A storm of controversy is brewing in Liberia, centered around Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio in President Joseph Boakai’s office. Fresh off the heels of the widely condemned Yellow Machine scandal, Bility is now embroiled in a dispute concerning the management of the Buchanan-Yekepa railway, a vital piece of Liberian infrastructure. The controversy revolves around a proposed agreement that would see ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), the current operator of the railway, replaced by High-Power Exploration (HPX) and its subsidiary, Ivanhoe Liberia Limited. This move is being championed by Bility and her allies within the President’s office, despite significant financial implications for the Liberian government. The proposed arrangement with HPX, a company without direct investment in Liberia, involves the transport of Guinean iron ore through Liberia to the Port of Buchanan. In return, HPX would pay Liberia transit fees ranging from a mere $5 million to $10 million annually. This pales in comparison to the substantial $200 million per year that AML has pledged to contribute to the government once its new Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) is ratified.
The rationale behind favoring HPX over AML remains perplexing, especially given AML’s longstanding presence in Liberia and significant investments in the railway. AML has operated in the country for over two decades, investing over $800 million in rehabilitating and maintaining the Buchanan-Yekepa railway. As the current exclusive operator under its concession agreement, AML also bears the ongoing multi-million dollar annual cost of ensuring the railway’s operational efficiency. These costs, currently absorbed by AML, would be transferred to the Liberian government under the proposed arrangement with HPX, adding a significant financial burden to a nation already grappling with severe economic constraints. This has led many to question the motives behind Bility’s push for the deal, with allegations of personal gain and backroom dealings swirling around the controversy.
The proposed deal’s financial implications are particularly troubling given Liberia’s current economic woes. The country faces significant budgetary challenges, with underfunded healthcare and education systems and stalled infrastructure projects. Diverting millions of dollars to a private railway operator, when AML is willing to provide the same service at no cost to the government, appears fiscally irresponsible and has sparked widespread public outcry. The decision to potentially burden taxpayers with additional costs while forgoing substantial revenue from AML is seen by many as a blatant disregard for the nation’s economic well-being.
Further compounding the issue is AML’s stated willingness to share the railway with HPX and other companies, while retaining operational control. This would allow Liberia to receive both the transit fees from HPX and the substantial annual contributions from AML, alongside the projected 2,000 new jobs expected to be generated by AML’s expansion. This seemingly win-win solution has been inexplicably rejected by President Boakai, reportedly under the influence of Bility and her associates. The rejection of this compromise further fuels suspicions of ulterior motives and raises questions about the transparency and integrity of the decision-making process.
The controversy surrounding the Buchanan-Yekepa railway management is more than just a corporate dispute; it represents a test of the Liberian government’s commitment to its citizens and the responsible stewardship of public resources. The decision to potentially prioritize a less financially beneficial arrangement with HPX, despite AML’s willingness to collaborate and contribute significantly to the Liberian economy, has raised serious concerns about potential corruption and political maneuvering within President Boakai’s administration. The handling of this issue has brought Mamaka Bility’s influence within the government under intense scrutiny, particularly following her involvement in the earlier Yellow Machine procurement scandal. This previous incident involved questionable practices in a multi-million-dollar equipment deal, further eroding public trust in the current administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Liberian public is now watching closely as this situation unfolds. The government’s decision regarding the railway’s future will have far-reaching consequences, not only for the railway itself but also for the nation’s economic stability and the public’s trust in its leadership. Choosing to proceed with the potentially detrimental HPX deal would send a troubling message about the government’s priorities and its willingness to prioritize personal gain over the welfare of its citizens. The decision represents a critical juncture for Liberia, and the nation awaits the outcome with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the long-term economic interests of the country and its people.
