In a troubling development, international investigations have revealed that Liberia’s rampant corruption and weak security apparatus may be inadvertently supporting the activities of Hezbollah, a Lebanese-based terrorist organization. Reports suggest that ties between certain Liberians and the Lebanese, particularly in the diamond trade, are raising alarms about potential financial assistance to groups like Hezbollah, complicating Liberia’s already fragile international relations.
Sources indicate that prominent Lebanese merchants operating in Liberia are known supporters of Hezbollah. A Christian Lebanese national residing in the country, who requested anonymity, disclosed that many of these individuals are deeply involved in the diamond and rice trade, as well as the sale of electrical hardware. The investigation highlights a concerning trend: Lebanese merchants across West Africa, including Liberia, have reportedly been contributing to Hezbollah’s war efforts against Israel.
Recent findings reveal that some Lebanese officials were caught transporting $2 million to Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut, reportedly sourced from Lebanese nationals in various West African nations, including Liberia. When questioned about the awareness of successive Liberian governments regarding these individuals, the source confirmed that they were aware but expressed concern over the influential status of these Hezbollah supporters within Liberia.
Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer, has been actively seeking to reestablish its influence in Liberia, employing covert methods to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape. As Israel, Iran’s arch-enemy, strengthens ties with Liberia, Tehran’s attempts to gain a foothold are further complicated. Despite these challenges, Iranian cultural and religious entities are making inroads, alongside individuals posing as Lebanese but who are actually Syrian or Iranian.
Evidence from 2014 reveals that the London-based World Assembly of Ahl al-Bayt, an organization linked to Tehran, constructed a Shiʿi mosque and school in the Brewerville community of Jah Tondo Town. This facility, fully equipped with imported materials, was intended to educate Liberian Muslim children in Shiʿa doctrine. However, the Liberian man behind this establishment died under mysterious circumstances, raising further questions about the underlying motives.
As investigations continue, efforts are underway to identify Hezbollah supporters operating within Liberia. The implications of these findings are significant, as they underscore the need for stronger security measures and a concerted effort to combat corruption in order to safeguard Liberia’s sovereignty and international standing.
