Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Koung has rejected viral claims that he was subjected to an extreme security search at Brussels Airport, insisting he was processed like any other passenger and not singled out for humiliation.
The allegations emerged after an anonymous caller told Radio Kings FM that Koung had undergone an intensive screening, allegedly including the removal of his shirt. Koung denied the account, saying: “No shoes, no jacket was removed,” while explaining that he had chosen to travel via the regular passenger route rather than using a private jet or diplomatic clearance.
“In 2024, I flew on a private jet belonging to a friend of mine, free of charge, and there were issues and discussions,” Koung said. “This trip, I chose to use the regular route that everyone uses to pick up a few things for my daughter from the Duty-Free stores, and again there are discussions.”
EU Envoy Expelled
The controversy comes as Liberia’s relations with the European Union face strain. Earlier this year, Monrovia requested the recall of Nona Deprez, the EU’s head of delegation, after accusing her of making derogatory remarks about the country’s leadership. Deprez allegedly suggested Koung was exceeding his constitutional mandate and criticized President Joseph Boakai’s handling of energy projects.
The EU has yet to appoint a replacement, leaving its mission in Liberia without a permanent head. The dispute follows Brussels’ decision to terminate a forestry partnership agreement over concerns about illegal logging and weak enforcement.
Sweden Shuts Embassy
Adding to the diplomatic fallout, Sweden closed its embassy in Monrovia on 31 August 2026, ending a presence that began in 1961. Sweden had been Liberia’s second-largest donor, providing more than SEK 5.77 billion (£445m) since 2008 to support infrastructure, democratic institutions, Ebola crisis response, and women’s rights programs.
The closure, part of Sweden’s broader aid cuts, leaves Liberia facing a significant gap in healthcare and gender equality support. Women’s rights groups warn of severe impacts on family planning, HIV care, and programs tackling gender-based violence.
Koung’s denial of humiliation in Brussels highlights how quickly rumors can spread when public figures are seen outside their usual protocols. But the incident also unfolds against a backdrop of strained EU-Liberia relations, with aid reductions and diplomatic disputes threatening to weaken Liberia’s international standing and development trajectory.
