NATIONAL NEWS
CAPITOL HILL – Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. of Nimba County has defended his decision to abstain from voting on the proposed Third Amendment to the ArcelorMittal Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), saying the move was guided by principle, accountability, and responsibility—not opposition to investment or national development.
“My decision to abstain was guided by history, evidence, and my duty as lead senator on concession compliance over the past two years,” Senator Twayen said. “ArcelorMittal Liberia has a documented record of failing to meet key obligations under the existing agreement, particularly those affecting host communities. That record cannot simply be ignored because new promises are being made.”
By: Sampson W. Weah – sampsonwwesh7@gmail.com
He emphasized that the abstention was not intended to obstruct progress, but rather to signal caution and reinforce the need for accountability, stressing that Liberia can no longer tolerate selective compliance with concession agreements.
Following the passage of the amendment by the House of Representatives, Senator Twayen said sustained advocacy by his office and other lawmakers resulted in significant improvements in the revised agreement, particularly for communities affected by mining operations, including residents of Nimba County.
He noted that engagements with the Inter-Ministerial Concessions CommitteeandArcelorMittal Liberia led to the correction of major weaknesses and omissions in the proposed amendment.
Among the new commitments secured are the paving of the Sehyikinpa–Yekepa road, rehabilitation of roads within the concession area, construction and maintenance of bridges, and increased investment in clinics and schools in affected communities.
“Our advocacy from the very beginning of this administration also compelled a renegotiation of the financial terms of the agreement,” Senator Twayen disclosed. “This resulted in a US$200 million signature bonus, an increase in annual mining license fees from US$50,000 to US$500,000, and a rise in annual social development contributions from US$3 million to US$5 million.”
He described these gains as substantive rather than symbolic. “These are real improvements achieved through persistence, careful review, and firm policy engagement. They show what can be achieved when government stands up for its people,” he said.
The senator further revealed that his office insisted on the proper consolidation and restatement of both the existing MDA and the Third Amendment.
This process included the insertion of clear termination and revision clauses. Provisions that would have allowed automatic renewal of the concession after 25 years were removed and replaced with language requiring legislative approvalfor any future extension.
“This restores the constitutional role of the Legislature and safeguards the long-term interests of the Republic,” Senator Twayen said.
He concluded that his position was guided by loyalty to the Liberian people and to communities directly affected by mining operations.
“We welcome investment,” he said, “but it must be responsible, transparent, and fair. Our natural resources belong to the Liberian people, and every agreement governing them must reflect that reality.”
