Monrovia, Liberia – The Council of Patriots (CDC-COP) has launched scathing allegations against the Joseph N. Boakai administration, accusing it of corruption and neglect in the face of soaring rice prices. In a press release issued today, the CDC-COP condemned the government’s failure to subsidize rice importation, leading to increased hardships for the Liberian people.
The statement, signed by the National Executive Council of the CDC-COP, criticized Minister of Commerce Amin Modad’s characterization of rice importers as an untouchable cartel. The CDC-COP alleges that Modad’s dual role as Commerce Minister and CEO of a rice importing venture represents a clear conflict of interest, violating the country’s Code of Conduct and undermining public trust.
Furthermore, the CDC-COP challenged the government’s explanation that the rice price hike is solely due to Indian taxation fees, citing Dr. George Manneh Weah’s previous efforts to subsidize rice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC-COP asserts that Weah’s administration allocated over US$15 million to ensure affordable rice prices, contrasting sharply with the Boakai administration’s perceived indifference to the plight of ordinary Liberians.
“The refusal of the Boakai administration to subsidize rice imports is a deliberate act of collusion with importers to line their pockets with kickbacks,” the statement reads. “Dr. Weah demonstrated leadership by prioritizing the welfare of the people over personal gain, a stark contrast to the current administration’s profit-driven agenda.”
The CDC-COP called on President Boakai to emulate Dr. Weah’s leadership by returning any kickbacks received from rice importers and initiating immediate discussions to subsidize rice imports. The statement highlights the urgent need for government intervention to alleviate the burden on ordinary Liberians, who are disproportionately affected by the rising cost of rice.
In response to Minister Modad’s announcement of a further rice price increase to US$20, the CDC-COP vowed to stand in solidarity with the Liberian people in their quest for economic justice. The organization pledged to mobilize support for peaceful demonstrations and advocacy efforts to hold the government accountable for its actions.
