Monrovia, Liberia – The National Revolutionary Youth Command of the potent Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia has requested the revocation of Executive Order 124, which forbids the export of raw rubber.
The previous administration under Weah forbade the export of rubber under Executive Order 124. It is unjust to rubber producers and detrimental to the country’s economic development to give one producer the sole authority to export rubber.
The National Revolutionary Youth Command of the powerful Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia (EFFL) believes that this executive order is unjust and will negatively impact the lives of rubber growers in Liberia, given everything that has been said so far.
The EFFL claimed that as the rubber industry generates jobs and economic opportunities for a wide number of individuals and communities, it is viewed by many Liberians as a significant source of income. Executive Order 124 essentially creates a monopoly on the material’s sale, which limits the options and opportunities accessible to rubber manufacturers. This can cause prices to drop and further marginalize small-scale producers.
The group also pointed out that by providing a single seller with an unfair advantage, this executive order stifles competition and innovation in the rubber industry. It may extend a downward spiral of economic dependence on one party and jeopardize the fundamentals of free and open trade.
”Mr. President, the Economic Freedom Fighters National Revolutionary Youth Command believes that this order is not in the interest of the already struggling masses of our people and has the potential to impede our democracy. Moreover, we believe that this order is fundamentally flawed and fails to provide a system that will work for everyone because it eliminates competition in the market. This Executive Order disrupts the value and supply chain in the rubber sector, and seeks to promote the middle class.”
“Chapter 2, Article 8 of the 1986 Constitution says, “The Republic shall direct its policy towards ensuring for all citizens, without discrimination, opportunities for employment and livelihood under just and humane conditions, and towards promoting safety, health, and welfare facilities in employment.” Section 9 of Executive Order No. 124 is also very worrying and clearly goes against this.”
As per the World Bank’s study on poverty, Liberia’s human development index stands at 55.5%. President Boakai was notified by the organization that this data amply demonstrates the major challenges facing Liberia. Additionally, according to EFFL, Executive Order 124 has the potential to undermine the foundation of Liberia’s economy by putting an excessive burden and suffering on the populace, especially on the region’s struggling rubber growers.
Thus, the organization pleaded with President Boakai to utilize his power to end the order and advance the creation of a society that is just and equal. They are adamant that the Boakai leadership’s dedication to sustaining democracy, justice, and equality will determine the country’s destiny.
The EFFL stated that, in the greatest interests of the Liberian people, they eagerly await President Boakai’s positive reaction in their quest for economic freedom in Liberia.
