MONROVIA — Liberian Writer and Human Rights Activist, Stanley Quaye, based in Canada has sharply criticized recent remarks by Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh, describing them as “staggering hypocrisy” and called on the Liberian Senate to review his conduct over what he termed as the public disclosure of sensitive national security information.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh
Last week in plenary, Senator Konneh stated that Liberia’s military is significantly weaker than Guinea’s, noting that Liberia has roughly about 2,000 personnel with limited equipment, while Guinea possesses more advanced capabilities, including heavier weaponry.
The comparison was interpreted by critics as highlighting Liberia’s vulnerability in the subregion, especially along its borders.
Quaye accused Senator Konneh of double standards, pointing to his long tenure in government under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
According to Quaye, Senator Konneh served in senior roles for over a decade but did not publicly advocate for expanding Liberia’s military during that period.
“While in power, there was no public call for these reforms. Now, suddenly, there is strong criticism and a posture of concern about national security,” Quaye asserted. “Where was this concern when there was authority to act?” he asked.
Quaye argued that the Senator’s current position raises concern about consistency and intent, suggesting that issues now being highlighted should have been addressed when Konneh held significant influence within the executive branch.
Beyond questions of timing, Quaye also accused the senator of making divisive claims, alleging that Konneh suggested members of the Mandingo community were being unfairly targeted by Liberian border authorities.
Quaye rejected the assertion, describing it as misleading and potentially harmful to national unity.
The activist further contended that matters involving national security should be handled with discretion, warning that public commentary on sensitive issues could have broader implications.
“If these concerns were genuinely rooted in national security, they should have been raised through appropriate private or official channels rather than in a public forum,” Quaye said.
He urged the Liberian Senate to examine whether Senator Konneh’s statements breached any protocols governing the handling of classified or sensitive information, and to take appropriate action if necessary.
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