Nimba County Senator Nya Twayen has publicly accused ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) of attempting to influence lawmakers with a luxury tour of its concession area.
In a statement issued on Friday, Sen. Twayen vowed that the mining giant will face legal action and non-renewal of its agreement if it continues to violate the Mineral Development Agreement.
Sen. Twayen, a vocal critic of AML, emphasized that despite the lavish treatment of some Senators and Representatives, AML remains in gross violation of the terms agreed upon with the Liberian government.
“Until the people of Nimba and Liberia benefit as per the terms and conditions laid out in the agreement, you are doomed to be sued or doomed for non-renewal,” he warned.
The Senator challenged any lawmaker willing to ignore AML’s alleged breaches. “We DARE any heartless lawmaker to turn a blind eye on the egregious violations and neglects to vote for renewals,” he said.
He also addressed members of the Executive branch, specifically the Investment Management Corporation of Liberia (IMCC), cautioning against submitting any agreement for ratification that includes noncompliant clauses.
“We DARE any member of the Executive (IMCC) to bring to the Legislature any such agreement for rectification amidst all the noncompliant clauses since the 2007 review of the AML agreement,” Sen. Twayen declared.
The Senator urged AML and government officials to “stop wasting your time and do the needful,” calling for full compliance with the agreement’s provisions.
Adding to the controversy, Sen. Twayen disclosed that AML admitted under oath that its plant is valued at under $250 million — a significant downgrade from the previously announced figure of $1.4 billion.
This revelation, if true, raises questions about AML’s reported investments and commitments to Liberia’s economic development.
The Senator’s comments come amid growing public skepticism about AML’s operations and the transparency of its relationship with lawmakers and government officials.
Civil society groups have echoed calls for greater oversight and accountability in the management of Liberia’s mineral resources.
AML has not yet issued an official response to Sen. Twayen’s allegations, nor clarified the reported discrepancy in the plant’s valuation.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
