By Godgift Harris
Government has reaffirmed its strong standing with the United States, assuring citizens and international partners that there are no U.S. sanctions targeting the Unity Party–led administration under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah made the disclosure
at the Ministry regular press briefing on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Piah strongly dispelled public concerns and misinformation surrounding alleged U.S. sanctions and visa restrictions.
He said, sanctions imposed during the George Weah’s administration were directed at specific individuals deemed to have engaged in criminal activities, and not against the Liberian government or the Liberian state.
Piah assured the public that the current Unity Party government is not facing, nor anticipating, any such measures from the United States, “because this is a responsible government.”
“There are no U.S. sanctions on the Unity Party–led government, Liberia’s international credibility is being restored through responsible governance, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.”
As for the U.S. Visa situation, Mr. Piah clarified that no such comprehensive ban exists.
He said the United States has announced a temporary administrative pause affecting only specific immigrant visa categories for nationals of 75 countries, including Liberia.
“The pause is linked to U.S. immigration regulatory procedures such as public charge assessments and documentation requirements and does not constitute a country-specific sanction against Liberia.”
Importantly, he noted that the measure does not affect non-immigrant visas, including,
B-1 Business Visitor, B-2 Visitor and Tourist, F-1 Student visas, J-1 Exchange visitor visas A and G (Diplomatic and official visas).
These visa categories remain available to Liberians, subject to standard U.S. immigration requirements.
Piah disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with Liberia’s Embassy and Mission in Washington, D.C. is actively engaging U.S. authorities to ensure clarity, transparency and accurate information for Liberians at home and abroad.
The government, he said, remains committed to protect the interests of its citizens and maintain open diplomatic channels with key international partners.
Mr. Piah described bilateral US/Liberia relations as cordial, longstanding and mutually respectful.
He highlighted ongoing cooperation in areas, including trade and investment promotion economic and commercial diplomacy development cooperation,
diaspora engagement and multilateral and global affairs.
He said Liberia’s international re-engagement under the Unity Party administration reflects renewed confidence in governance, transparency, and democratic accountability.