-CSO-TJBP Warns Against Reduced Equity, Calls for Transparency and Community Benefits
MONROVIA – A coalition of Liberian civil society organizations has issued a strong warning over the proposed amendment to the ArcelorMittal Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), urging lawmakers and the executive to prioritize national interests, community rights, and fiscal transparency.
The Civil Society Tax Justice and Budget Platform (CSO-TJBP), a coalition focused on tax justice, budget accountability, and equitable natural resource governance, released the statement ahead of submission of the proposed MDA amendment to Liberia’s 55th Legislature for ratification.
Equity Share “Non-Negotiable”
CSO-TJBP categorically rejects any reduction of Liberia’s equity stake in ArcelorMittal from 30 percent to 15 percent. The coalition emphasized that, after nearly two decades of operations, Liberia has seen minimal benefits from its current stake. Lowering the equity share would deprive the nation of much-needed revenues for development projects.
Jobs, Skills Transfer, and Labor Rights
The Platform highlighted persistent concerns over employment and labor rights, noting that managerial and technical positions continue to be dominated by expatriates. The new MDA, CSO-TJBP insists, must include clear provisions to increase Liberian employment, enforce skills transfer programs, ensure gender-sensitive hiring, and guarantee safe and fair working conditions.
Land Rights and Community Compensation
Communities in Nimba County, where ArcelorMittal operates, have repeatedly raised concerns over land use, inadequate compensation, and lack of consultation. The civil society coalition demands transparent, timely compensation, and robust resettlement frameworks that respect the rights and dignity of affected landowners and farmers.
Revenue, Development, and Accountability
CSO-TJBP criticized ArcelorMittal’s record of declaring operational losses despite favorable global markets, which limits dividends to Liberia. The coalition called for strict mechanisms to ensure the company pays fair taxes and royalties, with independent verification by Liberian experts. It also urged mandatory long-term investments in health, education, and infrastructure projects for affected communities.
Environmental Protections
The statement called for a new Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for planned expansion projects. Climate resilience must be integrated into mine design, closure, and rehabilitation, CSO-TJBP emphasized, warning that failure to update environmental safeguards could expose Liberia to long-term ecological risks.
Reforming the Community Development Fund
The coalition criticized the existing Community Development Fund (CDF) for weak governance and limited community participation. CSO-TJBP insists that the amended MDA must empower communities directly in decision-making, ensuring transparency and preventing elite capture.
Transparency and Public Scrutiny
The civil society platform stressed that negotiations must be open and participatory, with draft agreements publicly disclosed before submission to the Legislature. CSO-TJBP warned against backroom deals, emphasizing that citizen oversight is essential for maintaining trust and protecting national interests.
Lessons from Past Violations
CSO-TJBP pointed to past breaches under ArcelorMittal’s operations, including limited local employment, inadequate skills transfer, and weak compliance with environmental and social responsibilities. The coalition warned that these failures must guide stronger negotiating positions, rather than justify weaker terms that disadvantage Liberia.
Support for Legislative Vigilance
The coalition commended the 54th Legislature for rejecting the previous ArcelorMittal MDA amendment, citing civil society advocacy led by Integrity Watch Liberia. CSO-TJBP called on the 55th Legislature to maintain similar vigilance and reject any agreement that reduces Liberia’s equity, undermines community rights, or compromises fiscal sovereignty.
Conclusion
“Liberia cannot afford another bad deal,” the statement said. CSO-TJBP affirmed that any new MDA must safeguard Liberia’s 30 percent equity share, secure jobs and fair compensation for Liberians, generate revenues for development, and deliver tangible investments in social infrastructure—all within a transparent and participatory process.
The Platform concluded by offering to collaborate with the Legislature, the Executive, and development partners to ensure the MDA serves Liberia’s long-term interests.
