Liberia: Ex-Mines Minister Paye Says Liberia Must Adopt “Resource Sovereignty” to Break Mining Cartels, Stop Reliance on Foreign Loans

MONROVIA – Former Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye, has called on the Liberian government to adopt a policy of resource sovereignty, arguing that the country cannot substantially benefit from its natural wealth unless it breaks the hold of cartels and outside influence over the minerals sector.

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By Obediah Johnson

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Mr. Paye spoke on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, as a guest on Voice of Liberia 104.1 FM in Monrovia.

Cartels and “extended influence”

Mr. Paye said Liberia is more richly endowed with natural resources than other countries in the region, but that its minerals sector continues to be threatened by cartels and extended influence. He recalled that during the previous administration, the mining cartel was very strong and powerful in the country.

He said many African countries are already promoting resource sovereignty and are taking charge of their own destinies instead of depending on others for survival. Liberia, he said, should do the same.

According to Mr. Paye, a sound policy approach, effective implementation and the removal of hurdles and outside influence would make the energy and minerals sectors more vibrant for the benefit of citizens.

“While I was in government I believe in it, while I’m out I believe in it and I will continue to believe in it,” he said of resource sovereignty, adding that Liberia needs to change its approach and mindset.

“Not relief agencies”

The former minister cautioned that mining companies operating in Liberia are not relief agencies. If steps are not taken to promote resource sovereignty, he warned, such companies could deplete the country’s resources without bringing significant benefits to citizens.

Against reliance on loans

Mr. Paye argued that Liberia should stop treating loans and borrowing as the answer to its difficulties, given the abundance of its natural resources. He said that by promoting resource sovereignty, the country would not need loans from the World Bank or other international financial bodies to fund its development programs.

He identified minerals as a very significant part of the country’s natural wealth, but said greed among some past and current public officials, whom he did not name, is a contributing factor depriving the nation of the benefits.

Allegations of “double standards”

Mr. Paye noted that Liberia’s new mineral law prohibits public officials, employees and agents of the Ministry of Mines and Energy from holding mining licenses. However, he said some of these officials continue to play double standards to influence the sector.

He observed that some public officials interfere in the sector by being awarded contracts by companies operating in it. He did not provide specific names or examples.

China-Liberia mineral survey

Mr. Paye also disclosed that China and Liberia reached an agreement and carried out a mineral resource survey across the country as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations after years of strained ties.

He said the survey was conducted jointly by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, during his tenure, and the China Geological Survey, with support from the Wuhan Center in China. It provided additional insights into Liberia’s mineral potential and identified more than two dozen minerals found in the country, he said.

“Liberia is a resource-rich country; there is no country in our region that is as blessed as Liberia,” Mr. Paye said, adding that the country’s potential spans forest, mineral, renewable and non-renewable resources.

Court cases during his tenure

Mr. Paye recalled that his administration at the ministry rejected unfavorable requests from influential people inside and outside government that were not in the interest of the country and its citizens. He said his firm stance on carrying out the ministry’s statutory responsibilities led to the ministry being taken to court on numerous occasions.

The claims in this article are those of Mr. Paye. The officials and companies he referred to were not named, and no response from the government was available at the time of publication.