Civil Society Slams Gov’t
By Domingo Dargbeh
A civil society coalition has accused the government for ‘withholding crucial information’ regarding a US$1.8 billion concession agreement signed with Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd., previously known as HPX.
The deal, which reportedly grants long-term access to the country’s rail and port infrastructure for the transportation of Guinean iron ore, was reportedly signed on Sunday, July 6, without any public announcement. Notably, it was the U.S. Embassy that first broke the news to the public.
“This level of secrecy is unacceptable,” stated Joseph Miller, head of the National Civil Society Coalition, during a media briefing on Tuesday in Monrovia. “No one in government has explained how the US$1.8 billion figure was derived or what benefits the country will receive in return.
“This is a significant concern.” The coalition raised questions about the nature of the deal, including whether it involves any upfront cash payments, whether the total amount represents projected investments or is linked to speculative mineral values, and why the focus is on staged payments of US$10 million and US$15 million in a deal valued in billions.
Controversially, the agreement reportedly allows Ivanhoe to transport up to 30 million tons of Guinean iron ore annually via the country’s railway system—six times the five million tons per annum requested by Guinea in 2019.
Critics warn that this could monopolize rail access, potentially sidelining smaller Liberian mining companies. “What happens to Liberian producers if most of the rail is handed over to a foreign company for Guinean ore?” Miller argued. “Have we even assessed the full capacity of the rail system?” The timing of the agreement, signed just hours before President Joseph Boakai’s departed the country for Washington, has led to speculation about its links to broader political or diplomatic negotiations. The government has yet to convene a press conference or release the full contract for public examination. Civil society organizations said the lack of transparency surrounding the 25-year agreement raises serious governance issues. They are meanwhile, demanding an immediate halt to the ratification process until the deal is publicly disclosed and thoroughly reviewed. “This isn’t just another business contract,” Miller said. “It reshapes our infrastructure, our economy, and our future. Liberians have a right to know what’s in it. “The coalition has also called on the National Investment Commission and the Ministry of Finance, to clarify the deal’s terms and implications in a public forum, urging the Legislature to reject any efforts to ratify the agreement without adequate review.
Several groups, including the Coalition for Transparent Development, the Center for Public Accountability, and the Liberia Civil Rights Network, support this demand.
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