MONROVIA – In a powerful open letter addressed to U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner, Mr. Vandalerk R. Patricks, a prominent Liberian human rights defender, has called attention to what he describes as a grave violation of human rights by the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. On Thursday, September 5, 2024, Patricks congratulated Ambassador Toner on his recent nomination by the Biden-Harris administration while raising urgent concerns about the wrongful dismissal of 13 Liberian employees from the U.S. Embassy in December 2023.
Patricks outlined the details of the case, stating that 15 Liberians working at the U.S. Embassy were abruptly terminated following allegations of involvement in a “security-related incident.” The termination occurred despite a thorough investigation by the U.S. Embassy’s security team and the Liberia National Police (LNP), which cleared 13 of the 15 individuals of any wrongdoing. According to Patricks, the embassy’s actions violated its own handbook, which stipulates that employees can only be dismissed for proven criminal offenses. In this case, no court proceedings occurred, and no criminal charges were upheld against the majority of those dismissed.
The human rights advocate further revealed that the investigation was spearheaded by RSO D. James Gornicki and Christopher Peters, the Senior Foreign Service National Investigator and Diplomatic Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy. Peters also holds a prominent position as Officer-in-Charge at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), following a controversial appointment by President Joseph Boakai. Despite the comprehensive investigation, the embassy’s leadership, including former Chargé d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez and the current Deputy Chief of Mission, refused to reinstate the exonerated employees.
“Work is dignity, and illegally dismissing people from work in violation of the embassy’s own handbook speaks of a gross violation of the very dignity the United States claims to protect and defend even on foreign soil like Liberia,” Patricks wrote, emphasizing that the wrongful termination has caused ongoing stigma and professional setbacks for the dismissed employees, despite their long years of exemplary service.
Patricks appealed directly to Ambassador Toner, urging him to address this matter and ensure that justice is served for the wrongfully dismissed employees. He cited a similar case from 2010 in which an employee exonerated after a police investigation was eventually reinstated by the embassy. He expressed hope that Ambassador Toner, known for his commitment to fairness, would act swiftly to resolve the current injustice.
For nine months, the dismissed employees have sought diplomatic recourse, but to no avail. Patricks lamented that even prominent Liberians who attempted to engage with the embassy’s leadership received no response, further exacerbating the sense of injustice.
“I believe in your commitment to fairness, dignity, and justice, and I hope you will ensure these values are upheld by addressing this injustice and reinstating the wrongfully dismissed employees,” Patricks concluded, calling on Ambassador Toner to honor the principles of the United States in promoting the rule of law and respecting human dignity.
This open letter mirrors the approach taken by former Ambassador Michael McCarthy, who frequently addressed critical issues through open correspondence. Patricks expressed his hope that Ambassador Toner would follow this precedent and take meaningful steps to rectify the situation, restoring the trust and dignity of Liberians working for the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia.
