Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar has raised concerns over reports that Liberia may accept up to 1,200 non-Liberian deportees from the United States.
Kogar, in a social media post said the matter deserves the attention of every Liberian and questioned whether the reported arrangement followed the requirements of the 1986 Constitution.
The senator pointed to Article 57 of the Constitution, which gives the President the authority to conduct Liberia’s foreign affairs and enter into treaties and other international agreements with the approval of a majority of both Houses of the Legislature.
“Are we really considering accepting up to 1,200 non-Liberian deportees from the United States into Liberia?” Kogar asked.
He questioned whether the arrangement, if true, was submitted to the Legislature for approval.
“Was this arrangement brought before both Houses of the Legislature and approved by the required majority? If not, then under what legal authority was this agreement made?” he asked.
Kogar said Liberians deserve to know the details of any agreement involving the acceptance of people deported from another country who are not Liberian citizens.
“What exactly was agreed to? What is the legal basis? And what role did the Legislature play in the process?” he said.
The Bong County lawmaker said the issue raises concerns about Liberia’s sovereignty, national security and the government’s responsibility to protect the interests of its citizens.
“This is not a small issue. We are talking about our sovereignty, our laws, our national security, and the responsibility we have to the Liberian people,” Kogar said.
He, however, made it clear that he was not accusing the government of violating the Constitution.
“I am not saying at this point that anyone has violated the Constitution. I am simply saying that these are serious constitutional questions, and the Liberian people deserve clear answers,” he said.
Kogar ended by asking: “Where are we, Liberians?”
His comments add to growing public concern over reports that Liberia could enter into an arrangement to receive non-Liberian deportees from the United States.
