In a troubling development, consistent reports indicate that Russian operatives are making renewed attempts to establish a foothold in Liberia, nearly a year after U.S. intelligence revealed plans by the Wagner Group—operated by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin—to allegedly orchestrate coups in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Ivory Coast.
During a confirmation hearing, Mounir Siaplay, the deputy national security director-designate, informed Senators of the escalating Russian influence in the Mano River Union basin, which includes neighboring Guinea, Sierra Leone, and the Ivory Coast, effectively leaving Liberia isolated. Siaplay described the situation as “very concerning,” emphasizing that Russia is leveraging its connections in these countries to extend its reach into Liberia.
“We are working closely with our partners, especially regarding infiltration from Sierra Leone, where they are attempting to gain entry into Liberia,” Siaplay stated. He acknowledged that some Russian activities have already been identified within Liberia, although he refrained from disclosing specific details due to concerns about national security.
The nominee committed to sharing classified information with relevant members of the Senate Committee on Defense and Intelligence in a private session. Beyond Russia’s geopolitical ambitions, which include destabilizing regimes in West Africa and the Sahel, there is a notable interest in controlling the region’s natural resources.
A former U.S. Department of Defense official, who has worked with Coalition forces in Iraq, revealed that the Russians have enlisted Melee Kermue, a Liberian national, to execute their plans across the Mano River Union countries. Kermue is accused of facilitating the entry of Russian mercenary spies under the guise of business interests.
Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, highlighted in a recent article published by the Washington Examiner that Kermue, who has a criminal past in the U.S., has been appointed as Russia’s honorary consul-general in Liberia. Rubin claims Kermue is coordinating Wagner’s activities in the region, which reportedly include plans to develop a resort near Lake Piso while also pursuing the construction of a deep-water port capable of accommodating Russian warships.
Dr. Rubin further pointed out Kermue’s previous conviction for healthcare fraud in the U.S. in 2009 and his connections to former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, raising alarms about Kermue’s role in facilitating Russian interests in Liberia. Former leaders of the Press Union of Liberia have called on the Boakai administration to thoroughly investigate Kermue’s appointment and his business dealings, especially given his associations with high-profile political figures.
As the situation unfolds, the Liberian government faces mounting pressure to address the potential threat posed by foreign mercenaries and their influence on national stability.
