New US Ambassador Mark Christopher Toner (Liberia)

RPCV Ambassador Mark Christopher Toner Arrives in Liberia Months After US Senate Confirmation Hearing

By Jaheim T. Tumu August 5, 2024

Mark Christopher Toner (Liberia)

Monrovia:| New U.S Ambassador to Liberia Mark Christopher Toner arrived in Liberia on Friday, August 2.

Amb. Torner is expected to present his official credentials to President Joseph Boakai, and to commence his duties. Ambassador Toner, who will succeed Amb. Michael McCarthy, who was noted for his strong stance against corruption during his tenure, arrival signifies an important moment and era in US-Liberian relations.

Toner, a career Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, served as the Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France before his appointment as Ambassador to Liberia.

Previously, he was a Senior Advisor at the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe and a Senior Faculty Advisor at the National Defense University. Earlier, Toner held positions as the State Department’s Deputy Spokesperson, Acting Spokesperson, and as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the State Department’s Bureau of European Affairs.

He has also served as the Director of Press Operations in the Bureau of Public Affairs and Director of Press and Public Affairs in the Bureau of European Affairs.

Toner was also Spokesperson at the U.S. Mission to NATO in Brussels, Belgium.

Prior to joining the State Department, Toner served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia.

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As a career foreign service officer, he was confirmed late October replacing Ambassador McCarthy. His arrival comes at a critical time as Liberia continues to tackle numerous political and economic challenges including the War and Economic Crime Court

However, during his confirmation, Amb. Toner vowed to the U.S Congress that he would continue the anti-corruption efforts initiated by his predecessor, McCarthy.

He expressed to the U.S. Congress that the substantial support provided by the U.S. government for Liberia’s development was rapidly diminishing under the then Weah-Taylor-led administration.

Toner stated, “The United States is the largest bilateral donor to Liberia, with more than $5 billion in bilateral assistance since 2003. That assistance has paid concrete dividends in the economic, education, security, and public health sectors, but that progress has also been heavily eroded by growing lawlessness and corruption within the present administration.”

Like his predecessor, Toner appears to be fervent in dedicating his energy and concentration to helping root out corruption and disregard for the rule of law in Liberia.

Toner’s position on corruption, accountability, and the rule of law seems to follow the pattern established by Ambassador McCarthy, where numerous officials from the Weah-led government faced sanctions due to their alleged engagement in corrupt practices and pay-to-play schemes and at the same time openly criticized the regime.

Background of Ambassador Toner

Toner holds advanced degrees in International Relations and Economics from prestigious universities. His academic foundation has equipped him with the analytical skills necessary for high-level diplomatic negotiations.

He earned his B.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame and his M.A. degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. He is the recipient of multiple State Department performance awards and speaks French and Polish.

He is married and has four daughters.