Liberia: Businessman Urges Boakai to Revoke Weah’s Executive Order No. 124 on Rubber
Gabriel S. Roberts, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Global Industries Group of Companies Inc., has made a fervent plea to President Joseph N. Boakai, urging him to swiftly revoke Executive Order No. 124, issued by former President George M. Weah in November 2023.
Roberts contends that the executive order, purportedly aimed at curbing abuses in Liberia’s rubber sector, is, in fact, a tool manipulated by influential figures within the rubber industry to stifle local businesses and manipulate market dynamics.
The order, which imposed a ban on the exportation of unprocessed natural rubber, has severely impacted Roberts' Liberian-owned company, causing substantial financial losses and leaving hundreds of tons of rubber stockpiled.
“This moratorium is affecting local farmers and truckers, including APM Terminals and other shipping lines, and with this kind of illegal executive order No. (124), it is not good for us because, in our minds, it is against job creation for our young people,” he said.
The CEO alleges that the ban disproportionately favors foreign interests over the livelihoods of Liberian rubber farmers and workers.
Roberts said, “This executive order is illegal, and it is intended to back foreign businesses instead of poor Liberian rubber farmers.”
His company, established with an investment of US$1.5 million, not only engages in rubber buying and exportation but also endeavors to empower smallholder farmers and stimulate economic growth in the region.
Speaking passionately at a news conference in Margibi County, Roberts emphasized the detrimental effects of the moratorium on local farmers, truckers, and the broader economy.
He accused larger entities in the rubber sector, including Firestone, of exploiting smallholder farmers for years, perpetuating a cycle of economic injustice.
Expressing confidence in President Boakai’s commitment to agriculture, Roberts anticipates decisive action to rescind the executive order and foster a conducive environment for the Liberian rubber industry to thrive.
His sentiments were echoed by Gabriel Monger Zarwea, who pledged unwavering support for agricultural initiatives under President Boakai's leadership.
Employees of the American Global Industries Group of Companies Inc., Shintel B. Howard and Thomas Forte, voiced their frustration over the dire consequences of the executive order on their livelihoods. They implored President Boakai to intervene promptly to alleviate their financial hardships.
Despite a prior attempt by the government in 2008 to address challenges in the rubber sector through Executive Order No. 16, the underlying issues persist, underscoring the urgency for decisive action to safeguard the interests of local stakeholders.
As tensions escalate in Liberia's rubber industry, all eyes remain on President Boakai as stakeholders await his response to the impassioned plea for intervention.