MONROVIA – Liberia’s House of Representatives is set to review a contentious Concession and Access Agreement (CAA) between the government and Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd., amidst concerns over the deal’s compliance with a bilateral agreement between Liberia and Guinea. The agreement, which has been criticized for its secrecy and questionable terms, has sparked widespread outcry among Liberians, with some accusing the government of prioritizing foreign interests over national sovereignty. Sinoe County District #3 Representative S. Alex Noah, has also being weighing in on the controversial deals, as The Analyst reports.
Hon. Alex S. Noah, Representative of District #3, Sinoe County, has submitted a communication to the House of Representatives requesting a committee review of the Concession and Access Agreement (CAA) between the Government of Liberia and Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd.
In his letter, Hon. Noah highlights concerns over the potential non-compliance of the agreement with the Liberia-Guinea Implementation Agreement, which governs the framework for cross-border use of rail and port infrastructure.
“It is essential that this House verifies whether the institutional and procedural steps were followed prior to signing the CAA,” Hon. Noah states.
He is requesting that the relevant committees obtain documentary proof that the Monitoring Committee and Inter-Ministerial Committee were duly constituted as per the Implementation Agreement.
He also asks his colleagues to verify whether these committees were engaged in the review and appraisal of the Request for Access as required by the Implementation Agreement.
According to Hon. Noah, the committees should examine whether there has been any engagement or communication between Liberia and Guinea leading to the consummation of the Access Agreement.
He emphasized that the committees should report their findings to Plenary before any ratification decision is taken.
“This step will help the Legislature protect Liberia’s credibility, avoid diplomatic missteps, and ensure full compliance with the Implementation Agreement signed between our two nations,” Hon. Noah states in his communication.
The committees tasked with reviewing the agreement include the Committee on Lands, Mines & Energy, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Committee on Transportation, and the Committee on Judiciary.
At the onset of his communication, the Sinoe County District #3 lawmaker said: “I bring to your attention the recently executed Concession and Access Agreement (CAA) between the Government of Liberia and Ivanhoe Liberia (HPX/SMFG), which has been laid before this Honorable House for ratification.
“The Implementation Agreement (LA) signed on October 21, 2019 between Liberia and Guinea and ratified May 2021 governs the framework for cross-border use of rail and port infrastructure. Under Articles 5.1 to 5.8, Requests for Access must be jointly reviewed by the Monitoring and Inter Ministerial Committees, whose Appraisal guides Liberia’s decision. Article 5.4 then obligates Liberia to decide within thirty (30) business days (or ninety (90) days where works are involved), and if delayed, to inform the Monitoring Committee to reach a new consensus timeline.
“Furthermore, Articles 9.2.3-9.2.5 mandate that the Monitoring Committee reports to the Inter-
Ministerial Committee, which after analysis and approval transmits its recommendations to both Governments; Each Party must then enforce proposals endorsed by both Parties.”
Given these treaty requirements, he emphasized, “it is essential that this House verifies whether the institutional and procedural steps were followed prior to signing the CAA. To that end, I respectfully request that you instruct the relevant Committees notably the Committee on Lands, Mines & Energy, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Committee of Transportation, and the Committee on Judiciary”