Liberia: relatives of President George Weah sanctioned by the United States
Liberian President George Weah at the Paris Peace Forum, in Paris, Thursday, November 11, 2021 (Illustration image).
AP - Christophe Ena
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
In Liberia, pressure is mounting on President George Weah following sanctions imposed by the United States against three of his relatives for corruption.
Sanctions include his chief of staff and the country's attorney general.
They are accused
of “having abused their positions to undermine the independence of democratic institutions for personal gain
”.
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US Ambassador Michael McCarthy on Monday (August 15) urged the Liberian head of state to "
make good decisions
", reminding President George Weah of his 2017 campaign promise. At the time, the former footballer promised Liberians to reduce the gap between rich and poor and to ensure that public funds do not end up in the pockets of senior officials.
A “
rigorous
” investigation conducted by the Treasury Department has now contradicted this.
According to Washington, the president's inner circle has grown considerably, so much so that corruption has become the dominant issue in bilateral relations.
The people targeted are well-known figures in Liberia: Bill Twehay, who heads the National Ports Authority, Attorney General Sayma Syrenius Cephus, some of whom accuse him of blocking serious investigations into corruption, but also Nathaniel McGill, head of the cabinet of George Weah, considered one of his close allies.
A separate statement from the Treasury Department claims that the latter "
received bribes
" in public contracts.
Through their corruption, these Liberian officials have undermined democracy for their own personal benefit.
These designations show that the US remains committed to holding corrupt actors accountable & to the continued support of the Liberian people.
https://t.co/8RKOmcDWKk
— Under Secretary Brian Nelson (@UnderSecTFI) August 15, 2022
All will see their assets in the United States frozen and will no longer be able to travel or do business in Washington.
But for the Liberian opposition, sanctions are not enough, and calls are increasing for their resignation.
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