CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA — Liberia’s Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence on Thursday, October 23, 2025, held an open conversation with journalists at her Capitol Hill office, addressing a wide range of national issues including Chinese support for the renovation of the Capitol Building, concession agreements, and the current status of the Liberty Party.
Speaking at the informal media engagement, Karnga-Lawrence said the session was intended to strengthen communication between the Senate leadership and the legislative press corps. “I am very pleased to welcome you all to this chat. Two days ago, we made our official opening speech to the Senate, and I think it’s important to have this kind of engagement with the media,” she said. “There’s no formal statement today; I just want us to have an open conversation on the issues that matter.”
Responding to questions about reports that the Italian government had shown interest in the renovation of the Capitol Building, the Senate leader clarified that the support was actually from the Government of China. She explained that her recent visit to China yielded significant outcomes that will save Liberia money already earmarked in the national budget for the renovation. “If the Capitol Building is captured in the budget for renovation and we have a grant to do it, that means we are saving money,” she said. “That money can be redirected to other institutions like hospitals and schools. What I did was to make sure that we save some money for our country.”
Karnga-Lawrence said she attended the Global Leaders Meeting for Women in China, hosted by President Xi Jinping, and used the opportunity to lobby for direct support. “I had an opportunity to speak to the Standing Committee Chair of the Chinese Legislature, and I made a request for assistance to renovate the old Capitol Building, repair the joint chamber that was burned, and establish exchange programs for legislative staff and lawmakers,” she explained. “We’re glad that the request was accepted.”
According to her, discussions have already begun with the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia to advance the process. “This morning, I met with the Chargé d’Affaires from the Chinese Embassy, and that process has officially started,” she said. “We’ve asked our Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send all the relevant communications needed to move the project forward.”
On the issue of concession agreements, particularly the controversial Eaton and Iboma deal, Karnga-Lawrence said she has not received any official notification about new developments. “As President Pro Tempore of the Senate, I have not been informed about any engagement with ETON and EBOMAF,” she clarified. “I championed the cancellation because it was an agreement that was ratified but remained dormant for too long. When you ratify an agreement, the government is obligated to ensure it is executed. If that fails, the state should not carry an unnecessary obligation.”
She added that the Senate would review any updates on the matter if officially presented. “We have not been notified about any engagement concerning Eaton and Iboma. When there is something to be addressed, it will be brought right to the Senate floor for deliberation,” Karnga-Lawrence assured.
Turning to political matters, the Senate leader spoke confidently about the status of the Liberty Party, which she leads. “The Liberty Party is in very good standing and we are happy,” she declared. “We all know about the Liberty Party crisis, but we came back together as a political institution. The former chairman has gone his own way, and we now have a united and institutionalized party.”
Karnga-Lawrence said the party has restructured its leadership and is focused on constructive engagement rather than street politics. “We held our convention, elected new leaders, and adopted a plan that is not a social media plan or one for public show,” she stated. “It is a plan to rebuild, restructure, and strengthen our institution at the county level. You will see the results of our work soon.”
She concluded by emphasizing the Senate’s commitment to transparency, partnership, and accountability, both in governance and within the political system. “As leaders, our responsibility is to ensure that our decisions serve the people of Liberia,” she said. “Whether it is about saving money through foreign partnerships, revisiting old concessions, or rebuilding our political institutions, everything we do must align with the national interest.”
