Liberian Senator Accuses Lawmakers of Taking Foreign Company Kickbacks

Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus of Lofa County accused members of the Liberian National Legislature of accepting bribes and kickbacks to approve concession agreements and protect foreign companies. Speaking in Monrovia, Cyrus, who chairs the Senate Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence and Veterans Affairs, claimed that lawmakers prioritize personal financial gain over national interests, which he argued contributes to the country's development challenges.

Cyrus specifically questioned the benefits of agreements involving APM Terminals, MedTech, Liberia Traffic Management, and the Cargo Tracking Note arrangement. He urged his colleagues to act with patriotism and integrity, stating that "most of the contracts that have been negotiated, people are getting kickbacks."

Despite the severity of the claims, Cyrus did not name specific lawmakers or provide documentary evidence to support the allegations. The claims remain unproven.