Monrovia – The Executive Committee and members of the Liberia National Student Union (LINSU), the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and the Mano River Union Youth Parliament, Liberia Chapter (MRUYP-LC) have commended the Government of Liberia and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for conducting a “comprehensive investigation” and the subsequent release of a report on the alleged “missing 16 billion”.
Report by J.H. Webster Clayeh 00231770745986[email protected]
The president of Mohammed Gandhi Kamara, the president of FLY Amos William and the President of MRUYP-LC Mohammed Massaley made the disclosure in a joint press statement Friday, March 1, 2019.
On February 28, 2019, the government of Liberia along with USAID published their respective reports which show a high level of discrepancy at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).
After several hours, some officials including Charles Sirleaf, son of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf were arrested.
The three youth groups said the missing money saga places a serious dent on the image of the country both home and abroad.
Addressing journalists at the Head Office of FLY, the president of LINSU Kamara, who read the statement, said the initial step taking by the government in arresting those alleged link to the missing money is welcoming.
He urged the government to continue in such direction regardless of the status of those that may be found culpable in what he called an unprecedented financial scandal the republic has witnessed since its founding.
“Without any conflicting thoughts, we are convinced that this is a litmus test for the Government to demonstrate its commitment and seriousness in the fight against all forms of corruption which will also be a fulfilment of Pillar four of the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development which highlights the government’s commitment to ensure good governance and transparency,” he said.
“We are also calling on the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police to exercise a high level of integrity and neutrality as the government proceeds with the process of prosecuting those reportedly linked to the missing 16billion. “We the three collaborating youth organizations LINSU, FLY and MRUYP-LC would like to call on young people throughout Liberia, the media as well as all stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law and conduct themselves in a civil and non-violent approach while the Government of Liberia pursue those allegedly linked to the 16 Missing Billion.”