By: Naneka A. Hoffman
The Government of the United States, through its Embassy in Monrovia, has praised the recently signed $1.8 billion railway agreement between the Government of Liberia and American-owned HPX/Ivanhoe Atlantic.
The multi-user railway deal, signed over the weekend, was described as a significant development. However, the signing has sparked major controversy among Liberians.
President Joseph Boakai and his delegation departed the country on Monday to attend a meeting from July 9 to 11 with U.S. President Donald Trump and four other African leaders. The departure coincided with growing public concern over the secrecy surrounding the HPX deal.
Speaking on July 9, Tarnuekollie D. Seepo criticized the deal, labeling it โillegalโ due to the absence of legislative involvement.
โThere was no meeting held with the Legislature, nor was the House nor the Senate informed. This is typical of the Presidentโs style, taking unilateral actions. We just woke up to this surprise before he left,โ Seepo said.
โIt reminds us of how former Nigerian President Obasanjo was pressured to turn over Charles Taylor. Boakai was told he wouldnโt meet Trump unless he signed this deal. So, he did it alone.โ
Seepo further accused the President of intentionally bypassing the Legislature, calling the move โcriminal in nature.โ
โOnly America stands to benefit. Theyโre adept at influencing leaders to act in their own interest, not for our benefit. If money is given to Boakai, it wonโt be used for internal development,โ he claimed.
Alfred M. Kromah added that, in his view, the deal lacks transparency and does not prioritize Liberiaโs interests.
โThis is a Karnawolo arrangement. Liberia stands to gain nothing. Just look at companies like Bea Mountain and ArcelorMittal; Liberia has barely benefited from them. Itโs a money-making scheme for the Executive,โ he said.
Prince Harris echoed these concerns, stating that the Legislature was unaware of the deal.
โThe President was wrong to sign such a major agreement alone. Liberia wonโt gain from it,โ he said.
Detobo Mokojarpu called the signing โan error,โ demanding public clarity on the contents and duration of the deal.
โThe Legislature and Senate shouldโve been part of the signing ceremony. This is not a small deal for one man to handle. If Liberia doesnโt benefit, everyone will be held accountable,โ Mokojarpu warned.
Mohamed S. Sackor took a more measured tone, acknowledging the potential value of the agreement but urging the President to publicly explain its details.
โThis country is governed by law. We criticized past regimes for sidestepping the law, and now weโre doing the same,โ he said.
โBoakai must clarify how this deal will help ordinary Liberians. Will it solve the bread-and-butter issues?โ Sackor added.
Arthur G. Cooper Jr. viewed the deal as an opportunity for Liberia’s economic advancement.
โLiberia has long been tied to the U.S. If the funds are used wisely, they can create jobs and drive economic growth. A man whoโs empowered economically wonโt need to protest,โ Cooper noted.
The $1.8 billion HPX/Ivanhoe deal has sharply divided public opinion in Liberia. While the U.S. and some local voices view it as a pathway to growth and stability, others are concerned about the lack of transparency, adherence to constitutional procedure, and the direct benefits to ordinary Liberians. As President Boakai engages with American officials abroad, many at home are demanding answers. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
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