Monrovia – The Authorities of Liberia has introduced plans to return 35 earth-moving machines, generally known as “yellow machines,” that have been imported beneath a controversial association negotiated by Minister of State with out Portfolio Mamaka Bility, as a newly negotiated procurement deal nears completion—rekindling public concern over wasteful spending and weak due diligence.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Info Minister Jerolinmek Piah disclosed the choice through the Ministry of Info’s common press briefing, saying the return of the gear adopted a settlement reached with the provider.
“When the yellow machines story began, 35 yellow machines have been introduced into this nation,” Piah mentioned. “Based mostly on the settlement that was reached between us and the individuals who introduced these machines—which didn’t embody any buy—no cash was paid for them. We agreed that we are going to take these 35 items of machines again as a result of we have now a special association beneath which new machines are coming.”
Piah insisted that the federal government incurred no monetary obligation for the preliminary batch and emphasised that there have been “no points in any respect” with the machines themselves.
Deal That Sparked Public Outcry
Minister Bility had earlier been tasked to barter the acquisition of 285 items of earth-moving gear to deal with Liberia’s deteriorating street infrastructure. The deal, nonetheless, rapidly got here beneath intense scrutiny after it emerged that it didn’t adjust to established public procurement legal guidelines, triggering widespread criticism from lawmakers, civil society organizations, and transparency advocates.
Regardless of the controversy, a primary batch of 35 machines was imported into Liberia in July 2024 and parked at a navy barracks, the place they remained unused following public backlash.
President’s Letter Deepens Controversy
Efforts by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to make clear the matter additional infected public debate. In a communication learn in each chambers of the fifty fifth Legislature, the President acknowledged that no settlement had been reached to buy the yellow machines, contradicting widespread public notion.
The President defined that the initiative originated from a dialog with a long-time pal who shared his dedication to the ARREST Agenda and supplied to supply the gear on what he described as a goodwill foundation and a “gentleman’s settlement.”
“The initiative originated from a dialog between me and a long-time pal who shares a dedication to the ARREST Agenda,” Boakai wrote. “He supplied to supply gear in good religion and on a gentleman’s settlement.”
Blended Legislative Reactions
Within the Senate, reactions have been measured, with Nimba County Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. shifting to just accept the President’s disclosure and refer it to the Senate Committee on Govt for monitoring.
The response within the Home of Representatives, nonetheless, was way more essential. Lawmakers, together with James Kolleh, Frank Saah Foko, and Clarence Gahr questioned the sincerity and legality of the method. Even ruling-party legislators expressed dissatisfaction.
Rep. Prescilla Abram Cooper (District #5, Montserrado County) mentioned the episode contradicted the administration’s marketing campaign guarantees.
“Authorities can’t be primarily based on friendship. There are legal guidelines and these legal guidelines must be adopted to the letter,” Cooper mentioned. “This Legislature is being neglected.”
Criticism From Allies and Opposition
Outdoors the Legislature, former Auditor Common John Morlu, a supporter of President Boakai, urged the President to apologize and regularize the method, warning of reputational harm.
“As soon as you’re taking custody, the dangers and possession have handed to you,” Morlu mentioned. “You can not conduct authorities enterprise primarily based on friendship and gentleman’s agreements. All this reeks of corruption and lack of accountability.”
The opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) additionally faulted the President’s letter, noting that it did not establish the alleged “pal” and warning of potential contingent liabilities for the state.
New Deal Below Koung
Amid the uproar, President Boakai eliminated the method from Bility’s oversight and appointed Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung to guide a brand new committee to renegotiate the acquisition.
The Koung-led committee has since concluded negotiations for a brand new batch of machines, with Evergreen Import and Export (Liberia) Company, a Chinese language-linked agency, sourcing the gear from SHANTUI Firm in China. The method included a number of evaluations, together with a 2025 delegation to China led by Vice President Koung.
Authorities officers say the renegotiated deal adopted procurement necessities and prioritized cost-effectiveness and financial self-discipline.
Machines Already En Route
The Ministry of Public Works has announced that 134 machines, the primary batch of the newly negotiated 285-unit fleet, departed China on January 15, 2026, and are anticipated to reach on the Free Port of Monrovia inside 45 to 50 days.
The cargo contains bulldozers, excavators, low-bed trailers, gas and water tankers, service vehicles, and utility pickup automobiles. A second cargo is anticipated later this month.
New Association, Previous Questions
Whereas the federal government insists that no cash was misplaced through the aborted deal, critics argue the episode exposes critical weaknesses in decision-making, oversight, and adherence to procurement legal guidelines.
Public concern has additionally centered on the undisclosed logistical and administrative prices related to transporting, storing, and returning the preliminary machines.
Because the Boakai administration strikes ahead with the brand new association, transparency advocates say restoring public belief will rely not solely on lawful procurement but in addition on clear accountability for the way the preliminary deal was allowed to proceed.
