-Secretary General Calls Liberian Government’s Claim “Devoid of Truth”
Monrovia – The Mano River Union (MRU) has strongly denied claims that it is financing the construction of a US$10 million Presidential Villa in Foya District, Lofa County, the hometown of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., describing the assertion as “devoid of truth.”
The denial comes after Daniel Sando, Deputy Presidential Spokesman, stated earlier this week that the controversial project was an MRU-funded initiative, positioned in Foya due to its geographic proximity to Guinea and Sierra Leone.
But in a sharply worded statement issued over the weekend, MRU Secretary General, Ambassador Simeon Moribah, said the Union has no plans—now or in the foreseeable future—to construct presidential residences in any member state.
“We want to be very clear: this claim is devoid of truth,” Moribah stressed. “Constructing Presidential Palaces is not on our agenda for the next two decades. Our focus remains on improving the lives of our citizens through collaborative efforts in trade, security, and human development.”
Background of the Controversy
The project, reported to have begun in September 2024 under the supervision of MUSNS Groups Incorporated—a firm reportedly linked to close associates of President Boakai—has drawn widespread criticism from civil society groups, including the National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE).
NAYMOTE’s Executive Director, Eddie D. Jarwolo, questioned the project’s necessity and transparency, arguing that US$10 million could instead be used to create jobs through industrial investment or to improve public services in Lofa County.
Adding to the unease, the source of the project’s financing has never been clearly disclosed, while State Security officers have reportedly guarded the construction site.
The revelation by Sando that the MRU was allegedly behind the project was initially seen as an attempt to ease public concern. Instead, the MRU’s outright denial appears to have intensified demands for clarity and accountability.
Call for Accurate Reporting
Ambassador Moribah emphasized that the MRU remains focused on its founding mission of fostering peace, integration, and development among Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, and cautioned officials against misleading the public.
“We urge everyone to disregard the misleading information and rumors surrounding this matter,” he said. “We believe in the importance of accurate reporting and responsible comments that truly reflect our regional values and goals.”
Public Demands for Transparency
Civil society actors have renewed their calls for an independent investigation into the Foya project, urging international partners—including the European Union, the U.S. Embassy, and ECOWAS—to press for accountability in light of the conflicting statements.
For now, as the MRU distances itself from the villa’s construction, the controversy continues to fuel debate about governance, transparency, and priorities under the Boakai administration.
