Gongloe warns presidency could be “outsourced” if corruption persists

Published: September 12, 2025

MONROVIA  — Former presidential candidate and human rights lawyer Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has warned that the presidency itself could be outsourced if the government fails to curb the alleged practice of selling public offices and permits to the highest bidder.

Speaking Wednesday to a cross section of Liberians in central Monrovia, Gongloe accused the current administration of continuing practices he said began under former President George Weah, where government jobs and functions were allegedly sold to generate money.

“This thing started under the regime of former President Weah, and we thought the Rescue Government would stop it, but it is still continuing,” said Gongloe, who finished outside the top tier in the 2023 elections.

Gongloe alleged that a foreign company is illegally issuing work and resident permits in Liberia, a violation of the constitution, and warned that such practices undermine Liberian sovereignty while deepening unemployment. He claimed Turkish and Slovenian nationals currently occupy senior positions in foreign companies that should be held by Liberians.

“If this continues, the office of the president and the national legislature will be outsourced to another foreign company so that the president will be working from home,” Gongloe said, expressing frustration that successive governments have failed to protect jobs for citizens.

The Liberian People’s Party political leader also dismissed corruption allegations made against him by expelled members of the party’s youth league. Gongloe said his 2023 presidential campaign was financed primarily by himself and his wife, rejecting claims that he misused funds.

“I cannot say anything other than my campaign was financed by my wife and myself. I don’t know what the young man is talking about,” he said.

Gongloe added that while in the United States during the campaign, some Liberians pledged support but failed to fulfill their commitments. “During fundraising, people would pledge $1,000 on live video, but we never received it. Too many people made pledges just for show,” he said.

Despite limited resources, Gongloe said he was proud that his campaign reached nearly every district and town. He noted that the Liberian People’s Party submitted its full campaign financing report to the National Elections Commission as required by law.