Monrovia – The Motion for Financial Empowerment (MOVEE) has condemned the arrest of its Political Chief, Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., describing the motion as politically motivated and undemocratic.
By Willie N. Tokpah
Ambassador Kemayah was arrested early Thursday morning, June 26, by officers of the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP), who reportedly surrounded his residence earlier than taking him to court docket.
His arrest is tied to an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of humanitarian rice donated by the King Salman Humanitarian Help and Reduction Heart in 2023.
The rice—totaling 29,412 luggage and valued at US$425,918—was meant for catastrophe victims however was allegedly diverted below the watch of key authorities officers, together with Kemayah.
The previous Overseas Minister now faces prices together with theft of property, financial sabotage, and misuse of public workplace, as a part of the federal government’s broader anti-corruption drive led by a particular job pressure.
In an announcement launched Thursday morning, MOVEE denounced the arrest as “arbitrary,” characterizing it as a deliberate try to silence a rising opposition voice. The occasion additionally accused the Unity Social gathering (UP)-led authorities of utilizing state safety establishments to intimidate its political opponents.
“The usage of frivolous prices and unproven allegations to go after opposition leaders is an assault on our democracy,” stated MOVEE Secretary-Normal Jeremiah Paye within the occasion’s official response.
“Simply days after MOVEE celebrated the commencement of 41 ladies and ladies from our vocational coaching program, this authorities selected to strike at Ambassador Kemayah’s laudable group work. This isn’t justice, it’s political persecution.”
Paye added, “Kemayah is our personal. We are going to defend him.”
The occasion is looking for the fast and unconditional launch of its normal bearer, arguing that the federal government lacks credible proof to justify his detention.
Ambassador Kemayah’s arrest comes as a part of a sweeping corruption investigation into the dealing with of humanitarian help acquired in April 2023. The rice donation was consigned to the Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Company (NDMA) for distribution to disaster-affected communities. Nonetheless, following months of investigation, authorities allege that important parts had been diverted for “private and political features.”
Kemayah is one among three prime officers arrested in reference to the scandal, together with Mary T. Broh, former GSA Director-Normal and Performing Monrovia Metropolis Mayor, and Henry O. Williams, present Government Director of the NDMA. These arrests are the primary indictments issued below the present anti-corruption crackdown.
Authorized analysts warn that the arrests might set off considerations over selective justice and lift questions in regards to the potential politicization of legislation enforcement.
The information has sparked sturdy reactions throughout political and civil society circles, with some fearing the transfer might set a precedent for politically influenced prosecutions.
Ambassador Kemayah is anticipated to seem earlier than Legal Court docket “C” for formal arraignment within the coming days. Sources inside the Particular Taskforce have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and will result in extra arrests.
For MOVEE, the timing of the arrest is especially delicate. The occasion not too long ago intensified its group outreach efforts, together with a vocational coaching and ladies’s empowerment program, which graduated over 40 ladies earlier this week.
“They’re making an attempt to cease what they will’t management,” stated Paye, reiterating the occasion’s perception that the arrest is a calculated try to derail MOVEE’s political momentum forward of the 2029 elections.
As Liberia continues to grapple with endemic corruption and fragile establishments, the federal government’s dealing with of this high-profile case might have lasting implications for the nation’s democratic and political panorama.
