Former Liberian leader finally faces probe for corruption

Jan 19, 2007, 16:50 GMT

Monrovia, Liberia - Former Liberian head of state Charles Gyude Bryant on Friday finally appeared before investigators to answer charges of massive corruption during his administration.

The corruption probe is based on an Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) audit report published 2005, as well as EU and panel of experts audit reports which linked former officials of the erstwhile National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) to massive corruption.

The ECOWAS audit report accuses the former officials of stealing nearly 10 million dollars of state funds.

Former chairman Bryant told journalists he foresees a constitutional crisis in Liberia.

Bryant, who was accompanied to the Justice Ministry by former warlords Sekou Damate Conneh of LURD and Thomas Yayah Nimely of MODEL, said even though he can be investigated as an individual, his actions and decisions as head of state cannot be investigated.

The NTGL chairman is expected to reappear for investigation at the Justice Ministry in Monrovia on Monday, January 22.

He is among an estimated seven former officials of his government being probed on corruption charges. Others being investigated are former finance minister Luseni Kamara and deputy finance minister Tugbe Doe, among others.