The U.S. Department of Treasury has taken decisive action against corruption, issuing sanctions against Samuel Tweah, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, and Senators Albert Chie and Emmanuel Nuquay. These measures, enacted under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023, underscore the United States’ commitment to combatting corruption on a global scale.
The sanctions respond to serious allegations of abuse of public office by Minister Samuel Tweah, Senator Albert Chie, and Senator Emmanuel Nuquay. The trio is accused of soliciting, accepting, and offering bribes to manipulate legislative processes and public funding, including activities within the mining sector. Notably, immediate family members, including spouses and minor children, are also included in the sanctions.
This move aligns with the broader international effort to hold individuals accountable for corrupt practices and human rights abuses. The announcement coincided with the opening of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption, emphasizing a united front against corruption on a global scale.
The U.S. Department of Treasury’s actions extended beyond Liberia, designating Mayor of Monrovia, Jefferson Koijee, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13818. Jefferson Koijee faces accusations of serious human rights abuses and corruption, including bribery and misappropriation of state assets. The allegations further claim that he pressured anti-corruption investigators to halt their inquiries.
These sanctions, part of a comprehensive initiative, reinforce the commitment of the United States to address corruption and human rights abuses. Over 30 individuals are designated under Section 7031(c), while the Department of the Treasury designates two individuals and 44 entities under E.O. 13818. The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, underlying E.O. 13818, empowers the U.S. to target entities and individuals involved in corruption and human rights violations.
Section 7031(c) mandates that foreign officials with credible links to significant corruption or gross human rights violations are generally ineligible for entry into the United States. This provision reinforces the necessity of public or private designation of such officials, promoting transparency and accountability in the global fight against corruption.