In a scathing exposé, former Auditor General John Morlu has accused the current ruling Unity Party (UP) government of the Sirleaf-Boakai administration of stealing over $1.23 billion from the people of Liberia.
Morlu claims that the George Weah-led Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government, which was in power from 2018 to 2024, deliberately ignored these economic crimes while in office.
Morlu’s allegations come amidst a growing political rift between the outgoing UP government and the incoming CDC administration. The former Auditor General asserts that the CDC, including President Weah, was aware of the alleged theft but chose to “cover it up” instead of pursuing investigations and prosecutions.
“Weah saw an opening to plunder. He came to power with a group of young idealists who quickly saw the loopholes and the enormous benefits of maintaining the corrupt system,” Morlu stated in his scathing commentary.
Morlu further revealed that he had advised President Weah to review the past 12 years of audit reports, launch special investigations into the 27 potential frauds he had identified, and prosecute the culprits swiftly.
However, Weah reportedly agreed initially but then backed out of the plan two months later, allegedly under pressure from his inner circle.
The former Auditor General claimed that the current administration’s failure to hold the previous government accountable for the alleged $1.23 billion theft was a “dereliction of office” and a “known corrupt and criminal act.”
Morlu’s accusations have sparked outrage among Liberians, who are demanding that the incoming CDC government address the alleged economic crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable, regardless of their political affiliations.
The revelations have also raised questions about the CDC’s commitment to fighting corruption, a key campaign promise that helped propel Weah to the presidency.