https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230928/us-introduces-visa-restrictions-for-individuals-undermining-democracy-in-liberia-1062405991.html
US Introduces Visa Restrictions for Individuals 'Undermining Democracy' in Liberia
US Introduces Visa Restrictions for Individuals 'Undermining Democracy' in Liberia
Sputnik Africa
The announcement by the US authorities comes against the backdrop of the upcoming elections in the West African nation, which will be held on 10 October. 28.09.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-09-28T10:54+0200
2023-09-28T10:54+0200
2023-09-28T12:42+0200
sub-saharan africa
liberia
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unveiled visa restrictions by the State Department for persons he believes are "undermining democracy" in Liberia ahead of elections due to be held in that country in October.The US foreign policy chief explained that by "undermining democracy" he meant "manipulating or rigging the electoral process; using violence to prevent people from exercising their rights to freedom of association; using measures to prevent political parties".According to Blinken, persons involved in these processes in the lead-up to, during, and after Liberia's 2023 elections may be deemed ineligible for a US visa.In the October presidential race incumbent President George Weah is seeking re-election after serving a six-year term.Opposition leader Joseph Boakai, who came second to Weah in 2017 elections, launched his campaign earlier this month. Last year, Washington levied sanctions against three Liberian officials for alleged corruption and misappropriation of state assets. The officials denied wrongdoing but were fired by President Weah.This is not the first time the US has applied restrictive measures against African nations. Thus, in early September, Washington announced visa restrictions on Sierra Leonean officials with the same wording for "undermining democracy," alleging that certain individuals rigged the electoral process for the general elections in June 2023.In June, the US placed visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in the wake of the country's adoption of an anti-LGBTQ law after US President Joe Biden denounced the law as a "tragic human rights violation" that "undermines the democratic process" in the country.
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US Introduces Visa Restrictions for Individuals 'Undermining Democracy' in Liberia
10:54 28.09.2023 (Updated: 12:42 28.09.2023) The announcement by the US authorities comes against the backdrop of the upcoming elections in the West African nation, which will be held on 10 October.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unveiled visa restrictions by the State Department for persons he believes are "undermining democracy" in Liberia ahead of elections due to be held in that country in October.
"Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for those undermining democracy in Liberia. This policy will take effect in advance of the forthcoming election," Blinken said.
The US foreign policy chief explained that by "undermining democracy" he meant "manipulating or rigging the electoral process; using violence to prevent people from exercising their rights to freedom of association; using measures to prevent political parties".
According to Blinken, persons involved in these processes in the lead-up to, during, and after Liberia's 2023 elections may be deemed ineligible for a US visa.
In the
October presidential race incumbent President George Weah is seeking re-election after serving a six-year term.
Opposition leader Joseph Boakai, who came second to Weah in 2017 elections, launched his campaign earlier this month.
Last year, Washington levied sanctions against three
Liberian officials for alleged corruption and misappropriation of state assets. The officials denied wrongdoing but were fired by President Weah.
This is not the first time the US has applied restrictive measures against African nations. Thus, in early September, Washington announced visa restrictions on Sierra Leonean officials with the same wording for "undermining democracy," alleging that certain individuals rigged the electoral process for the general elections in June 2023.
In addition, the US currently maintains sanctions on nine African countries, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Mali, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. These sanctions vary from asset freezes and travel bans to trade barriers and financial penalties.
In June, the US
placed visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in the wake of the country's adoption of an anti-LGBTQ law after US President Joe Biden denounced the law as a "tragic human rights violation" that "undermines the democratic process" in the country.
