NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has welcomed the latest corruption indictments announced by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), but cautions that the true measure of success will be convictions and the recovery of stolen public funds.
By: Sampson W. Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
Speaking Thursday in Monrovia, CENTAL Executive Director Anderson Miamen described the indictments as a step in the right direction, while warning that they must lead to tangible outcomes.
“Indictments alone are not enough,” Miamen said. “Liberians want to see action—speedy trials, clear verdicts, and the return of stolen resources.”
The Taskforce, whose mandate was recently renewed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai through Executive Order #161, has intensified its operations following early legal challenges that slowed its progress.
Last week, Taskforce Chairman Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin announced fresh indictments against former Commerce Minister Mawine Diggs and several officials of the former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) administration.
The accused are alleged to have diverted approximately US$1.8 million intended for a rural women’s empowerment program.
Also named in the case are former Senior Policy Advisor Joseph Y. Howe; Kebeh Monger of the National Rural Women Structure; Liberia Marketing Association President Elizabeth Finda Sambulah; former Secretary General Josephine Handful Greens; and Ministry of Commerce cashier Kemmoh Borbor.
The case adds to a growing list of prosecutions. In November 2025, former Executive Mansion Chief of Protocol Nora Finda Bundor and more than 40 others were indicted over an alleged US$6.7 million corruption scheme.
Earlier, former Foreign Minister D. Maxwell Saah Kemayah and others were charged in connection with the handling of donated rice from Saudi Arabia. In total, more than 50 former officials have been indicted so far.
However, CENTAL warned that the number of indictments should not be mistaken for meaningful progress if cases stall in court.
“Liberians have seen this pattern before—big announcements followed by silence,” Miamen noted. “If these cases drag on or collapse, it will further erode public trust.”
The organization is urging the government to take concrete steps to ensure the cases move forward. Key among its recommendations is the establishment of a specialized anti-corruption court to expedite proceedings and reduce delays.
CENTAL is also calling for the removal of the five-year statute of limitations on corruption cases, arguing that it enables suspects to evade justice over time.
Beyond prosecution, the group emphasized the need to aggressively pursue stolen assets, particularly those believed to be held abroad, noting that international cooperation will be critical.
Miamen further called for stronger support for integrity institutions, warning that underfunded agencies cannot effectively combat corruption.
“Fighting corruption is not about rhetoric,” he said. “It requires strong institutions, political will, and the determination to see cases through.” He added that the issue resonates deeply with ordinary Liberians.
CENTAL says it will continue to closely monitor the cases, stressing that the credibility of Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts now depends on results—not promises.
