The Head of Delegation of the European Union to Liberia, Ambassador Laurent Delahousse, has openly apologized for a statement he made on Thursday, October 7, 2021 that Monrovia is the dirtiest city in Africa.
Ambassador Delahousse’s apology was contained in a statement he released on Friday, October 8, 2021—only a day after he made the derogatory remark against the city of Monrovia.
“This Tuesday morning at the Monrovia City Forum on Solid Waste Management, I shared in my public remarks some impressions on the situation of waste collection in the city that I have felt since my arrival in Liberia a year ago,” Ambassador Delahousse stated.
According Ambassador Delahousse, “These comments were meant as a wake-up call to Monrovians to change their practices of littering and to improve the waste management system that is financially supported by the European Union and implemented by the city, community-based enterprises and SMEs and other stakeholders.
“In no way were my remarks intended to disparage anyone or to affect the reputation of the beautiful capital city of Liberia. In no way was my intention to take a political stance that would be absolutely contrary to my ethics and mission as a diplomat.”
He expressed sincere apology to the Government of Liberia (GOL) and anyone who felt misrepresented by his remarks, and willingly retracted the statement he made.
“I sincerely apologize to the Government of Liberia (GOL) and anyone feeling misrepresented by these remarks and I willingly retract the exaggerated wording that I used.
“I confirm my engagement and that of the European Union on the side of the City of Monrovia and the Government of Liberia (GOL) to improve the lives of the citizens of the capital city and of all Liberians,” Ambassador Delahousse’s statement noted.