Liberian Lawmakers Prioritize Friendship With China?

By Mark N. Mengonfia

Members of the House of Representatives Thursday April 23, 2020 appeared to be prioritizing Liberia’s Friendship with China over the welfare of Liberian citizens amidst reports of Africans ( Liberians) being marginalized by Chinese in China.
Recently, Montserrado County District #1 Lawmaker, Lawrence Morris informed his colleagues of the ongoing ill-treatments of Liberians in Asia, something which made the plenary of the House of Representatives to have invited Foreign Affairs minister, Gbehzohngar Findley.
According to our reporter, long before the Minister could enter in the Joint Chambers, some members of the House of Representatives were heard saying” Liberia and China have a relationship we need to protect.”
As for Speaker Bhofal Chambers, he openly cautioned his colleagues against xenophobic attacks stressing that the issue should carefully be discussed.
Accordingly, when the communication that led to the invitation of the Liberian Foreign Affairs Minister was read, a motion was raised by Margibi County District #4 lawmaker, Ben Fofana for the issues to be discussed in Camera ( in secret or closed door), a request that was approved by majority of that body’s members.
The Foreign Affairs Minister upon taking the stand to speak, he highlighted the relationship with China.
He told members of that body briefly that the Ministry has taken all actions to secure the safety of Liberians in China.
After his opening statement, the Ministry requested that they should revert in Camera ( executive session) to discuss some key issues.
Liberians expected that the issue be discussed in open plenary,but they were surprised for members of that body to choose to go in executive session leaving.