MONROVIA – Controversy is brewing among Liberians in Lebanon over the possible appointment of Hasnaa Osseili as Liberia’s “Honorary Consul General” to Lebanon, a decision reportedly being considered by the Liberian government. According to sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the nomination of Osseili, who is allegedly linked to the Hezbollah-affiliated Osseili family, is facing stiff opposition from the Liberian community in Lebanon.
In a virtual meeting on Sunday, October 13, 2024, chaired by Cllr. Jeddi M. Armah, Liberia’s Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led an interagency working group to engage with Liberians residing in Lebanon. The focus of the meeting was to verify data and gather additional information for the National Situation Report on Liberians in the country. However, this process has been mired in concerns about the integrity of the nomination process and the possible manipulation of the Liberian consular system.
Liberians in Lebanon have voiced concerns over the dominance of Lebanese nationals on the list of so-called Liberians residing in Lebanon, many of whom are reportedly part of the Osseili family, a prominent Shia Muslim family with alleged ties to Hezbollah. “They are all Shia, and these Shia are Hezbollah people,” stated a source within the community. The source explained that the Osseilis, who own a major business in Monrovia, are reportedly using their connections to secure diplomatic immunity and other benefits through the honorary consul title.
The issue escalated when it was revealed that the Lebanese family submitted a long list of their members to the Liberian government, aiming to justify their claim to the honorary consul general position. The Liberians in Lebanon argue that such an appointment would grant the family undue privileges, including diplomatic immunity, tax exemptions, and access to a diplomatic passport.
A member of the Liberian community in Lebanon voiced frustration during the virtual meeting, questioning the authenticity of the list and the motives behind the government’s actions. “We don’t know these people. They don’t participate in our community meetings, and yet they’re being pushed as representatives of the Liberian community. It doesn’t work that way.”
Liberians in Lebanon are also concerned about the possibility of the consular appointment being sold to the highest bidder, with reports suggesting that the honorary consul general title could cost up to US$200,000. Critics argue that this would set a dangerous precedent, allowing foreign nationals to exploit Liberia’s diplomatic network for personal gain.
Adding to the controversy is the fact that Lebanon is not listed among Liberia’s official foreign missions, raising questions about the legitimacy of appointing an honorary consul general in a country where Liberia has no formal diplomatic representation. “It seems like they’re trying to buy their way into the system,” said another source within the Liberian community.
Liberians in Lebanon are calling on the government to reconsider the appointment and ensure that any diplomatic representation genuinely reflects the interests of the Liberian community. “We are not going back to the dark days. This is about protecting Liberia’s integrity and ensuring that our consular positions are not compromised by foreign influence,” one participant in the meeting said.
As the debate intensifies, the Liberian government has yet to officially respond to the concerns raised by its nationals in Lebanon. The Foreign Ministry could consider issuing a statement clarifying the criteria for the honorary consul general appointment and addressing the allegations raised by Liberians regarding the country’s diplomatic affairs.
For now, the Liberian community in Lebanon remains united in its opposition, vowing to continue resisting any move that undermines their representation and the country’s national interests. Written by James G. Andrew
