Monrovia – Liberia’s Economic Advisor, Molley Kamara, has issued a sharp rebuke to Bronwyn Barnes, President and CEO of Ivanhoe Atlantic Inc., accusing her of disrespecting President Joseph N. Boakai in a contentious letter regarding the government’s decision to maintain ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) as the operator of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway corridor.
In a letter obtained by FrontPage Africa, Kamara described Barnes’ communication, dated May 3, 2025, as “highly disrespectful,” alleging it was intended to “ridicule the President and bully the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC).”
“I refer to your letter dated May 3, 2025, addressed to the President of the Republic of Liberia in response to the letter from the Chairman of the IMCC communicating the outcomes of the IMCC. I have highlighted a phrase in my opening to bring to your attention that your letter is highly disrespectful of the office and the individual currently occupying that office, my President, H.E. Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. You would never dare write your Prime Minister or Donald Trump such a letter.”
Kamara’s response followed Barnes’ letter to President Boakai, where she criticized the IMCC’s decision, claiming it reversed commitments for an independent, multi-user rail regime.
“Mr. President, I am compelled to express my dismay that the IMCC has failed to act in alignment with your clear policy direction as set in your Executive Order and has, in effect, disregarded your Government’s stated commitment to transparency, neutrality, and multi-user access in the rail sector,” she said.
Barnes said the decision contradicted “commitments made by you… and your repeated verbal assurances to us over the past year.” She urged President Boakai to issue a written directive reversing the IMCC’s decision, warning that delays could damage investor confidence and Liberia’s reputation.
Kamara countered, accusing Barnes of attempting to publicly ridicule the President and pressure the IMCC. He questioned Ivanhoe’s transparency and commitment to the Liberty Corridor project, citing inconsistencies and reluctance to fund crucial studies, including rail capacity assessments.
“In February 2024, you and Mr. Robert Friedland announced a $5 billion investment to establish the Liberty Corridor… Over time, you have gradually withdrawn from that position and opted to utilize the existing rails developed by your competitor,” Kamara noted. “Regrettably, this is a sovereign nation, and we would not tolerate your attempts to bully our country, our President, or any of the institutions under his authority.”
Kamara also raised concerns about Ivanhoe’s ability to deliver on promised economic impacts, including a claimed $3.15 billion benefit, for which he said the government has seen no supporting data. He questioned Guinea’s commitment to shipping ore through Liberia, a crucial aspect of the Liberty Corridor’s viability.
The IMCC recently affirmed AML’s operational control over the railway, citing legal and logistical considerations. This decision has faced resistance from Ivanhoe, a subsidiary of High-Power Exploration (HPX), owned by Robert Friedland. Ivanhoe had proposed the $5 billion Liberty Corridor project to enhance regional transportation and mining logistics.
Kamara criticized Ivanhoe’s shift from building new infrastructure to seeking access to AML’s existing rails, and accused the company of lacking transparency regarding its claimed $3.15 billion economic impact. “Your company has not been transparent to the government and the IMCC,” he wrote, noting unanswered requests for supporting documentation.
He also questioned the viability of Ivanhoe’s plan to ship Guinean ore through Liberia, asking, “Can the Guinean government guarantee that Ivanhoe would ship ore through Liberia and at what volume?”
Kamara highlighted Ivanhoe’s objection to AML’s post-2030 control, questioning the basis for this objection and the company’s reluctance to fund rail capacity studies. “I personally believe that such a request should be met with skepticism, if not an emphatic no,” he stated.
Kamara defended AML, citing its resilience through economic shocks and its ongoing efforts to increase exports. He noted AML’s existing user-operator rights until 2030 and its agreement to allow Ivanhoe access under a multi-user framework.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to establishing the National Railway Authority (NRA) to ensure fair and transparent rail access.
Kamara concluded by urging Barnes to engage collaboratively with the IMCC, rather than attempting to pressure President Boakai. “Our President holds a firm belief in the efficacy of government institutions,” he said.
The government, through IMCC Secretary Jeff Blibo, reiterated that AML’s continued operation is legally sound and economically prudent, citing AML’s legal standing, infrastructure investments, commitment to multi-user access, and the upcoming regulatory oversight of the NRA.
The escalating tension underscores the high stakes in Liberia’s mining and infrastructure sectors, where significant financial and sovereign interests are at stake.
