ArcelorMittal Charged with Legislative Contempt; Required to Appear with Legal Counsel for Concession Compliance Review
MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The Joint Committee on Compliance and Concessions Review of the House of Representatives at Liberia’s Bicameral 55th Legislature has issued a contempt citation against ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) following the company's deliberate failure to appear at a scheduled inquiry which was slated for Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
The hearing—organized in collaboration with the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC)—was initiated to assess ArcelorMittal’s compliance with its existing concession agreements and receive a full update on its operations in Liberia.
Despite the submission of documentation in advance, AML representatives failed to attend the session, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers.
Maryland Pleebo Sodokan District #2 Representative Anthony F. Williams, a member of the Committee, swiftly filed a motion for AML to be summoned to appear next Tuesday, July 8, 2025, accompanied by legal counsel.
Representative William’s motion is seeking the appearance of ArcelorMittal’s senior management, accompanied by their lawyer, to show cause as to why the company should not be held in Legislative contempt by Article 44 of the Liberian Constitution.
Committee Chairman, Representative Foday E. Fahnbulleh of Bong County Electoral District #7, delivered a stern warning during the session said “We believe that working in close collaboration with all partners and stakeholders in the concession sector is vital to promoting a Liberia that benefits all its citizens through the proper management of our natural resources”.
He emphasized that the absence of AML representatives was a serious affront to legislative authority and undermined efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in concession agreements.
“This review process is intended to assess compliance, promote accountability, and uphold transparency. However, what we observed today was a glaring absence of AML representation at a hearing designed to evaluate its 20 years of operations in the country,” Fahnbulleh added.
As the summons stands, ArcelorMittal Liberia is expected to appear next Tuesday to respond to the charges and justify its absence. Failure to comply could result in further legal and legislative consequences.
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