Former Finance Minister David M. Farhat endorsed U.S. President Trump’s moratorium on international aid, urging African leaders to improve governance. He highlighted disparities in salaries amidst poverty in Liberia and called for a review of concession agreements to enhance economic benefits. Farhat also supported legislative salary cuts proposed by Musa Bility to address national challenges, emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to prioritize citizens’ welfare.
Former Liberian Finance Minister David M. Farhat has praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to implement a 90-day moratorium on international aid. In an interview conducted in Congo Town, Farhat expressed his support and also commended Liberian President Joseph N. Boakai for cutting certain administrative benefits. He believes that these actions will encourage African leaders to improve governance and living conditions for citizens across the continent.
Farhat pointed out that while the U.S. has historically been a vital supporter of Liberia’s development, it is crucial for local leaders to take ownership of their resources. He reflected on his own experience, mentioning that during his tenure, he earned only $2,000 monthly while noting that some officials now earn over $15,000 amid widespread poverty.
Highlighting natural resource wealth, Farhat criticized years of mismanagement that have led to significant poverty in Liberia. He urged President Boakai to seize this critical period to restructure the economy by reviewing and renegotiating concession agreements that are detrimental to growth.
Farhat argued that standardizing and restructuring these agreements would enhance equity and economic benefits for the nation, contributing to Liberia’s future development. He also appreciated Nimba County Representative Musa Bility’s initiative for legislator salary reductions, aimed at addressing the country’s economic challenges.
Clarifying his stance on the current legislative discord, Farhat expressed his support for Bility’s salary cut proposal for the greater good of the country, asserting that stagnation in Liberia results from leaders prioritizing personal interests over public welfare. He served under President Samuel Kanyon Doe’s administration in the 1980s, bringing a wealth of experience to his perspectives.
The article discusses the recent comments made by former Liberian Finance Minister David M. Farhat regarding President Donald Trump’s suspension of international aid for 90 days. This decision has sparked conversations about accountability among African leaders and the implications for Liberia’s governance and economic conditions. Farhat’s perspective as a former minister provides insight into the challenges faced by Liberian officials and the critical need for reforms in political and economic management.
In summary, Farhat’s remarks highlight the urgent need for better governance and economic management in Liberia. By applauding Trump’s moratorium on aid, he encourages African leaders, particularly in Liberia, to take stronger ownership of their resources and work towards improving the lives of their citizens. His advocacy for reviewing concession agreements and supporting salary reductions for legislators points towards necessary reforms aimed at addressing the systemic issues facing the country.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
