Liberia: FDA Employees Demand New MD Merab’s Removal
Employees are calling for the head of the newly appointed FDA Managing Director, Rudolph Merab
— As protest rocks entity
The headquarters of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) was a scene of intense protest on Wednesday, March 20, as employees of the entity demanded the removal of the newly appointed Managing Director, Rudolph Merab.
The protesters expressed discontent over what they viewed as arbitrary dismissals and unauthorized transfers of their colleagues by Merab since his appointment in the past two months. The employees considered their MD’s action as a show of disrespect towards them, especially after many years of service.
The situation got tense as the protest spread to the main corridors linking the commercial hub of Red Light and Kakata.
Some of the protesters told reporters that Merab has no regard for employees as he often insults them anytime and in any manner.
“We are protesting here today for our rights. The new MD doesn’t respect people, he speaks profanities towards people any way, anyhow. He does not regard people,” one of the protesters said. “He has made this place uncomfortable for us. No one is at peace, and so he needs to go.”
Another protester noted that Merab has been targeting staff since he took over, transferring employees from one end to the other without any given reasons. “This is unfair. We cannot target people in such a way. Everyone came here with specific skills. You cannot be sending people to places [where] they will not be effective,” he said.
President Joseph Boakai appointed Rudolph Merab, a wartime business partner of ex-President Charles Taylor, as the Managing Director of FDA in February 2024. Merab’s appointment has raised concerns due to his past involvement in logging scandals and his controversial background.
Despite taking office over a month ago, there are uncertainties surrounding Merab’s eligibility to lead the FDA, as his previous logging activities during Liberia’s civil wars may conflict with FDA regulations.
Campaigners have called for adherence to educational qualifications outlined in the FDA Act for the agency’s head to have a background in forestry. Merab’s appointment is seen by many as an obstacle in shaping the future of Liberia’s forestry sector, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for someone with the requisite skills and expertise to lead industry reforms.
The relationship between President Boakai and Merab dates back to their college days, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Merab’s history with the Liberia Wood Management Corporation (LWMC) and his involvement in exporting timber during the civil wars have been scrutinized by international investigators. Financial discrepancies related to LWMC's operations have also been highlighted, including outstanding debts to the government.
The protest at FDA underscores the concerns surrounding Merab's appointment and the need for transparency and accountability in leadership roles within the forestry sector. The situation calls for closer scrutiny of the qualifications and background of individuals appointed to key positions within governmental agencies to ensure the effective management of natural resources and sustainable development.