IPNews-Monrovia: A leaked communication in the possession of IPNews says Liberia Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) suspension has been reaffirmed based on the international secretariat assessment of Liberia adherence to requirement 1.1- 1.5 in accordance with requirement 8.6 of EITI standard.
According to the leaked letter dated May 24, 2019 shows that Liberia’s temporary suspension was reaffirmed by the EITI Board due to recommendations from the International Secretariat based on an assessment that was conducted between 2018 and 2019.
The International Secretariat assessment further reflects a profound crisis of EITI implementation in Liberia. The process has become dysfunctional and legitimacy is questionable and also called on the Liberian government to address the fundamental weaknesses in the governance of the institution.
The International Secretariat body in their communication to the EITI Board also recommended that the Board review progress in addressing the corrective actions relating to timely reporting and requirement.
Liberia suspension reaffirmation came as a result of significant breaches related to Multi-stakeholder group (MSG) oversight (requirement 1).
Requirement 1 “ the EITI requires effective multi-stakeholder oversight, including a functioning multi-stakeholder group that involves the government, companies, and the full, independent, active and effective participation of civil society “.
EITI standard 1.5 work plan: the multi stakeholder is required to maintain a current work plan, fully costed aligned with the reporting and validation deadlines established by EITI Board.
Section 8.6a states that suspension due to breaches of the EITI principles and requirements; where it is manifestly clear that significant aspect of the EITI principles and requirements are not adhered to by an implementing country, the EITI board will suspend or delist that country.
It may be recalled, in 2018 the EITI Board took a decision to suspend Liberia on grounds that the extension requests were not endorsed by Liberia’s MSG, as the group was not reconstituted since the end of its term in October 2017.
The EITI Board decided on September 4, 2018 to suspend Liberia for not meeting the fiscal period ending 2016 within July 1 2018 deadline publication. The decision was followed by a request from the Liberian government asking for an extension of the deadline, set by the EITI standard but the Board didn’t grant the government of Liberia request.
Liberia’s EITI covers the mining and timber sectors as well as agriculture and the nascent oil and gas sectors. In 2018 Global Witness strongly condemned President George Weah removal of Liberia head of secretariat Konah Karmo terming it illegal.
On March 5 the Liberian leader announced former representative of District number 11 Gabriel Nyenkan to take over EITI as the new head of secretariat and one week later Mr. Nyenkan forcedly took over his new assignment with the help of the Liberian national police.
The leaked communication also disclosed that, if the Board determines that Liberia has demonstrated considerable progress in addressing the collective actions. The Board will consider whether to lift the suspension and Liberia second validation will commence immediately. Failure to demonstrate considerable progress in addressing the corrective actions will lead to delisting of Liberia Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) from the International body.
