MONROVIA – The Civil Society Tax Justice and Budget Platform (CSO-TJBP) has firmly rejected proposed amendments to ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), cautioning that any reduction in the country’s equity share would undermine national sovereignty and deprive citizens of fair benefits from their natural resources.
In a statement issued on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Monrovia, the coalition of civil society organisations insisted that Liberia’s equity stake in ArcelorMittal must remain at 30 percent, describing proposals to slash it to 15 percent as “unacceptable.” The group warned that the country has already received minimal returns from the concession despite holding a substantial share, and that further reduction would strip Liberia of critical revenues essential for national development.
The CSO-TJBP emphasised that lessons from past agreements should guide current negotiations rather than weaken the country’s bargaining position. “Liberia cannot privilege foreign interests while undermining national development, community rights, and fiscal sovereignty,” the coalition declared, urging lawmakers to prioritise the long-term interests of the nation over corporate gains.
Employment and labour rights were highlighted as major concerns. According to the statement, Liberians, particularly those in host communities, continue to be sidelined in favour of expatriates in key managerial and technical positions. The Platform called for the amended MDA to include binding commitments on skills transfer, gender-sensitive hiring, safe working conditions, and equitable opportunities for Liberians to assume leadership roles within the company.
Land rights, compensation, and community benefits were also cited as pressing issues. The coalition noted that previous operations failed to deliver on promises, pointing to persistent claims of operational losses, low levels of local employment, and weak compliance with environmental and social responsibilities. These shortcomings, the statement warned, should serve as red flags to strengthen Liberia’s negotiating stance.
The CSO-TJBP commended the 54th Legislature for its prior decision to reject an ArcelorMittal MDA amendment, describing it as a bold defence of Liberia’s national interests. The coalition urged the 55th Legislature to demonstrate similar vigilance and reject any agreement that would dilute Liberia’s equity, undermine communities, or compromise fiscal sovereignty.
“The CSO-TJBP stands firm that any new agreement must protect Liberia’s 30 percent equity share, guarantee jobs and fair compensation for Liberians, increase revenues for national development, and deliver tangible investments in health, education, and infrastructure,” the statement read. It further stressed that transparency and public participation must remain central to the negotiation process.
The coalition’s warning comes amid ongoing deliberations over the third proposed amendment to the ArcelorMittal MDA, which has sparked intense debate among lawmakers, civil society groups, and community stakeholders. Observers note that any decision reducing Liberia’s equity stake could have lasting repercussions on national finances and the country’s ability to leverage its natural resources for sustainable development.
In addition to equity concerns, the statement urged the government to prioritise long-term socioeconomic benefits for communities directly affected by the mining operations. It called for mechanisms that ensure consistent monitoring of company obligations, including environmental safeguards, community development initiatives, and fair labour practices.
The CSO-TJBP’s position reflects a growing insistence among Liberians that natural resource agreements must balance foreign investment with national interests. For many, the proposed reduction in Liberia’s equity stake threatens not only fiscal sovereignty but also the broader goal of ensuring that the country’s natural wealth directly benefits its citizens.
By taking a strong stance, the coalition is signalling to lawmakers that public scrutiny will intensify and that any compromise on equity, employment, or community benefits will face broad opposition.
The statement concluded by urging all stakeholders to adopt a long-term vision for Liberia’s mining sector, insisting that a transparent, accountable, and inclusive approach is essential to securing meaningful benefits for present and future generations.
Civil society groups have made it clear that they will continue to monitor negotiations closely and hold both government officials and multinational corporations accountable to the nation’s development priorities.
As the 55th Legislature considers the amendment, the CSO-TJBP’s message is unambiguous: Liberia’s equity, the welfare of its citizens, and national development must not be sacrificed for short-term corporate gains.
