Monrovia, Liberia – The Joint Legislative Committee on Mineral Development Agreements (MDA), has refute allegation made by Senator Nya D. Twayen, Jr. of Nimba County of having a “secret meeting” with ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML).
The Committee claims that their present trip to ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) concession was not carried out in secret or “under the shadow of darkness,” as Hon. Nya Twayan has alleged; rather, they were carrying out their oversight duty.
The committee explains that the visit to the Arcelormittal concession was planned, coordinated, and communicated with the appropriate authorities beforehand.
’We are acting squarely within our statutory duties to perform on-site inspection and fact-finding regarding the status of AML’s operations and compliance with its MDA obligations. Legislators seeing firsthand the terms of a significant concession that is vital to the economy and citizens of our country is not secret.”
The committee expresses concern that Senator Twayen would publicly make such a repulsive statement, and they emphasize that they are carrying out their duties in an open, truthful, and responsible manner. “We would like to reassure the public that this Committee has nothing to conceal and is dedicated to maintaining the confidence entrusted to us in the responsible supervision of concession agreements.”
In addition to misrepresenting our behavior, his inflammatory Facebook post implies that we are ignoring our responsibilities or acting dishonestly for reasons that only he knows. This inference is unacceptable and completely untrue.
However, the committee has urged Hon. Twanyen to keep in mind that proper diligence and openness are essential components of legislative duty. With more than 5,000 jobs, ArcelorMittal is presently the biggest employer in Liberia’s private sector.
Thousands of our residents in Nimba County alone rely on AML for their lives, whether they are mine and railroad workers, scholarship recipients, or local companies that profit from the company’s supply agreements.
Additionally, more than 5,000 new employment are anticipated to be created by the company’s continuing Phase II expansion.
An effective collaboration between Liberia and AML would benefit these actual families and communities. To approach this matter with reflexive animosity or to “vilify one of the few companies that continues to invest, employ, train, and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s development” would be reckless in light of this fact. Indeed, we are steadfast in our resolve to hold AML responsible for any and all MDA infractions, but we prefer to do it through tough, productive dialogue as opposed to combative confrontation.
As leaders, we think that progress is made by discussion, compromise, and a common goal of improving things for all Liberians, not by “tearing down what little we have.”
At the recent commissioning of AML’s new iron ore concentrator, President Joseph Boakai also reminded everybody that “there will always be issues with concessions, but we must sit around the table and solve them through dialogue.” The reputation of Liberia must be preserved. We are completely in agreement. We cannot engage in rash hostility toward investors in order to defend Liberia’s interests or reputation.
“When thousands of jobs and the stability of our investment climate are at stake, it is wise to engage constructively and exercise cautious leadership. Simply stated, we will not undermine the livelihoods of more than 5,000 Liberian people and the opportunities for thousands more to find employment in the future for the sake of political showmanship.”
“We want to solve issues, not incite anger. Without using public insults and threats that could deter investment or force the company to reduce its operations to the disadvantage of our citizens, we can hold AML’s “feet to the fire” and compel compliance. Senator Twanyen’s stance of perpetual hostility and bitterness is harmful and unhelpful; it jeopardizes our folks’ jobs and earnings as well as Liberia’s overall economy. One of the most important investments in our post-war recovery must be jeopardized by politically inflamed language?”
