Liberia Roundup: Corruption charges, healthcare, ECOWAS Parliament elections

ECOWAS Parliament elections

The majority bloc of Liberia's House of Legislature will hold new elections for the country's representatives at the ECOWAS Parliament on February 25, 2025, replacing the current delegation. Frontpageafrica reports that this decision follows concerns regarding the selection process and adherence to ECOWAS protocols, initiated by calls from representatives James Kolleh and Johnson Williams to withdraw current delegates. Nimba County Representative Taa Wongbe, slated for replacement, opposed the decision, asserting on social media that the current delegates will remain until 2028.

Calls for justice for alleged torture victim

A group of concerned citizens in Liberia is demanding justice for Momo David, an alleged torture victim, following an incident involving Chinese national Michael Shio and his security guards. They were arrested for allegedly assaulting David under accusations of theft on January 13, 2025. Reports indicate he was restrained and tortured in a bathroom. According to the Liberianinvestigator, controversy arose when Shio was reportedly released shortly after his arrest, allegedly on the order of a judicial official. At a press conference, spokesperson Alpha G. Gray condemned the assault and warned of the dangers of inaction by police and the judiciary. He highlighted the severity of the attack, calling it a violation of human rights, and urged the government to act promptly to restore public confidence in the justice system. Gray emphasised this case as a pivotal moment for President Joseph Boakai’s administration, calling for nationwide unity against impunity and injustice.

Corruption charges

Former Liberia Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and co-defendants, including ex-Justice Minister Cllr. Nyanti Tuan is seeking to dismiss their corruption case, claiming it's politically motivated and lacks evidence. They are accused of financial misconduct involving over one billion Liberian dollars and half a million U.S. dollars transferred from the Central Bank of Liberia to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) without proper documentation. The defence argues that these transfers were legitimate national security operations, asserting immunity under the National Security Reform and Intelligence Act, Smartnewsliberia reports. They also claim the prosecution has provided no clear evidence of wrongdoing. The court is expected to rule on the motion to dismiss, with ongoing scrutiny of the government’s failure to produce key financial documents related to the case.

Commissioning of new diplomats

Liberia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has commissioned Mr. Johnnie F. Fallah as Consul General in Dakhla, Morocco, and Mr. Baba Sillah as Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Nations. Frontpageafrica reports that the appointments, endorsed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, aim to enhance Liberia's international engagement and advance economic development. Minister Nyanti emphasised the importance of economic diplomacy for job creation and sustainable futures in Liberia while reaffirming the alignment with the nation's transformation goals through the ARREST AGENDA. She expressed confidence in the new diplomats' capacity to strengthen Liberia’s global presence and partnerships.

Gov’t takes step to strengthen healthcare

Twenty-six top medical professionals from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other regions have arrived in Liberia for the 2025 Liberia Medical Mission (LMM), aimed at improving the country’s struggling healthcare system. This initiative, facilitated by the Liberian government and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, includes the distribution of over $500,000 worth of life-saving medicines across five counties: Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Grand Bassa, and Montserrado. At a reception, President Boakai emphasised the government's commitment to addressing healthcare challenges inherited from previous administrations and engaging the Liberian diaspora in rebuilding the nation. The LMM will provide critical services, including cataract surgeries, mental health training, CPR and emergency training, and repairs of biomedical equipment at key hospitals, Liberianobserver reports.