Freeman Describes Boakai-Koung Liberianization Drive as “A Farce”
Opposition political leader of the Movement for Progressive Change, Simeon Freeman, has sharply criticized the Liberianization enforcement strategy being advanced by President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, describing the initiative as “a farce” that lacks the depth needed to empower ordinary Liberians economically.
In a strongly worded statement released over the weekend, Freeman argued that the government’s recent engagements with local manufacturers regarding compliance with the 2010 Liberianization laws would produce little or no meaningful impact because the policy framework itself is fundamentally flawed.
According to him, even if manufacturers comply by appointing Liberians as distributors of locally manufactured goods, foreign business interests could still maintain control of the supply chain through what he termed “Liberian fronts.”
“Few Liberians will be pre-selected to serve as cargo distributors, which will not impact the anticipated outcome of empowering Liberians through goods distribution,” Freeman stated.
The opposition figure further asserted that the country’s commercial distribution network remains heavily dominated by foreign nationals, including Fulas, Lebanese, and Indian business operators, while most Liberians lack the financial capacity to compete in the sector.
He noted that rental costs for commercial stores often exceed US$25,000 annually, while establishing and stocking a distribution outlet could require an estimated US$50,000 resources many Liberians do not possess.
Freeman warned that the government’s current approach could merely create a system where a few selected Liberians supply goods to the already existing foreign-controlled business ecosystem for profit, without changing the broader economic imbalance.
“The pretense of advocating for Liberians is a farce,” he declared, blaming what he called “bad policies” crafted by “novices” without the required expertise and economic understanding.
Freeman disclosed that he intends to release additional statements outlining what he believes are more practical policy alternatives capable of genuinely strengthening Liberian participation in the nation’s economy.
The Boakai administration has in recent days intensified discussions with manufacturers and business entities as part of efforts to enforce the Liberianization laws aimed at increasing local participation in commerce and trade.
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