Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large, Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh, has apologized to the House of Representatives over claims that legislators accepted bribes from European entities in return for approving concession agreements—despite previously insisting he would not apologize.
Before his appearance, Kouyateh took to social media to defend his statements, asserting that his loyalty was to Liberia rather than any government or political group. He maintained that he would only clarify his remarks, not apologize, and described himself as a “mirror” reflecting the actions of the 55th Legislature. He also suggested that the public would ultimately decide who was right between him and the lawmakers.
However, when he appeared before the House on Monday, Kouyateh expressed regret for his earlier comments and formally apologized. He also assured members of the Legislature that he would avoid making similar remarks in the future.
The Ambassador attended the session alongside senior government officials, including Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Samuel Stevquoah, Deputy Foreign Ministers responsible for Legal Affairs and Administration, and Presidential Legal Advisor Cllr. Bushuben Keita.
House leadership characterized the bribery allegations as serious and stressed that public officials, particularly diplomats, must refrain from making statements that could harm the reputation of state institutions or weaken investor confidence.
Following the hearing, Montserrado County District #16 Representative Dixon Seboe introduced a motion requiring Kouyateh to submit a written apology to the House, publish it in four newspapers over four consecutive days, and appear on OK FM to publicly retract his earlier statements.
