|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
MONROVIA, Oct 24- Liberian Government said on Friday that it would accept Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, to its soil on temporary basis. A statement issued by the Ministry of information.
Garcia, Salvadoran national, has been held by ICE since being released from a federal prison in Tennessee for pending human smuggling charges. The departure date is slated for October 31,2025.
According to Reuters, Garcia’s defense team said their client was offered deportation to Costa Rica, where the country agreed to provide amnesty, but the U.S. said they would only allow that if he pleaded guilty to the federal charges in Tennessee.
According to other international news agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been seeking to deport him following allegations of criminal gang association, a claim his lawyers and family have long denied. Originally deported to El Salvador in March, despite a 2019 court order blocking that removal, Abrego Garcia was reportedly sent to the notorious CECOT mega-prison before being returned to the United States in June to face separate human smuggling charges in Tennessee. He has pleaded not guilty.
“The Government of the Republic of Liberia has announced its decision to receive Mr. Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia on a strictly humanitarian and temporary basis, following a formal request from the Government of the United States of America,” the statement said.
It further said this decision was reached after extensive consultations with relevant national and international stakeholders, reflecting Liberia’s enduring commitment to upholding the principles of human dignity, international solidarity, and compassion in times of distress.
Liberia’s actions are guided by both international humanitarian norms and its own longstanding tradition of offering refuge to those in need. As one of Africa’s oldest republics, Liberia has historically extended protection and goodwill to individuals and communities needing assistance, including African freedom fighters and democracy advocates who once found safety on Liberian soil.
In this instance, Liberia’s decision reaffirms its role as a responsible member of the international community and a country that remains committed to humanitarian cooperation anchored in law, due process, and mutual respect among nations.
The Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will continue to engage closely with the U.S. Department of State to ensure that all assurances and arrangements between the two countries are fully observed. The process will be undertaken in strict coordination with competent Liberian security, immigration, and justice authorities, as well as with international partners, to guarantee the highest standards of safety, transparency, and humane treatment.
The implementation of this decision will adhere to the following safeguards:
- Comprehensive security screening and vetting by the relevant Liberian authorities prior to and upon arrival.
- Respect for due process and human rights, including access to appropriate legal and procedural protections in keeping with international obligations.
- Non-refoulement assurance, ensuring that Mr. Abrego Garcia will not be returned to any country where he may face a substantial risk of persecution, torture, or other serious harm.
- Coordination with the United Nations and other partners to explore durable and lawful solutions consistent with international law, including potential resettlement or lawful transfer where appropriate.
The Government of Liberia welcomes the United States’ acknowledgment of this humanitarian act and notes that this action was undertaken voluntarily, in good faith, and solely on humanitarian grounds.
This decision underscores the longstanding friendship between Liberia and the United States, built upon shared values of humanity, freedom, and justice. Liberia remains committed to strengthening international partnerships that promote lawful, humane, and sustainable approaches to global protection and humanitarian cooperation. It concluded.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.