By Socrates Smythe Saywon
When a public official entrusted with advancing youth and sports instead becomes the subject of an international financial scandal, it is more than just a personal failing, it’s a national embarrassment. The allegations against Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large for Youth and Sports, Alioune Kebé, are not only deeply troubling but also symptomatic of a recurring governance problem: the careless appointment of politically connected figures without rigorous vetting or accountability measures.
The details emerging from this case are damning. Bank transfer records reportedly show that French investors, led by Bertrand Franquet, funneled nearly half a million U.S. dollars to Kebé over a series of transactions. These funds were purportedly for a mineral exploration venture, Flobert Corporation, in which Franquet held a majority stake. While Kebé’s name is absent from the official shareholder registry, allegations suggest he used his brother as a proxy to gain a significant equity interest. If proven, such actions would demonstrate a calculated attempt to obscure his involvement while benefiting from investor capital.
Even more disturbing is the suggestion that Kebé leveraged perceived political influence to secure these funds. Reports indicate he flaunted his proximity to Liberia’s highest office, showcasing photos with the President and claiming sway over government decisions. This tactic, the blending of personal ambition with state prestige, not only jeopardizes investor confidence but also weaponizes the country’s diplomatic image for personal gain.
It is worth noting that this is not an isolated criticism of Kebé. Since his appointment in April 2024, the sports community in Liberia has voiced skepticism, arguing that he has contributed little to the sector. The fact that he is a Senegalese national, with no major sports investment in Liberia, further fuels resentment among local stakeholders who see the role as an opportunity that should have gone to a qualified Liberian. Speculation about his ties to influential political figures, including the President’s political advisor, only deepens the perception that his appointment was driven by connections, not competence.
This incident also exposes a broader issue in Liberia’s political appointments: the absence of performance benchmarks and the lack of transparency in selection processes. Presidential commendations and ceremonial titles cannot substitute for tangible achievements. By placing an individual with questionable credentials in a high-profile position, and now facing allegations of large-scale financial impropriety, the administration risks eroding public trust at home and credibility abroad.
The potential consequences extend beyond Kebé’s personal reputation. If these allegations gain legal traction, they could trigger diplomatic friction, especially with France, and reinforce a damaging narrative that Liberia is a high-risk environment for foreign investment. In an era where the country desperately needs credible economic partnerships, scandals like this can undo years of trust-building.
The President’s silence on the matter is also notable. Leadership demands not only bold appointments but also accountability when those choices falter. Allowing Kebé to remain in his position without a public explanation or investigation sends a dangerous message: that political loyalty may outweigh ethical conduct.
Liberia’s youth and sports sector is already grappling with underfunding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of strategic programs. Entrusting its diplomatic representation to an individual now mired in allegations of fraud and abuse of influence is a miscalculation that could stall progress for years. Whether or not Kebé faces criminal charges, the ethical cloud over his head makes his continued service untenable.
This case should serve as a turning point. Liberia must establish clear vetting procedures for diplomatic appointments, enforce conflict-of-interest rules, and prioritize merit over political favor. Without these reforms, the Kebé saga will simply be one more cautionary tale in a long line of governance failures, with the youth of Liberia, yet again, left to pay the price.
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