The Liberian government’s proposed plan to award the redevelopment of Roberts International Airport (RIA) to the Turkish-based Albayrak Group has ignited heated debates. Reliable sources within the National Investment Commission (NIC) and the National Security architecture have revealed to Verity News that the decision to engage the Albayrak Group is being thoroughly reviewed due to the alleged ties between the company and Guinea’s former President Alpha Condé.
These allegations are fuelling concerns over potential political and security implications for Liberia. Verity News has two letters of ongoing exchanges between the Government of Liberia and the Albayrak Group.
According to sources, ex-Guinean President Alpha Condé, who was ousted in a military coup led by Guinea’s current leader, General Mamady Doumbouya, has reportedly sought to use his influence to secure the proposed RIA contract for the Albayrak Group valued at over US$200 million. It is alleged that Condé, through clandestine financial arrangements with the Turkish firm, aims to fund efforts to undermine Guinea’s current junta regime. Verity News also has a photo of Albayrak Group Chairman Ahmet Albayrak and deposed former President Alpha Conde. Verity News aso uncovered a dossier showing that the Albayrak Group is linked to multiple scandals.
Condé’s direct intervention, including a personal appeal to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has raised alarm among Liberian officials and stakeholders, mainly security personnel, who are closely monitoring the developments.
Reports suggest that President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, RIA General Manager James K. Mulbah, and RIA Board Chair Massaquoi Kamara are key proponents of the Albayrak deal. The trio reportedly visited Istanbul, Turkey, where they engaged executives of the Albayrak Group and Condé to discuss the contract’s terms. However, the deal has met resistance within the government, particularly from Transport Minister Sirleaf Tyler, who is said to oppose the arrangement on transparency and due process grounds.
In a letter dated November 20, 2024, NIC Chairman Jeff B. Blibo formally requested President Boakai to establish an Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC) to oversee the RIA redevelopment process. The communication, a copy of which has been obtained by this publication, highlighted the pressing need for private-sector investment to modernize Liberia’s primary international gateway. Blibo stressed the importance of adhering to the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA) of 2010, which mandates competitive bidding and proper oversight in concession agreements.
Blibo’s letter also outlined the Liberia Airport Authority’s (LAA) intention to adopt a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, where the private investor would finance, develop, and operate the airport for a fixed period before transferring ownership back to the government. According to the letter, necessary approvals, including the LAA Board’s endorsement and a “no objection” certificate from the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), had already been secured.
In another communication dated November 23, 2024, President Boakai formally invited the Albayrak Group to present a detailed proposal for the RIA redevelopment project. The invitation, which referenced prior discussions during President Boakai’s transit through Istanbul, emphasized Albayrak’s infrastructure development capabilities and alignment with Liberia’s developmental priorities under the government’s “ARREST Agenda.” The government proposed the first week of December 2024 for the presentation, signaling its readiness to move forward with the project.
The Albayrak Group, a Turkish conglomerate known for its strong ties to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration, has a controversial history in West Africa. The company was previously awarded a 25-year concession to manage the Autonomous Port of Conakry in Guinea, a deal that sparked nationwide protests and allegations of corruption. Critics accused the Guinean government of bypassing procurement laws and prioritizing political considerations over national interests. The fallout from this arrangement contributed to the instability that ultimately led to Condé’s ousting.
Given this history, the Albayrak Group’s involvement in Liberia has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and political analysts, who warn that Liberia risks repeating Guinea’s mistakes. Questions have also been raised about the government’s decision to consider a firm with a contentious track record, particularly one tied to a polarizing figure like Condé.
Another cause for concern is the potential security implications of awarding the RIA contract to the Albayrak Group. Analysts warn that such a move could strain Liberia’s relations with Guinea, as General Doumbouya’s administration might view the deal as a political manoeuvre to undermine its authority. Regional stability remains a key priority for Liberia, and any misstep could have far-reaching consequences.
Compounding the controversy is the revelation that several other firms, including China-based Suma Group and UK-based FB Group, are also vying for the RIA redevelopment contract. The involvement of multiple bidders emphasizes the high stakes of the project and the need for a transparent, competitive procurement process.
The Liberian government has defended its decision to engage with the Albayrak Group, citing its expertise in infrastructure development and potential contributions to other sectors such as agriculture and transportation. However, critics argue that the government’s approach lacks transparency and fails to prioritize Liberia’s best interests.
The NIC and LAA have emphasized adhering to established procurement laws to avoid further controversy. Blibo’s letter to President Boakai explicitly called for the IMCC to ensure compliance with the PPCA, which would help restore public confidence in the process.
As the Boakai administration prepares for Albayrak’s presentation, many Liberians are watching closely to see how the administration navigates the complex web of political, economic, and security considerations surrounding the RIA redevelopment project. The outcome will determine the future of Liberia’s primary international gateway and serve as a litmus test for the Boakai administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and national security.
The controversy surrounding the Albayrak Group stresses Liberia’s challenges as it seeks to balance infrastructure development with good governance and regional stability. As the Boakai government weighs its options, the need for a transparent, inclusive decision-making process has never been more critical.
