Senator Cyrus Blames Past Lawmakers For Liberia’s Economic Woes

Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus has strongly criticized former Liberian senators for signing concession agreements that have hindered the country’s development.

He argues that Liberia’s wealth has been mismanaged due to these wrongful contracts, which he claims were signed for personal gains rather than national interest.

Speaking to reporters, Senator Cyrus expressed deep disappointment in past legislators, stating that despite Liberia’s abundant natural resources, the country remains underdeveloped due to unfavorable deals with foreign companies.

He believes that these contracts have weakened Liberia’s economy, reduced job opportunities, and limited infrastructure growth.

Cyrus has vowed to fight for contract reviews and cancellations, particularly targeting major agreements such as APM Terminals and Western Cluster.

He insists that these deals were not negotiated in Liberia’s favor and have only benefited foreign investors and a few privileged politicians.

"Many of these contracts were signed without considering their long-term impact on the country. We must now correct these mistakes and ensure that future agreements bring real benefits to the Liberian people," Cyrus stated.

He added that it is time for the Senate to exercise greater oversight and accountability over national resources.

The Lofa County senator is leading efforts to review Liberia’s major concession agreements and determine whether they should be renegotiated or scrapped altogether.

He argues that Liberia must adopt a new economic approach that prioritizes fair trade and national development over quick financial gains.

Cyrus also criticized the lack of transparency in past contract negotiations, stating that many deals were signed without proper consultation with experts and stakeholders.

He called for greater public involvement in future concession discussions to ensure that all agreements align with Liberia’s economic vision.

Despite his criticism of past lawmakers, Senator Cyrus praised Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, commending her leadership and commitment to national reform.

He believes that under her guidance, the Senate is becoming more active in addressing the country’s economic challenges.

The senator’s remarks have sparked a renewed debate about the need for stronger governance in Liberia’s concession sector. Many analysts argue that past administrations have been too lenient in signing contracts without ensuring local communities benefit from these agreements.

With mounting pressure from lawmakers like Cyrus, the future of major concession deals remains uncertain. If these contracts are revisited, Liberia could see a significant shift in its economic policies, ensuring that agreements are structured to favor national development rather than political interests.

As the Senate prepares to take action, Senator Cyrus remains firm in his stance, stating, "I will continue to speak truth to power and ensure that Liberia’s wealth is used for the benefit of its people, not just a privileged few."