Ambassador Mohammed Dukuly, nominated by President Dr. Joseph Nyumah Boakai as Liberia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is mired in corruption allegations that raise serious concerns about the current administration’s ability to tackle corruption. Dukuly’s involvement in the 2005 scandal, which saw him and former Maritime Commissioner Tiah J. Slanger accused of stealing $3.5 million of state funds, casts a shadow over his appointment.
The alleged corruption dates back to the transitional government, when Dukuly, then Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and Slanger were dismissed for their involvement in the theft. The government offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to their arrest. However, despite this, Dukuly remains at large, and Slanger spent time in Monrovia’s Central Prison before his release. The government’s failure to hold these officials accountable has raised questions about the effectiveness of Liberia’s legal and judicial systems in combating corruption.
This case highlights President Boakai’s continued inability to confront corruption within his administration. The president’s nomination of Dukuly, a man still tied to one of Liberia’s largest thefts of public funds, is a clear indication that the fight against corruption under Boakai’s leadership is not as resolute as the public is led to believe. The government’s repeated failure to deal with corrupt officials, including those involved in high-profile scandals, only reinforces the image of a government reluctant to address the roots of Liberia’s corruption problem.
Boakai’s administration has made many promises to fight corruption, but actions like these show the disconnect between words and deeds. Can President Boakai truly fight corruption when individuals with deep ties to fraudulent activities continue to rise in his government? Dukuly’s nomination to such an important diplomatic post suggests that, far from working to rid the government of corrupt officials, the Boakai administration may be embracing them, further entrenching a culture of impunity.
Liberia faces increasing international attention, particularly from the U.S. over security and immigration concerns. However, President Boakai’s failure to act decisively against corruption weakens the country’s standing both domestically and abroad. His handling of the case involving the $3.5 million theft, and his failure to hold those responsible accountable, raises serious doubts about his commitment to the rule of law. The fundamental question remains: Can President Boakai truly fight corruption, or does his administration continue to embrace it?
