LIBERIA – A prominent Liberian anti-corruption activist, Archie I. Sarnor, has described as “ludicrous and total nonsense” verbal attacks directed at the United States Ambassador accredited near Monrovia, Michael McCarthy.
It can be recalled that a pro-government radio station, owned by ruling party lawmaker Abu Bana Kamara, recently hosted a called-in show in which participants disparaged the works of Ambassador McCarthy.
Bana FM program had tried to present Ambassador McCarthy negatively by Insinuating that he was carrying out anti-George Weah activities in the country with the sole intent to install Alternative National Congress’ standard bearer, Alex Cummings as president in 2023.
Mr. Sarnor said the anti-American sentiments expressed by the callers on the show do not represent the views of the majority of Liberians who are being made poorer by the actions of people who have been sanctioned under the United States Global Magnitsky Act.
Mr. Sarnor said the prayers of the majority of Liberians are with the American diplomat whose government, he said has been doing positive things to remove Liberia from the hands of criminal government officials.
The Leadership of the ruling CDC party has issued a statement distancing the party from the callers’ threats against the American official.
Sarnor himself a former CDCian, indicated that the anti-American sentiments expressed on the Bana FM Radio, did not represent the views of the suffering masses of the country; stating that he is aware that some former officials who were recently indicted under the Global Magnitsky Act, are allegedly paying some youths to do just what they did on the Bana FM.
Sarnor who is a former representative contestant for District #16 in Montserrado County, called on all Liberians to condemn the schemes by what he called criminals to present the American government as an aggressor against the Liberian state and people.
He said: “We who pledged our allegiance to Liberia are in strong support of the U.S Ambassador’s stance against corruption in the country.”
Sarnor said Amb. McCarthy is doing a great job, and his vocal stance against corruption is helping to protect the resources of the country, which are being mismanaged by a few government officials.
According to Sarnor, the United States Ambassador accredited to Liberia is the best Ambassador ever in Liberia’s history when it comes to helping to fight against waste and abuse of Liberia’s national resources.
“We, therefore, appeal to President Joe Biden to extend Ambassador McCarthy’s tenure in Liberia”, he said.
Mr. Sarnor indicated that he is disappointed that a few greedy Liberians would want to tongue-lash the Ambassador who has put the interest of Liberians first in his anti-corruption drive.
“We appreciate the decision of the U.S Treasury Department for the imposition of Sanctions against corrupt Liberian government officials.”
Sarnor concluded: “We are in full support of the U.S. Ambassador and the U.S. government’s punity action against all government officials who are involved in the practice of corruption.”
