South Africa sends condolences to Liberia over a gas tanker explosion in Lower Bong County

On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent a message of condolences to the Government and the people of Liberia, following a gas tanker explosion which claimed over 50 lives and left over 80 people seriously injured in Lower Bong County on Tuesday 26 December.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa stands in solidarity and that "our thoughts and prayers are with the Government and the people of Liberia, particularly the families of those who passed away, during this time of mourning."

South Africa and Liberia enjoy healthy historical, political, diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations. South Africa and Liberia share strong economic and trade relations with a potential for further expansion and growth. The two countries established full diplomatic relations in 1997.

President Ramaphosa commended that Liberia had peaceful and transparent elections in November 2023 and hailed this as another significant step towards deepening democracy and development both in Liberia and on the African continent, in general.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President- media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria