During the country’s 14-year war, logging contracts were handed out to cronies of then-President Charles Taylor. It reveals how all of Liberia’s large logging contracts – which cover ten percent of the country – are illegal on multiple counts. Global Witness has collected evidence demonstrating that logging companies are owned by powerful government officials such as House of Representatives members Alex Tyler, Moses Kollie, and Ricks Toweh. This despite a ban on Liberian politicians owning companies with logging contracts. Norway, which has signed a US$ 150 million deal with Liberia promoting community forestry and conservation, should ensure Liberia investigates and cancels illegal contracts as the country promised in the deal.

Source: GNN Liberia February 15, 2017 08:11 UTC