The sanctions against Liberian officials were denounced by US Presidential candidate Senator Rollan A. Roberts II as “America’s systematic, institutional, abusive corruption targeting the struggling African nation of Liberia.” Roberts questioned the harshness of the penalties imposed on Samuel Tweah, the finance minister, and other individuals, pointing out that they and their families would be prohibited from ever entering the US and from using the US financial banking system.
The American company High Power Exploration, Inc. (HPX) was beaten out for a national contract by the Liberian company ArcelorMittal Limited (AML), and HPX was barred from using the rail system in Liberia to transport its goods to Guinea. Therefore, we must ruin their lives and use them as an example for future governments to follow our orders, award contracts to people we choose, and submit to the whims and wishes of the foreign power whether it is in the best interests of your country or not. This is because the Finance Minister of Liberia chose a Liberian company over a foreign one.
Roberts emphasized that the Finance Minister of Liberia chose a Liberian company over a foreign one, and although the message was sent, he expressed doubt that Liberians, both inside and outside Liberia, received it well.
In response to the U.S. sanctions, Samuel Tweah stated that he was singled out for having favoured ArcelorMittal over High Power Explorations. According to him, the sanctions were put in place to prevent HPX from investing in Guinea through Liberia. The issue was brought up by Senator Roberts, who said that a disgruntled dual-citizen Liberian American had brought it to his attention.
Senator Roberts voiced his concerns about US sanctions, pointing out that they were ineffective in the contemporary world and citing the discontent of Liberian Americans. He called for an end to corruption while serving as president, denounced corruption within the administrative state of the United States, and vowed to put American interests first.
Senators Chie and Nuquay, as well as Mr Tweah, were among the Liberian officials that the U.S. State Department had sanctioned for alleged serious corruption. Family members were approved as well. Jefferson Koijee, the mayor of Monrovia, had previously been accused of corruption and violating human rights.
In summary, the sanctions imposed on Liberian officials, contested by U.S. Presidential candidate Senator Rollan A. Roberts II, have ignited a debate over alleged corruption and the effectiveness of punitive measures. Stemming from a national contract dispute, the sanctions target Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, who claims bias against the Liberian company ArcelorMittal Limited. Senator Roberts, advocating for strict consequences to influence future contract awards, questions the sanctions’ efficacy and highlights discontent among Liberian Americans. This diplomatic clash underscores the intricate interplay of international relations, economic interests, and justice, emphasizing the complex nature of global affairs.
