Capitol Hill, Monrovia (The Saharaa) – Following Commerce Minister Amin Modad’s announcement that the Liberian government has agreed to importers’ demands to raise the price of rice, the House of Representatives has summoned the Ministers of Commerce and Agriculture to a full plenary session next Tuesday, May 28. The motion, introduced by Rep. Ellen Attoh Wreh (District #3, Margibi County) and amended, requires Minister Modad and Agriculture Minister Alexander Nuetah to explain the rationale behind the price hike and present sustainable solutions to the longstanding rice issue.
This decision came after separate communications from Reps. Frank Saah Foko (District #9, Montserrado County) and Matthew Fairplay Joe (District #3, Grand Bassa County) urged the House to summon the Commerce Minister. The lawmakers cautioned that increasing rice prices, a sensitive issue in Liberia’s history should be carefully considered to avoid negative impacts.
Rep. Foko highlighted the historical significance, recalling the April 14, 1979 rice price proposal that led to violent riots and eventually the 1980 coup. He warned that the new price increase could exacerbate hardships for impoverished Liberians and widen the gap between rich and poor. Minister Modad clarified that the price increase to US$18.50 only affects Indian parboiled rice and not other varieties, which will remain at US$16 for a 25kg bag.
However, Rep. Foko and other lawmakers, including Rep. Joe, expressed concerns over the impact on rural areas and the potential for broader commodity price hikes. They stressed that rice, being a staple food, must be treated with urgency to prevent instability.
Rep. Joe questioned why the previous administration managed to maintain stable rice prices despite similar challenges and called for detailed information from Minister Modad. The lawmakers are not convinced by the government’s explanation, emphasizing the need to avoid repeating past mistakes that led to civil unrest.
In a historical context, rice has played a crucial role in Liberia’s political landscape. The 1979 rice price proposal led to deadly riots, severely damaging the then-government’s credibility and contributing to the 1980 coup and subsequent civil war. Successive governments have since favored rice imports over local production, maintaining subsidies to stabilize prices.
Rep. Joe and other lawmakers invoked the memory of the 1979 riots, stressing the importance of handling the rice price issue with care. During the debate, lawmakers had mixed reactions, with some questioning the rationale behind the price increase and others urging collaboration with the Executive to find a solution.
Amidst the controversy, the Executive Mansion announced on Facebook that President Boakai, after meeting with rice importers, declared there would be no rice price increase, though details of the meeting were not disclosed.
