MONROVIA – A deep and public schism has erupted within the Liberian Legislature over the oversight of the nation’s largest private investment, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), exposing a fundamental debate over how the country should manage its natural resources and engage with international corporations. The conflict, pitting a vocal critic against a powerful legislative committee, strikes at the heart of Liberia’s economic stability and its quest for equitable development.
The controversy began when Nimba County Senator Nya D. Twayen, Jr. launched a scathing public critique against a delegation from the Joint Legislative Committee on Mineral Development Agreements (MDA). The committee was on an official oversight mission to AML’s concession area in Yekepa, Nimba County, to verify the company’s compliance with its agreement.
Senator Twayen questioned the very legitimacy of the committee’s trip, asserting that it lacked proper authorization from the Senate Leadership. “I read a statement from the ‘Joint Legislative Committee on MDA Compliance’ trying to justify their luxury trip to AML,” Twayen stated. “As of this post, there is no such authorization from the Senate Leadership.” He emphasized that only two joint committees—Public Accounts and Modernization—are permanently recognized, and any other requires explicit approval from both houses.
Beyond procedural objections, Senator Twayen levied serious allegations against the steel giant itself. He asserted that AML has admitted to instances of non-compliance, including unfulfilled infrastructure and community development obligations central to the Mineral Development Agreement. He framed the legislators’ visit not as oversight but as a “luxury tour” funded by the company, implying an attempt to whitewash its violations.
The senator’s rhetoric escalated into a firm ultimatum, vowing to block the concession’s renewal until the people of Nimba see tangible benefits. “As long as God gives me life to breathe, ArcelorMittal will not be renewed until they do the right thing for us to benefit from the company,” he declared. With the iron ore deposit estimated to last only 25 to 30 more years, Twayen warned that a renewal without full compliance would leave the region with nothing after decades of extraction.
In an unprecedented and lengthy rebuttal issued from Ganta, Nimba County, the Joint Legislative Committee on MDA Compliance, chaired by Senator Numene T. H. Bartekwa, categorically rejected Senator Twayen’s allegations. The committee clarified that its mission was an officially communicated and coordinated oversight visit, acting squarely within its statutory duties to perform on-site inspections.
The committee’s statement painted Twayen’s social media post as a “reckless campaign of misinformation and political agitation” that maligned the integrity of his colleagues. They stressed that their goal was fact-finding, not a pleasure trip, and invited Twayen to engage through proper legislative channels rather than public “grandstanding.”
The core of the committee’s argument laid out a philosophy of “constructive engagement” directly contrasting with Twayen’s confrontational approach. The lawmakers highlighted AML’s role as Liberia’s single largest private employer, providing over 5,000 jobs with an expansion promising thousands more. They argued that a posture of “reflexive hostility” would be irresponsible and dangerous, risking these livelihoods and scaring away future investment.
“We can hold AML’s ‘feet to the fire’ and demand compliance without resorting to public insults and threats that might prompt the company to scale back its operations to the detriment of our people,” the statement read. They cited President Joseph Boakai’s recent call for dialogue, reminding all parties that “there will always be issues with concessions, but we must sit around the table and solve them.”
The committee acknowledged the validity of the compliance concerns, noting that AML management had itself conceded to several shortfalls during recent Senate hearings, including unmet commitments to modern health centers and community development funds. They assured the public that their mission was precisely to document these lapses and demand remedies.
However, they firmly believe the path to accountability is through “balanced, solution-oriented leadership,” not “acrimony, vengeance, or personal grandstanding.” Their stated mission is to ensure obligations are met while also safeguarding the economic benefits and stability the investment provides.
This rift exposes a critical tension in post-war Liberia’s governance: the urgent need to assert national sovereignty and secure benefits from resource extraction versus the pragmatic reality of maintaining a stable investment climate in a fragile economy. The outcome of this dispute will set a powerful precedent for how Liberia negotiates with all foreign investors.
The committee concluded with a call for unity, urging Senator Twayen to join them in a constructive, unified effort. “We can ensure that the company’s expansion translates into real improvements in ordinary Liberians’ lives… That is our focus: to remove barriers and open opportunities for the struggling people of Liberia.”
As the committee continues its inspection in Yekepa, the nation watches. The resolution of this conflict will determine not only the future of ArcelorMittal in Liberia but also signal to the world whether the country is open for business on terms that truly benefit its people.
