ministry's purview.
In addition to the above, the Office of the Legal Counsellor is charged with the responsibility of reviewing and participating in negotiations leading to the conclusion of all international bilateral and multilateral agreements, conventions, protocols as well as treaties to which Government becomes a party. In this respect, the Legal Counsellor's Office serves as the custodian of all such documents.
The Legal Counsellor's Office also serves as a mediator between the public and foreign missions accredited near this capital with respect to civil complaints against such missions by the public or vice versa.
The office of the Legal Counsellor in conjunction with the Bureau of Archives also handles and supervises all matters relating to the establishment of business corporations filed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also handles matters relating to Consular Affairs and supervises the work of the Bureaux of Passports, Deeds, Trademarks and Patents, Cllr. Krubo Kollie serves as the Legal Counsellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS
• Division of Archives
• Division of Passports & Visas
• Division of Publications
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE
The Inspector General of the Foreign Service conducts inspection of Missions abroad established by the Foreign Service.
THE ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR AMERICAN AFFAIRS
The Assistant Minister for American Affairs has the responsiblility of supervising Foreign Affairs in the region of the Americas and the Caribbean, being fully responible to brief the Minister periodically on political, economic and other developments in countries that fall within these areas. The Bureau of American Affairs is headed by a Career Diplomat, Hon. Marcus Koffa.
THE ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
The Assistant Minister for European Affairs has the responsibility of supervising foreign affairs in western and Eastern Europe, being fully responsible to brief the Minister periodically on political, economic and other developments in countries that fall within these regions. The Bureau of European Affairs is headed by Assistant Minister, Hon. Simeon Cole
THE ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
The Assistant Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Affairs is responsible for all matters of cooperation between Liberia and other countries or organizations of bilateral, multilateral, regional or inter-regional nature. The Assistant Minister follows up all international cooperation meetings and conferences, advising the Minister and other Bureaux in the Ministry with regard to activities and programs relating to negotiation, coordinating, formulating and implementing all programs of cooperation to which the Government of Liberia is a party. He conducts possible-cost-benefit studies on each cooperation arrangement and makes necessary recommendations to the Minister. The Assistant Minister identifies viable areas and projects for cooperation and areas of drawbacks for existing cooperation and accordingly advises the Minister. He is also responsible for supervising and coordinating foreign economic matters and policy in consultation with other responsible officials of the Ministry, advising other Bureaux in the ministry with regard to activities and programs relating to financing, resources, commodities, transportation and communications. Assistant Minister Elias Shoniyin heads the Bureau.
THE ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AFFAIRS
The Assistant Minister for International Organizations Affairs supervised all matters related to global international organizations, serving as the principal advisor to the Ministry on all such matters. He maintains a schedule of the approved list of conferences at which Government is to be represented and advised agencies concerned in order to ensure timely preparation and effective particiption on the part of Government representatives. Assistant Minister Alphonso Nimene is the head of the Bureau.
THE ASSISTANT MINSTER FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The Assistant Minister for Public Affairs is responsible for generating public interest and maintaining public support for foreign policy by adequately and effectively informing the public on foreign policy actions. He disseminates to the Liberian Missions abroad information about important events (political, Social, economic, etc.) in Liberia and honours request from Liberian Embassies and other foreign sources for information about Liberia. The Assistant Minister also provides the Minister and other principal officials of the Ministry with news briefings on a daily basis. He stores and classifies research material that may be required by the Ministry from time to time. The Bureau publishes periodically a News Bulletin on Foreign Affairs activities of Liberia. The Bureau is headed by Assistant Minister, Hon. Josephus M. Gray. He is the official spokes person of Government Foreign Policy.
THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
The Director of Financial Affairs, formerly Assistant Minister for Financial Affairs, under the supervision of the Deputy Minister for Administration maintains all accounting and fiscal records of the Ministry, provides purchasing and supply services and is responsible for preparation and administration of the Budget of the Ministry. He also represents the Ministry during external audits of our Missions abroad. Mr. Maxwell Jones serves as the Director of Finance.
THE GABRIEL L. DENNIS FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE
• The Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign service institute was established in 1851, as the professional training and research unit of the Ministry of Foreign affairs. The Institute has the mandate to create a program conducive for the exchange of ideas on the political underpinnings of global economic relations, cultural diversities, integration and issues of conflict.
• Its aims are geared to providing intellectual orientation for Liberian Foreign Service Officers and Diplomats and also provide and penetrating insight and understanding the culture of Foreign Policy formulation and implementation. The Institute provides opportunity for the exchange of thought on the political dimension of global economic relations, cultural diversity, and issues of conflicts.
AMBASSADORS-AT-LARGE
• The objectives of the Office of the Ambassador-at-Large are to advise the Minister on Liberia’s Foreign Policy; analyze Liberia’s Foreign Policy; help the Office of the Minister in preparing position statements; draft foreign policy statements; analyze and keep track of Liberia’s foreign relations; and advise on foreign policy and related matters.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATION
The Director of Publication, under the supervision of the Chief of Protocol, administers the preparation of Executive Commissions, Gazettes, Proclamations and various types and forms of credentials and letters. The Director also coordinates with the Division of Printing, the printing of Acts of the Legislature and other Government documents.
DIRECTOR OF PRINTING
The Director of Printing under the supervision of the protocol Office is responsible for the printing of all Government documents or other matters for which the Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible. Mrs. Therea Benson is the Director of Printing.
THE DIRECTOR OF CRYTOGRAPHY
The Director of Cryptography receives and checks all incoming and out-going-telegrams or telecommunications and otherwise supervises the work of the Code Section. Mr. Kollie is the Director of Cryptography.
SECRETARIES OF STATE/FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, 1847-
A. SECRETAIES OF STATE
NAME TENURE COUNTY OF ORIGIN
1. Hon. Hilary Teage 1848-1850 Montserrado
2. Hon. John N. Lewis 1850-1854 Montserrado
3. Hon. Daniel B. Warner 1854-1856 Montserrado
4. Hon. James S. Smith 1856-1860 Montserrado
5. Hon. Edward W. Blyden 1860-1862 Montserrado
6. Hon. J. W. Blacklege 1862-1864 Montserrado
7. Hon. James E. Moore 1864-1871 Montserrado
8. Hon. Hilary R. W. Johnson 1871-1874 Montserrado
9. Hon. W. A. Johnson 1874-1878 Montserrado
10. Hon. Edward W. Blyden 1878-1888 Montserrado
11. Hon. William M. Davies 1888-1890 Montserrado
12. Hon. Ernest J. Barclay 1890-1892 Montserrado
13. Hon. Arthur Barclay 1892-(Acting) Montserrado
14. Hon. Garretson W. Gibson 1892-1900 Montserrado
15. Hon. Walter vanDyke Gibson 1900-1904 Montserrado
16. Hon. Hilary Wilmot Travis 1904-1908 Montserrado
17. Hon. F. E. R. Johnson 1908-1912 Montserrado
18. Hon. Charles D. B. King 1912-1920 Montserrado
19. Hon. Edwin J. Barclay 1920-1930 Montserrado
20. Hon. Louis A. Grimes 1930-1934 Montserrado
21. Hon. Clarence L. Simpson 1934-1943 Montserrado
22. Hon. G. W. Gibson 1944-(Acting) Montserrado
23. Hon. Gabriel L. Dennis 1944-1954 Montserrado
24. Hon. Momolu Dukuly 1954-1960 Montserrado
25. Hon. J. Rudolph Grimes 1960-1972 Montserrado
B. MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
26. Hon. Rochefort L. Weeks 1972-1973 Montserrado
27. Hon. C. Cecil Dennis 1973-1980 Montserrado
28. Hon. G. Baccus Matthews 1980-1981 Montserrado
29. Hon. H. Boimah Fahnbulleh, 1981-1983 Cape Mount
30. Hon. T. Ernest Eastman 1983-1986 Sinoe
31. Hon. J. Bernard Blamo 1986-1987 Grand Kru
32. Hon. J. Rudolph Johnson 1987-1990 Lofa
34. Hon. G. Baccus Matthews 1990-1994 Montserrado
35. Hon. D. Musuleng Cooper 1994-1995 Montserrado
36. Hon. Momolu V. Sackor Sirleaf 1995-1996 Lofa
37. Hon. Monie R. Captan 1996-2007 Montserrado
38. Hon. Thomas Yaya Nimely 2003-2006 Grand Gedeh
39. Hon. H. E. Amb. George Wallace,Jr Jan 2006 Maryland
40. Hon. Olubanke King-Akerle Montserrado
The Ministry of Foeign Affairs include the follwing principal officials:
1. The Minister 2-1
2. The Deputy Minister 2-2
3. The Deputy Minister for Administration 2-3
4. The Deputy Minister for Economic Cooperation and Integration 2-4
5. The Cheif of Protocol 2-6
6. The Legal Counsellor 2-5
7. The Foreign Service Inspector General 2-22
8. The Assistant Minster/Special Assistant to the Minister 2-14
9. The Assistant Minister for Administration 2-34
10. the Assistant for African/asian Affairs 2-11
11. The Assistant Minister for American Affairs 2-17
12. The Assistant Minister for European Affairs 2-12
13. The Assistant Minister for International Cooperation &
Economic Affairs 2-19
14. The Assistant Minister for International Organizational Affairs 2-14
15. The Assistant Minister for Public Affairs 2-18
16. The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs 2-
17. The Director General of the Foreign Service Institu 2-21
18. The Director of Passports and Visas 2-17
19. The Director of Financial Affairs 2-15
20. The Director of Security 2-20
21. The Director of Archives 2-8
22. The Director of Publication 2-10
23. The Director of Printing 2-16
24. The Director of Maintenance 2-9
25. The Director of Personnel 2-16
26. The Director of Procurement 2-9
27. The Director of Cryptography 2-15
28. The Policy of Advisory Committee 2-1c
29. Ambassdors and ambassdors-At-Large 2-1c
Photo Gallery
The Executive Mansion
