U.S. Embassy denies FBI presence here

The United States Embassy near Monrovia has denied the reported presence of Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI agents in Liberia.

Several local dailies in Monrovia had reported that FBI agents were in Liberia to arrest corrupt officials plundering the country’s coffer and enriching themselves at the detriment of the greater majority.

Some accounts say the U.S. Government is pursuing efforts to have ex-warlords in Liberia, who committed heinous crimes, arrested and prosecuted for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

But speaking with reporters Wednesday, July 22, at her office in the diplomatic enclave of Mamba Point, Ambassador Deborah Malac said the FBI is not in Liberia, saying if this were so she would be the first person to know.

Ambassador Malac aid the U.S. Government will remain committed in strengthening health and education in Liberia by training more health workers and teachers. She said the Centre for Disease Control or CDC is in the country to help enhance the health system.

When asked whether plans were afoot to establish a world crimes court in Liberia, she said this is an issue for Liberians alone to decide and not the United States Government, saying, all America looks forward to is for Liberia to move from its past and succeed.

Many ordinary Liberians believe ex-rebel generals, who committed heinous crimes, should face prosecution to halt impunity and serve as deterrence. Most ex-generals here are back in government, including the Liberian Legislature where they are shielded from calls for punishment for their deeds.

Meanwhile, Amb. Malac has called on Liberians to stop stigmatizing Ebola survivors and treat them as family because they did not bring the virus on themselves. By Bridgett Milton – Editing by Jonathan Browne