Monrovia, Liberia – June 26, 2025
The Liberian government has released the full list of former and current officials indicted for their alleged involvement in the illegal diversion of over 25,000 bags of rice donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support disaster-affected communities in Liberia.
The indictment, issued by the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), follows months of investigation into how the rice—donated in April 2023 by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center—was diverted and failed to reach its intended beneficiaries. According to the Taskforce, the stolen rice has an estimated value of US$425,918.
The individuals named in the indictment include high-profile former ministers, directors, and staff from agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and the General Services Agency (GSA).
List of Indicted Individuals:
- Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Mary Broh – Former Director General, GSA
- Varney A. Sirleaf – Former Minister of Internal Affairs
- Thelma Sawyer – Former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs/Administration
- Henry O. Williams – Former Executive Director, NDMA
- Augustine Tamba – Deputy Director for Operations, NDMA
- Augustine M. Kollie – Director for Disaster Victims, NDMA
- Edward S. Konneh – NDMA Employee
- Archiegwe M. Doe – Communications Director, NDMA
- Edris Bility – Former Deputy Director for Operations, GSA
- Mamie Davies – Assistant Director, GSA
- Momolu Johnson – Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs/Administration
- Rosetta L. Gbessay Bowah – NDMA Logistics Officer
- Wayfa Ciapha – Purported CEO, Group of 77
- Evelyn Gbee – Warehouse Manager, GSA
According to findings from the Taskforce, the rice was removed through unauthorized means, including secret meetings, unlawful instructions, and the bypassing of legal procurement and distribution procedures. Some of the accused have reportedly admitted to their roles in the scheme.
Charges Brought Forward:
The individuals face multiple criminal charges, including:
- Theft of property
- Economic sabotage
- Misapplication of entrusted property
- Abuse of office
- Criminal conspiracy
Authorities say the scandal deprived disaster victims of essential food support, damaged the country’s image, and weakened public confidence in government institutions. The misuse of Saudi Arabia’s donation also poses a threat to future foreign humanitarian support.
“This is a betrayal of the Liberian people,” one official familiar with the investigation stated. “The rice was not for politicians or government offices—it was for families in need after natural disasters.”
More Indictments Coming
The rice scandal is only one of 30 cases under active investigation by AREPT. This is the first major indictment to come out of the Taskforce’s ongoing efforts to trace and recover stolen public assets.
Officials say additional indictments will follow in July. A travel restriction, known as ne exeat republica, has already been placed on the accused to prevent them from fleeing Liberia during the legal process.
Under the leadership of Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, AREPT has vowed to continue rooting out corruption. “This sends a strong message,” the Taskforce said in a statement. “Public resources are meant for the people. Anyone who abuses them will be held accountable.”
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