Credit: G. Watson Richards
Monrovia, Liberia -Ambassador-at-Large Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh has formally apologized to the House of Representatives following controversial remarks in which he allegedly claimed that lawmakers accepted bribes from European interests to approve concession agreements.
Kouyateh was in the House alongside Cllr. Samuel A. Stevquoah, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. Bushuben Keita, Presidential Legal Advisor, and the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs responsible for Administration and Legal Matters.
During the session, the ambassador expressed apologies to the members of the legislature and promised not to make the same comments in the future. Leaders of the House characterized the claims as serious and stressed that when public officials make accusations that may jeopardize the reputation of state institutions, they must show proof.
Additionally, lawmakers emphasized that diplomats serving Liberia overseas have an obligation to promote the nation favorably, foster investment, and improve ties with other countries. The House leadership argued that remarks deemed detrimental to government institutions’ integrity could undermine investor confidence and tarnish Liberia’s standing abroad.
Representative Dixon Seboe of Montserrado County District #16 filed a motion after the apology asking Ambassador Kouyateh to formally apologize in writing to the House. The motion further suggested that the Ambassador officially retract the statement on OK FM and that the apology be published in four publications over the course of four days, from Tuesday to Friday.
