Truth vs. Spin—The Government Must Own Up to Its Default on World Bank Payment!

Our Dear Readers,

In the unfolding drama over Liberia’s debt obligations to the World Bank, we find ourselves compelled to speak truth to power, to defend the integrity of our reporting, and to remind the public and the government of our unyielding commitment to the truth.

On Friday, August 23, 2024, The Liberian Investigator published a well-researched and balanced story titled “World Bank Freezes Liberia’s Access to Funds over Unsettled Debt.” This story was not borne out of speculation, hearsay, or partisan slander, but out of rigorous journalism and a steadfast commitment to informing the Liberian people about matters of utmost national importance.

Our reporting was based on verified information provided by Michael Sahr, the External Affairs Officer of the World Bank. Mr. Sahr confirmed that the Liberian government’s access to World Bank funds had been suspended due to its failure to meet debt payment obligations—a failure that had persisted beyond the 60-day grace period stipulated by the World Bank. The timeline of this unfortunate incident is crystal clear: the World Bank’s suspension took effect on August 15, 2024; our inquiry was made on August 21, 2024; Mr. Sahr provided a response on August 22, 2024; and our story was published on August 23, 2024.

Yet, despite the clarity of the facts, the Liberian government has reacted with a dismissive and disingenuous response, attempting to undermine our credibility by insinuating that our report was inaccurate. The government’s statement claims that it is current on its payments and admonishes the media to “carefully verify information before publication.” This attempt to cast doubt on our reporting raises serious questions: If the World Bank itself confirmed the suspension of Liberia’s drawing rights due to non-payment, on what basis does the government claim that it is up-to-date with its obligations?

This contradiction between the government’s narrative and the World Bank’s official position demands scrutiny. Did the World Bank mislead The Liberian Investigator, or is the government attempting to manipulate public perception by downplaying its financial mismanagement? We leave it to the public to draw their own conclusions based on the facts.

The government’s assertion that it has settled its obligations to the International Development Association (IDA) with payments totaling US$44.26 million since President Joseph Nyumah Boakai took office does not negate the reality of the World Bank’s suspension. The government’s belated attempt to clarify its financial standing only after our report was published does little to change the fact that it had defaulted on its commitments, triggering the suspension.

In light of these developments, we urge the Liberian government to approach matters of public interest with transparency and honesty. The Liberian people deserve nothing less. The role of the media is not to appease the government but to hold it accountable, to ensure that the truth prevails, and to safeguard the interests of the nation.

The Liberian Investigator stands by its reporting. We remain committed to the highest standards of journalistic integrity and will continue to report the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for those in power. We urge the government to address the root of the issue—its financial obligations to international partners—rather than attempting to shift the narrative and cast aspersions on the media.

In these times, when misinformation can so easily spread, we call on all Liberians to remain vigilant, to demand accountability, and to seek the truth, for it is only through a well-informed public that our democracy can thrive.

This is The Liberian Investigator, In Pursuit of Truth and Integrity.

Lennart Dodoo
Managing Editor