Patriotism Over Alleged Private Illegal Mining Interests on the Makona River: Liberia’s Security and Sovereignty Must Come First
Monrovia: The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) states clearly that patriotism must always come before private interest.
At a time when Liberia faces a dangerous and sensitive situation along its border, the nation cannot afford silence, confusion, or the protection of individuals whose actions may be placing the country and its sovereignty at risk. For the last 20 years since the end of the Liberian civil conflict, Liberia and Guinea have coexisted without incidents at our common borders! Why the sudden border tensions?
Reports surrounding activities along the Makona River, and the tensions now unfolding at the Liberia-Guinea border, raise serious concerns about whether Liberia’s illegal private Mining interests on the Makona are being placed above Liberia’s national security and sovereignty. Has the Liberian Ministry of Mines and Energy issued any License for mining on the Makona River?
There are widely discussed reports from local communities suggesting that sand mining and other mining activities along the Makona River may be connected to the construction of the reported $10 million project in Foya, which the Liberian government has not shown accountability and transparency on the true nature and purpose of the project.
The CDC believes that no government official, regardless of position, must be allowed to endanger the security and sovereignty of the Republic.
This responsibility rests squarely with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who must demonstrate leadership at this critical moment.
Failure to act decisively in a moment like this sends the wrong message-that private interests are more important than the safety of the state.
We note and commend the efforts of the Mano River Union in resolving the situation, but there must be domestic accountability and an inquest on the immediate cause of the current border conflict.
National leadership comes with responsibility, transparency and accountability. Reports of the arrest of Liberian mining equipment on the Makona River by Guinean authorities must be investigated immediately. The status of the Makona River should be clearly defined to prevent a regional conflict.
The CDC therefore reminds all Liberians that We can all be patriotic and still demand full accountability from our government. In fact, that is the highest form of patriotism. For the last 2 years, Liberians have witnessed wanton abuses of their rights by the Unity Party government. The disregard for the rule of law at home has apparently crossed our borders through alleged illegal mining on the Makona River, triggering a border conflict with the neighboring Republic of Guinea.
To remain silent while the nation faces danger is not loyalty, it is negligence. Liberia must not be pushed toward conflict because of the actions or interests of greedy public officials.
To act now is to protect the Republic.
That is patriotism
Motto: One Nation, One People, One Destiny
