MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe has strongly criticized the United States Government for its selective sanctions on dissenting voices while Liberia grapples with persistent poverty.
Expressing his frustration on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Senator Snowe lamented that, unlike other nations within the ECOWAS region, Liberia receives minimal support from its traditional ally, the United States. He highlighted instances where Liberia faces budget shortfalls at international meetings while the US remains inactive.
Senator Snowe’s comments came after he endorsed the 55th National Legislature’s Joint Resolution for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, aimed at combating impunity in the country.
Senator Snowe, former Speaker of the Liberian House of Representatives, was sanctioned by the United States for his association with Charles Taylor, the former President of Liberia who was indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Specifically, Snowe was sanctioned for his marriage to Zoe Taylor, the daughter of Charles Taylor, which was seen as supporting and benefiting from the Taylor regime.
Recalling his own experience of being sanctioned for marrying Zoe Taylor, daughter of former President Charles Taylor, Senator Snowe underscored Liberia’s expectation of direct investment from the US given their historical ties.
Emphasizing the potential impact of the court’s establishment, Senator Snowe expressed hope that it would drive the nation towards prosperity and enhance development efforts with comprehensive government support.
However, Senator Snowe expressed dismay at the presence of Dr. Alan White in the Senate Chamber during discussions on the court’s establishment, stating, “If I knew that Alan White would be present, I wouldn’t have signed the resolution.” His discomfort echoed sentiments shared by other Senators uneasy with Dr. White’s presence during such deliberations.
Dr. Alan White is a significant figure in the field of human rights advocacy and international law, particularly in relation to Sierra Leone. As the Co-Executive Director of the Advocacy Foundation for Human Rights and a former prosecutor for the United Nations Special Court on Sierra Leone, he likely has expertise in issues related to war crimes, human rights violations, and justice mechanisms. His presence during discussions on the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia suggests his involvement in promoting accountability and justice in the region.
