The Joint Civil Society Anti-Corruption Initiative (JOCSAT) is calling on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to launch a timely, robust and an impartial investigation into corruption allegations as well as prosecute the concerned officials in line with the commission’s mandate of investigating and prosecuting all allegations and incidences of corruption in Liberia; Cynthia Quinisier reports.
JOCSAT said with the fullest cooperation of LACC as a matter of urgency, the actions which they seek are crucial to the effectiveness, efficiency and inclusiveness of the fight against corruption and bad governance in Liberia.
Siafa S. Kamara said they believe that when the fight against corruption is buttressed by the effectiveness in the application of the laws that appropriately apply, victory is certain and citizens’ welfare is prioritized, as public resources previously susceptible to corruption, fraud, waste and abuse are transparently and accountably managed in accordance with appropriate legislations.
At the same time, the group is urging the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to request from the United States Government all information related to corruption allegations involving persons sanctioned between December 9, 2020 to August 2022, regarding whom prosecutions are yet to commence.
Reading the petition on behalf of the group, Alfreda Joe pointed out that the abuse of entrusted power and authority for private gain is pervasive in Liberia and considered one of the major causes of the country’s gross underdevelopment and poverty-stricken conditions of its citizens, despite the country being endowed with natural and other valuable resources
Joe further stated that the Government of Liberia (GOL), supported by international partners, citizens, and other stakeholders, has established key anti-graft institutions and passed key laws, including the New Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission Act of 2022, Whistleblowers Protection Act, Witness Protection Act, and the amended Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
She maintained that Liberia has signed up to key international anti-corruption frameworks to fight against corruption in Liberia, such as United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) as well as developed the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD), particularly Pillar 4 on Governance and Transparency.
“Despite these efforts, the fight against corruption in Liberia remains challenged and undermined by several factors, including, but not limited to, low budgetary and logistical support to public integrity institutions, weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws and policies, the absence and limitation of key laws and institutions for dealing with corruption in Liberia, and limited political will to decisively act against public officials and other individuals at the center of allegations of corruption that undermine Liberia’s democracy and citizens’ interest,” Joe observed.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Cllr. Alexandra Zoe, has pledged more robust action in tracking the alleged corrupt officials.
