– Pressure group wants President Boakai to suspend 959 violators
By Vaye A. Lepolu
The Joint Civil Society Anti-Corruption Initiative (JOCSAI), with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), has called for the suspension of 959 government officials from a total of 1,281 appointees who have failed to declare their assets.
In a recent petition, JOCSAI stressed the importance of swift and decisive action in cases of state law violations and corruption, particularly regarding government officials’ refusal to declare their assets upon taking office. The organization argues that such actions are crucial to eradicating the culture of impunity surrounding corruption and restoring public trust in Liberia’s governance and accountability systems. Ten community-based civil society organizations joined JOCSAI in urging President Joseph N. Boakai Sr. to enforce all anti-corruption laws nationwide.
During the presentation of the petition, JOCSAI Program Manager Mr. Dolphus Bank highlighted the need for the establishment of the Witness Protection Unit, as mandated by the Witness Protection Law passed by the National Legislature. This unit is intended to support individuals willing to testify against corrupt officials, yet it remains underfunded and unable to fulfill its purpose. Mr. Bank emphasized that empowering this unit is vital for facilitating timely and evidence-based investigations into corruption cases in Liberia.
Additionally, Mr. Bank criticized the statute of limitations on corruption cases, as outlined in Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law (Chapters 4.2 and 4.3), which imposes a five-year limit on prosecutions. He argued that this limitation undermines the prosecution of corruption perpetrators and contributes to the prevailing culture of impunity.
Mr. Bank urged President Boakai to take immediate action on several fronts:
1.Operationalize the Witness Protection Unit following the Witness Protection Act of 2021.
2.Suspend the 959 public officials identified in the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission’s August 2024 report for failing to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities, thus violating the amended Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
3.Submit a bill to the Legislature to abolish the statute of limitations on corruption prosecutions.
Moreover, Mr. Bank called for adequate and timely funding for public integrity and anti-corruption institutions, including the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, the General Auditing Commission, and the Financial Intelligence Agency. He emphasized the need for a fair and comprehensive approach to combating corruption that does not protect specific individuals or groups, particularly those in the Unity Party-led Government accused of serious corruption and abuse of public resources.
Looking ahead, Mr. Bank expressed hope for collaboration with the Liberian government in the fight against corruption and poor governance. “We respectfully submit our call for cooperation, which is essential for the effectiveness of our anti-corruption efforts,” he stated.
JOCSAI believes that a robust fight against corruption, supported by the effective application of anti-corruption laws and policies, is crucial for prioritizing citizens’ needs and ensuring that public resources are managed transparently and accountable.
Mr. Bank further noted that corruption, defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, remains pervasive in Liberia and is a significant contributor to the country’s underdevelopment and poverty. Despite the nation’s wealth in natural resources, the government, alongside international partners and stakeholders, has established key anti-corruption institutions and enacted essential laws, including the Anti-Corruption Commission Act and the Whistleblower and Witness Protection Act.
Liberia has also committed to international anti-corruption frameworks such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC). However, Mr. Bank pointed out that the fight against corruption continues to face challenges, including weak enforcement of laws, limited political will, and the absence of critical institutions to address corruption effectively.
He concluded by asserting that, given years of inaction by the Liberian government, it is imperative to take action against those credibly accused of corruption and mismanagement, including officials sanctioned by the U.S. government for failing to declare their assets while remaining in public office without consequence.
