HPX’S RAIL POWER GRAB EXPOSED -Hijacking Liberia’s Sovereignty Under Guise of ‘Independent’ Operations?

MONROVIA – A silent but potentially troubling ‘economic war’ is taking place right under the nose of policymakers and growth specialists, and it seems the nation is snoring on it. But before frequent media reports on the country’s northern railway struggle becomes monotonous and takes serious attention away, there is something upsetting to ponder—a company from the clear blue sky as far as Liberia’s post conflict recovery and development is concerned, is literally commandeering what others have spent sweat and tears in hard cash and skills to build, and it is doing so under the farce of promoting ‘independent operations’. As The Analyst reports, pundits have exposed the subterfuge, providing the context and enlightenment, lest stakeholders are deceived.    

Here is something to think about: Why is HPX obsessed with ousting ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) by 2030? What is the truth about their rail monopoly ambitions—and how they’re manipulating Liberia with lies about U.S. policy?

The Illusion of “Transportation Needs”

High Powered Exploration (HPX) has spent years masquerading as a champion of Liberian development, claiming its sole interest is to transport iron ore from Guinea via the Buchanan-Yekepa rail. But here’s the truth: Guinea is already building the Trans-Guinean Rail, a double-track line directly linking its iron ore reserves to the Conakry deep-water port.

This $15 billion project, backed by global mining giants like Rio Tinto, renders HPX’s “urgent need” for Liberian infrastructure utterly redundant. So why is HPX still pushing Liberia to sign a reckless agreement stripping AML of rail operatorship by 2030?

The Real Agenda: Rail Monopoly by Stealth

HPX’s actions reek of hypocrisy. For five years, they’ve insisted AML cannot remain the rail operator—despite AML’s proven track record of safe, transparent operations in Liberia. In Guinea, Rio Tinto will operate the Trans-Guinean Rail. Still in Guinea, the 139km bauxite rail is operated CBG which one of the users along with two other users (GAC and COBAD). Yet, HPX claims Liberia alone must appoint an “independent operator” by 2030. Why? Because HPX doesn’t want to use the rail—it wants to OPERATE it.

By forcing Liberia to sign away AML’s contract today, HPX aims to position itself, using the backdoor, as the rail’s “independent” operator, seizing control of a strategic national asset.

This isn’t about iron ore—it’s about monopolizing Liberia’s infrastructure to profit from other miners while sabotaging AML’s operations. If HPX truly cared about transportation, it would collaborate with AML to upgrade standards, not demand their expulsion as operator after AML has spent hundreds of millions rehabilitating rail after it laid in ruins for 25 years.

The U.S. Government Lie: A Desperate Scare Tactic

In a brazen act of deception, HPX has peddled the false narrative that the U.S. government demands Liberia appoint an “independent operator” or risk losing Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funds. This is a blatant lie.

The MCC compact was terminated globally by the U.S.—it has nothing to do with Liberia’s rail policy. Yet HPX continues to weaponize this dead program, even coercing a junior staffer in Mr. Boulos’ office to fabricate tweets amplified by U.S. Embassy accounts. Since when does America dictate who operates Liberian rails? This is neo-colonial manipulation at its worst.

Guinea’s Silent Rejection: HPX’s Plan Is Dead on Arrival

Let’s be clear: Guinea will never allow HPX to ship its iron ore through Liberia. The Trans-Guinean Rail ensures Guinea retains full control of its resources. HPX knows this—which is why their fixation on Liberia’s rail has nothing to do with Guinea. It’s a smokescreen to infiltrate Liberia’s infrastructure sector, weaken AML, and position HPX as the gatekeeper of a critical economic artery.

Liberia Must Resist This Corporate Coup

HPX’s diabolical scheme threatens Liberia’s sovereignty and economic stability. If AML operates the rail fairly and safely today, why dismantle a working system? Why hand over national assets to a company with zero rail expertise, whose true motive is control, not collaboration?

President Boakai’s administration must see through this charade. Signing HPX’s agreement would surrender Liberia’s future to a foreign entity exploiting fear and false promises. The people deserve transparency—not backroom deals crafted to enrich outsiders.

Call to Action

Liberians, wake up! HPX is not your ally. Demand accountability. Reject the rail takeover. Protect Liberia’s sovereignty—before it’s sold off to the highest bidder.