Kouyateh Under Fire as House Demands Nationwide Retraction of Bribery Statement

Monrovia Liberia:A major political controversy unfolded at Liberia’s Capitol on Monday after Ambassador-at-Large Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh appeared before the House of Representatives to apologize for explosive allegations that lawmakers accepted bribes from European interests in exchange for the passage of concession agreements.

The allegations, which triggered outrage within the Legislature and sparked heated public debate across the country, forced the Ambassador to formally retract his comments before lawmakers during a tense appearance at the Capitol Building. Kouyateh appeared alongside Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel A. Stevquoah, Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs for Legal Affairs and Administration, and Presidential Legal Advisor Cllr. Bushuben Keita.

Addressing the plenary, Ambassador Kouyateh expressed regret over the remarks attributed to him and apologized to members of the House. “I regret the statement and wish to formally apologize to the Honorable House of Representatives,” he stated, assuring lawmakers that he would avoid making such comments in the future.

The allegations had sent shockwaves through Liberia’s political establishment after claims emerged accusing legislators of receiving financial inducements from foreign interests connected to concession agreements. Although the Ambassador did not publicly provide evidence to support the accusations, lawmakers described the claims as serious and damaging to the integrity of the Legislature.

House leadership stressed that corruption allegations involving state institutions must be backed by credible proof and not made recklessly in public. Lawmakers warned that statements from senior government officials and diplomats carry national consequences and could undermine public trust in Liberia’s democratic institutions.

“Diplomats and ambassadors representing Liberia abroad are expected to promote investment opportunities, strengthen bilateral relations, and project a positive image of the country,” House leadership emphasized during the hearing. “Statements capable of damaging the integrity and reputation of state institutions can negatively affect investor confidence and Liberia’s international credibility.”

Despite the Ambassador’s apology, Montserrado County District #16 Representative Dixon Seboe pushed for stronger action against Kouyateh, arguing that the magnitude of the allegations required a broader public correction beyond the Legislature.

Seboe subsequently filed a motion compelling the Ambassador to issue a formal written apology to the House and publish the apology in four newspapers for four consecutive days beginning Tuesday through Friday. The motion further ordered Ambassador Kouyateh to appear on OK FM to publicly retract his allegations before the Liberian people.

The controversy has rapidly evolved into one of the most politically sensitive disputes involving the Executive and Legislative branches in recent months.

 Historically, accusations surrounding bribery and concession agreements have repeatedly generated national controversy in Liberia, where public concerns over corruption and foreign influence in economic deals remain deeply rooted. Political observers say the latest incident underscores the fragile relationship between public accountability, political rhetoric, and institutional credibility in a country still battling persistent public distrust over governance and transparency.