Editorial Four Congressional members of the United States House of Representatives have submitted a resolution before Congress, calling on the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to issue targeted sanctions and other measures against officials in the Weah government that are responsible for undermining the rule of law and the faith and trust of the Liberian people thru corruption, gross violation of human rights and other acts that threaten Liberia’s peace and security.
The Government has welcomed the resolution saying, it supports its fight against corruption.
The United States Government had already imposed sanctions on some government officials, including Senators H. Varney Sherman of Grand Cape Mount County, Prince Yormie Johnson of Nimba county, and former director of passport at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Andrew Wonploe and his immediate family for corruption and bribery.
The U.S. Treasury froze Sen. Sherman’s assets in America, slammed Sen. PYJ with Economic Sanction for his involvement in a pay-for-play funding scheme that involves millions of U.S. dollars as well as engaging in sale of votes in multiple Liberian elections in exchange for money, and barred Mr. Wonploe and his family from entering America for his involvement in “significant corruption.” Current Minister of Foreign Affairs De-Maxwell Kamayah cannot travel to the United States for his alleged involvement in sexual molestation against female staff while serving as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, though he denied.
However, the resolution put forward by four representatives from the State of New Jersey before the 117th Congress sitting in its 2nd Session encourages Liberia to redouble her efforts to counter corruption, advance the causes of human rights, and implement critical economic reforms that are necessary to accelerate substantive economic growth and human capacity building.
But it seems that the Weah administration is undeterred as it sinks deeper in corruption, mismanagement, lack of transparency and accountability and disregard for the rule of law.
For selfish reasons, some officials of the government believe they are above the law, bashing arbitrariness and conducting themselves as being unaccountable to the people they govern.
Such officials should be reminded in no uncertain terms that their days are being numbered to face the wrath of the United States Government thru sanctions, as others are already suffering.
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We believe that sanctions are not only necessary but strategic in keeping corrupt officials in check by reminding them that public offices are meant to serve with transparency and accountability rather than lining up personal pockets at the expense of the disadvantaged majority.
Corruption does not only deprive citizens of basic services but also retards national development and growth as we have seen in this administration. Those officials who take delight in stealing public money to erect private mansions overnight should think twice because their days are being numbered, as indicated by the U.S. Congressional members.
Liberians and the United States have strong historical ties that date back 200 years ago since the West African nation’s formation in 1822 and subsequent declaration of independence in 1847. The United States is also Liberia’s biggest donor and bilateral partner, so when it speaks, Liberia must listen.https://thenewdawnliberia.com/liberia-faces-u-s-targeted-sanctions/
