Former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah has labelled the recent indictment against him as a “total witch hunt,” sparking a heated political controversy in Liberia. This article delves into the allegations, Tweah’s response, and the broader implications for Liberia’s political landscape.
Tweah’s Indictment: A Political Power Play?
On Monday, former Minister of Finance and Development Planning Samuel Tweah, along with several top officials from the Weah-Taylor administration, was indicted on charges of economic sabotage, theft, and illegal disbursement of funds. The officials named include:
- Former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh
- Former Solicitor General Cllr. Nyenati Tuan
- Ex-Comptroller of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) D. Moses P. Cooper
- Former Director General of the FIU Stanley Ford
High-Profile Arrests and Imprisonment
Following the indictment, Cllr. Tuan, Karmoh, and Cooper were imprisoned after failing to present a criminal appearance bond. The amount required for economic sabotage was beyond their financial reach. Judge Ben Barcon denied their request for a personal recognizance bond, despite their prominence and past service.
Tweah’s Escape to Cote d’Ivoire
In a twist, Samuel Tweah is reportedly out of the country, currently residing in neighbouring Cote d’Ivoire. The whereabouts of Stanley Ford remain unknown, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Tweah’s Public Denouncement on Social Media
Tweah took to Facebook to describe the charges and the subsequent arrests as a “total witch hunt” orchestrated by the ruling Unity Party. He wrote, “Over the last six years, I have been a major political target, facing falsely devilish accusations, from a so-called 25 million mop-up propaganda to the 16 billion concoction, and many other fabrications intended to tarnish my reputation and derail my political career.”
Allegations Against the Unity Party
Tweah’s post also highlighted what he perceives as ongoing corruption within the Unity Party government. He pointed to a FrontPage Africa (FPA) story from July 29, 2024, which reported a controversial decision by the Central Bank of Liberia to guarantee loans to two struggling banks, supposedly to bolster financial sector stability. Tweah accused the Unity Party of using Liberia’s reserve money to fund their campaign.
A Battle of Allegations and Audits
Tweah claimed that the Unity Party-led government has ignored numerous audit reports detailing the alleged misappropriation of the Liberian Treasury during its 12-year rule. He suggested that due to low public ratings and failures within the first six months of governance, the Unity Party has resorted to political witch-hunting against him and former officials of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Defending His Reputation
Determined to clear his name, Tweah vowed to fight the charges in court. “Working with my lawyers and others, I stand ready to defeat this witch-hunt and vindicate my reputation through the justice system,” he stated. “In the end, I will emerge stronger, and my enemies will be put to shame!”
A Broader Political Context
The indictment of Samuel Tweah and other officials comes at a politically charged time for Liberia. The accusations of economic sabotage and theft have not only shaken the Weah-Taylor administration but have also intensified the scrutiny on the current government’s handling of corruption.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Public reaction to the indictment has been mixed. Supporters of Tweah see it as a politically motivated attack, while critics argue that the charges highlight the need for accountability and transparency in Liberia’s governance. Media coverage has amplified these sentiments, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations.
What’s Next for Liberia’s Political Landscape?
As Tweah prepares to defend himself in court, the political ramifications of this indictment will continue to unfold. The case is likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming elections and the public’s perception of both the Unity Party and the Weah-Taylor administration.
Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads
The indictment of Samuel Tweah and his subsequent denouncement of the charges as a “total witch hunt” highlight the deep political divisions in Liberia. As the legal battle ensues, the nation watches closely, contemplating the future of its political and economic landscape.
