Liberia National Budget: Lawmakers 30K Resurfaces Under New Budget Line Amidst Anti-Corruption Efforts?

In a move that has raised eyebrows, the Liberian legislature has introduced a contentious new budget line item within the national budget. This development comes in the wake of President Joseph Boakai’s election victory in 2023, which was largely predicated on his commitment to RESCURE Liberia from the perceived corruption of former President Weah’s and other administrations.

The budget line in question, dubbed the “District Development Project,” allocates usual sum of $3.6 million, likely to grant each lawmaker a disbursement of $30,000. This allocation occurs against the backdrop of the Liberian populace grappling with the strains of daily life.

Recollections of a similar allocation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was met with significant public disapproval, have resurfaced, casting a shadow over the current administration’s anti-corruption promises. The recent budget, having been ratified by the House of Representatives and receiving President Boakai’s signature, has now been formalized into a handbill.

However, this which seems to be a controversial decision, the President and lawmakers have opted to reassign the funds previously earmarked for ‘Legislative Engagement and Public Accessibility’ to the newly created “District Development Project.” This shift suggests that the initial $3.6 million allocation may once again be distributed among lawmakers, mirroring past practices that have been a source of contention---business as usual.

This unfolding situation poses a challenge to President Boakai’s administration as it seeks to navigate the delicate balance between development initiatives and maintaining the integrity of its anti-corruption stance.

This situation necessitates a transparent and detailed clarification from the government regarding the allocation of the $3.6 million. It is imperative to ascertain whether these funds are intended for district development or for the lawmakers themselves. Additionally, the inclusion of County Development Funds in the National Budget, alongside other pivotal issues, bears significant implications for the government’s anti-corruption initiatives. These matters warrant thorough examination and public discourse to uphold the administration’s commitment to integrity and reform.