MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a controversial decision, President Joseph Boakai has appointed Al Hussen Fadiga as the Minister Council for Press and Public Affairs at the Liberian embassy in Paris, France. Fadiga, a well-known supporter of Boakai based in the United States, returned to Liberia seeking employment following Boakai’s electoral victory, but has struggled to find a position since then.
In a bid to secure a role, Fadiga accepted a position on an auxiliary committee supporting Boakai. His appointment to the embassy came just days before the president’s official visit to Asia, allegedly based on the recommendation of Minister of Information Jerelimek Piah. However, sources within the Executive Mansion have suggested that this appointment was imposed upon Piah, raising concerns regarding Fadiga’s lack of professional media experience.
Critics are questioning the rationale behind sidelining qualified professional journalists who supported Boakai’s election in favor of Fadiga. His association with Spoon Net, a pro-government radio station owned by Stanton Whiterspoon, has further fueled skepticism regarding his qualifications for the diplomatic role. Notably, Fadiga’s twin brother, Al Hassan Fadiga, previously served as the deputy director for operations at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency but was suspended amid controversy for actions that drew public ridicule toward the Boakai administration.
The appointment of Al Hussen Fadiga has provoked significant criticism from various sectors, with many expressing doubts about his suitability for the position and the political motivations driving the decision. While attempts to reach Minister Piah for comment were unsuccessful, as he was reportedly in China, the Executive Mansion has remained silent on the matter. Sources indicate that the decision to appoint Fadiga was politically motivated rather than a genuine nomination from the Minister of Information, further complicating the narrative surrounding this controversial appointment.
