Liberian delegation to ECOWAS calls for transparent investigation

The Liberian Delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has called on the Liberian Senate to initiate a timely, impartial, and transparent investigation to ascertain the truth of the claims made against Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr.

The measure, they underscored will help safeguard the integrity of democratic institutions, in accordance with the request made by Senator Snowe.

The delegation in a release dated May 27, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria affirmed that Senator Snowe has consistently conducted himself with professionalism, dignity, and unwavering commitment to the Republic of Liberia, adding that his leadership and representation of Liberia within the ECOWAS Parliament have been exemplary.

They state that:

a. Senator Snowe has been a strong advocate for Liberia to host an ECOWAS Institution in the wake of the withdrawal of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the Community, a move that would serve to enhance regional integration while creating employment opportunities for qualified Liberians.

b. He has championed infrastructure development support for Liberia within ECOWAS frameworks, reinforcing Liberia’s long-term development objectives;

c. Under his stewardship as Chair of the Committee on Peace, Security, and the African Peer Review Mechanism, the Committee has achieved commendable progress in promoting peace, democratic governance, and institutional accountability across the region;

d. Senator Snowe has consistently championed the benefits of regional integration, notably in the areas of trade, the free movement of people, and the empowerment of youth and women across the sub-region, initiatives from which Liberia continues to derive tangible benefits.

“The Delegation is therefore deeply troubled by the potential implications of these allegations, not only on the reputation and service record of Senator Snowe, but also on the broader image and credibility of the Republic of Liberia at the regional level.”

“As a matter of principle, the Delegation underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law, due process, and the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. It is imperative that such matters be handled with the highest level of integrity, national responsibility, and adherence to democratic values.”

The delegation, however, reaffirms its collective confidence in Senator Snowe’s leadership, adding that they remain committed to representing the best interests of the Republic of Liberia within the ECOWAS Parliament and other regional engagements.

REASON FOR THE STATEMENT

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Liberia, in a statement accused Senator Edwin Snowe Jr. Head of the Liberian Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament and Chair of the Community Parliament’s Committee on Peace, Security, and the African Peer Review Mechanism of making inflammatory and irresponsible remarks intended to undermine and destabilize the Government of Liberia.

However, Senator Snowe in a sharp rebuttal denied ever making such commentary and accused the government of a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation and cast aspersions on his integrity as a statesman, representative of the Liberian people and a responsible member of the opposition.

“I wish to state, for the record, that at no point have I made any statement that could be interpreted as inciting panic, promoting instability, or threatening the democratic order of our country, neither have I leveraged my networks in ECOWAS’ internal institutions or other international organizations to orchestrate destabilization of the Liberian Government.” -Press release.