How Far Is The L$16 Billion Investigation?

-28 Days Since US Embassy Statement

By Reuben Sei Waylaun

Today is the twenty-eighth days since the United States Embassy on October 10, 2018 issued a statement that the embassy in Liberia through USAID, has reached out to independent, internationally recognized firms with specialization in forensic investigations to conduct a scoping mission that could ascertain the basic facts of the alleged missing currency matter and determine to what extent a broader mission would be needed.

In the statement issued, the embassy said “it is the assessment of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia that such a report would be the most credible and effective means to quickly determine the scale of the problem, and would be an appropriate means for the United States to support the Liberian government’s and citizens’ desire to understand the allegations and facts.

“If a broader and longer investigation were found to be needed after the scoping mission has concluded, the Liberian Government could discuss next steps with international partners. To ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the process, the U.S. and Liberian Governments have agreed that the independent forensic investigators will conduct their work with full access to information needed and without the imposition of additional actors from the government, civil society, or international partners,” the statement said.

The embassy also added “in addition, we have agreed that the completed report will be made public, so that there is full transparency and understanding of the outcomes. We urge all Liberians to remain patient as the Liberian Government, assisted by the United States and other international partners, considers appropriate and expeditious means to help resolve current concerns and questions about Liberia’s currency.”

The mysterious disappearance of the huge Liberian banknotes has since sent a shock to Liberians at home and abroad and the international community is now considering the country as a risky area to invest.

Liberians launched serious protest demanding the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government led by former international soccer star, George Manneh Weah to ensure the well-about of their money and even threatened to continue their protests until their money comes back.

According to some Liberians who called on local radio stations across the country, social media posts following the announcement by the US Embassy, Liberia trusted allied, they said the statement by the embassy reduced the tension as they look up to the US Government for the outcome of their money based on the assurance from the credible international partner.

Since the statement on October 10, 2018, Liberians and international partners have been awaiting the outcome of this findings to know the next step to take in getting their money and those hooked in the web be made to account for their respective actions.

However, twenty days since the statement was issued, Liberians and others are now wondering as to how long they will wait for the outcome of this investigation surrounding the L$16 billion Liberian dollar banknotes.

According to them, they respect the credibility, effectiveness of the American people, but want the investigators to speed up the investigation to allay the heavy hearts the Liberian people have toward the current and past governments concerning their missing LRD16billion banknotes.