[By Pewu Y. Sumo]
Monrovia, Liberia — The Liberia Centrism Movement (LCM) has issued a strong statement of support for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.’s decision to temporarily host Salvadoran national Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia on humanitarian grounds, calling the move a reaffirmation of the country’s historic legacy as a “safe haven.”
In a statement released late yesterday, Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, leader of the Liberia Centrism Movement (LCM), lauded the President for his “courageous and compassionate decision” in accepting Mr. Garcia, a high-profile U.S. deportee whose case has drawn international attention.
“We applaud President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for his courageous and compassionate decision to accept Mr. Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia on humanitarian grounds,” Cllr. Gbala stated. “This act reaffirms Liberia’s soul as a safe haven for those in need and strengthens the historic friendship between Liberia and the United States, built on shared values of freedom, justice, and humanity.”
The Liberian government confirmed on Friday that it would receive Mr. Garcia on a strictly temporary and humanitarian basis following a formal request from the United States. Mr. Garcia, who has an American family and has been fighting deportation, cannot be returned to his native El Salvador due to a court-granted fear of persecution. The U.S. government has reportedly sought a third country for his removal after previous attempts involving Uganda, Eswatini, and Ghana failed.
Addressing public criticism of the decision, Cllr. Gbala firmly defended the President’s action by invoking Liberia’s historical identity.
“Those who oppose this gesture forget our proud legacy—Liberia has always opened her arms to those seeking refuge. That is who we are,” the statement concluded.
The move by the Boakai administration is seen by the LCM as a demonstration of “Compassion in Action” and a continuation of Liberia’s commitment to international humanitarian cooperation. The Liberian government has clarified that the arrangement is not a permanent resettlement and will be handled in strict coordination with security, immigration, and justice authorities, adhering to the international principle of non-refoulement.
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