U.S.-LIBERIA RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Liberia in 1864; 17 years after it declared independence from the American Colonization Society, an organization that resettled free African-Americans and freed slaves in Liberia. The United States continues to partner with government donors, international organizations especially the World Health Organization, and civil society to strengthen health systems in Liberia.

U.S. assistance and engagement is critical to Liberia’s long-term development. The Ebola epidemic and the concurrent global downturn in prices of Liberia’s principle exports have also slowed economic growth, drained the government’s resources, and delayed development projects.