By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Liberia has responded with good humor to a remark by US President Donald Trump, who recently commended President Joseph Boakai for his command of English, seemingly unaware that English is the official language of Liberia.
During a meeting at the White House with African leaders, Trump remarked on Boakai’s English, saying, “Such good English… Where were you educated?” Boakai, who, like most Liberians, speaks English as his native language, jokingly replied that he had been educated in Liberia.
Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti stated that no offense was taken and emphasized that Liberia was honored by the opportunity to meet with Trump. She also highlighted the country’s desire to deepen its relations with the United States, built on mutual respect.
Liberia, established in 1822 as the first republic in sub-Saharan Africa, adopted English as its official language. The country was founded by freed African slaves from the US, under the guidance of the American Colonization Society.
In a creative response to Trump’s comment, popular Liberian singer and former cultural ambassador Queen Juli Endee composed a song in tribute to Boakai. The song, which has gone viral on social media, praises Boakai as the “Beautiful English King of Africa,” with the video showing Endee’s band wearing T-shirts with images of both Boakai and Trump while waving US flags.
Despite the misstep, the incident has led to a celebratory atmosphere in Liberia, with many using the moment to reflect on the country’s unique heritage and the significance of English as a unifying language.
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