Liberian anti-corruption effort will increase tensions

Significance

Tweah is one of many senior former and current officials targeted in an anti-corruption campaign begun by President Joseph Boakai. However, nearly all of those being prosecuted belong to the main opposition Coalition of the Democratic Change (CDC) of former President George Weah, or were appointed by him to office.

Impacts

• The government will likely avoid prosecuting Weah for fear of generating more unrest.
• Liberia may increasingly serve as a regional hub for drug trafficking due to its porous borders and inadequate law enforcement.
• The appointment of former defence attorney for war crimes suspects Jonathan Massaquoi to head the War Crimes Court may harm its legitimacy.