By Bill W. Cooper
Foreign Affairs Minister-designate, Sarah Beysolow Nyanti, has vowed to advise President Joseph Boakai to seek evidence from the United States Government to prosecute past and current government officials who have been sanctioned.
She emphasized that the US Government’s evidence will help create an opportunity to facilitate the prosecution of those designated under the US sanction, and ensure that those found culpable pay for their deeds and actions.
She asserted that the allegations against those officials should be backed by evidence, on grounds that it is right for the allegations to be proven by evidence.
Her comments come amidst widespread criticism and growing pressure to address corruption and impunity across the country.
It can be recalled that in August of 2022, the U.S. Department of OFAC sanctioned Nathaniel McGill, Sayma Syrenius Cephus, and Bill Twehway for their involvement in rampant public corruption in Liberia.
In 2023, former Monrovia City Mayor, Jefferson Koijee, was also sanctioned for corruption and human rights violations, while Senators Emmanuel Nuquay, former Finance Minister, Samuel Tweah, and former Senate Pro-Temp, Albert Chie, were all sanctioned for corruption by the US Government.
Prior to these officials’ sanctions, former Grand Cape Mount County Senator, Varney Sherman, and Nimba County Senator, Prince Johnson, were also sanctioned by the US over their involvement into corruption in Liberia.
But since the sanctioning of these officials, the governments of both Presidents Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and George Weah failed to prosecute them, with no justifiable reasons as to why.
With the recent statement from US Ambassador to the United Nations, expressing his disappointment over the past government’s failure to prosecute these officials, the onus is now on President Boakai to ensure that his government investigates the allegations.
But during her confirmation hearing recently, Madam Nyanti stressed the urgency of the investigation is launched for accused officials to answer to allegations involving their character, noting that the country’s refusal to seek evidence from those who sanctioned them undermines its efforts.
“These acts undermine the country’s development efforts and erode public trust in the governance of the country,” she observed.
Giving her view about corruption in public space, Nyanti outlined that it is key for the government to employ robust measures and take action against corrupt individuals, so as to avoid international embarrassment.
According to her, “We need to strengthen our system of governance so that we can avoid external interference as a country.”
She added, “It is key because the Liberian people rightfully demand accountability and deserve to see their government officials held responsible for their actions.”
