By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – A political exchange has emerged in the Liberian Senate between Nimba County Senator Nya Twayen Jr. and Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh following accusations of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive national security information during a recent budget debate.
Senator Twayen has called for a formal investigation into Senator Konneh, accusing him of publicly revealing privileged security discussions that were allegedly agreed to be kept confidential during a closed-door meeting with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and members of the Senate.
According to Twayen, Senator Konneh’s remarks on the Senate floor amounted to “gross disclosure of privileged national security information intended for showboating,” warning that such actions could undermine trust between the Executive and the Legislature on matters of national security.
The controversy stems from a Senate session on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during which Senator Konneh reportedly made references to regional military capacity, including comments perceived by some lawmakers as praise for the Guinean armed forces while questioning aspects of Liberia’s own defense readiness.
Senator Twayen strongly objected to the remarks, stating that “Senator Konneh publicly praised the Guinean Army while belittling ours as if we all didn’t agree to act and keep it confidential; hypocrisy.” He further insisted that attempts by colleagues to maintain order during the session were ignored, allowing the discussion to escalate.
Sources within the chamber indicated that several senators attempted to intervene during the debate, urging restraint as sensitive issues tied to national security were being discussed. However, tensions reportedly continued despite repeated calls for order by Senate leadership.
In response, Senator Konneh rejected the accusations in a detailed public statement, insisting that his comments were misrepresented and taken out of context. He maintained that he did not disclose any classified information from the closed-door meeting with the President and Senate leadership.
“I have not attended any meeting where I was given official classified details about our military strength,” Konneh stated, adding that all information he referenced during the debate was publicly available and unclassified.
He explained that his reference to the Guinean military was intended to highlight broader regional security dynamics and the need for increased investment in Liberia’s own armed forces, not to undermine national defense institutions.
Senator Konneh further emphasized that his broader remarks were aimed at supporting reforms and increased budgetary allocation for the Armed Forces of Liberia, noting that regional tensions require stronger preparedness and modernization of Liberia’s security architecture.
Despite the clarification, Senator Twayen is maintaining his call for an investigation, arguing that the integrity of confidential Senate discussions must be preserved to protect national security interests and maintain institutional trust.
