• Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the Press, members of the class of intelligentsia, members of the underprivileged majority, sons and daughters of the poverty-stricken masses, petite traders and yana boys, members of the disabled community, youth and student groups, civil society actors, the religious community, teachers and marketers, traditional leaders, rural inhabitants and slum dwellers, civil servants, members of all registered political parties and fellow citizens of the Republic of Liberia:

    On September 24, 2018, thousands of patriotic and nationalistic Liberians through COCUBOMB defied the heavy downpour of rain to petition the International Community through the US Embassy near Monrovia, UN, AU, EU, and ECOWAS.

    This massive peaceful civil action in demand of public accountability led by COCUBOMB called for an independent international forensic investigation into the mysterious disappearance of L$16 billion under President George M. Weah.

    In response to the popular desire of the Liberian people through this mass peaceful protest, the International Community through the U.S. Embassy near Monrovia has finally launched an independent international forensic investigation to ascertain basic facts pertinent to this national mystery that has wounded the image of the country.

    COCUBOMB extols the international community for standing with the Liberian people in pursuit of public accountability, integrity and transparency. We commend the US Government, UN, AU, EU and ECOWAS for judiciously acting in the best interest of the Liberian Republic by taking full charge of this investigation.

    From the very beginning, the government of President George M. Weah has been insincere, inconsistent and incoherent in terms of managing this national emergency which could have unintended socio-economic and political consequences. Even up-to-date, we cannot trust key functionaries of this government because they continue to release conflicting accounts that are loaded with falsehood.

    COCUBOMB respectfully appeal with the International Community to seriously consider the following as part of the independent international forensic investigation:

    1. The “infusion” of the US$25 million into the Liberian economy by the government of President Weah.

    2. The rapid and suspicious acquisition of giant-sized properties by President Weah and some high-ranking public officials in just 8 months.

    3. The need to conduct a comprehensive audit of the past government and all transactions done so far under the CDC-led government.

    4. We also want to strongly reiterate the urgency to establish a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.

    As we remain hopeful of a credible outcome of this ongoing investigation, COCUBOMB would appreciate a weekly update from the independent international panel of forensic investigators as the process unfolds. This will help to prevent public suspicions/speculations and keep the Liberian populace regularly informed and even more confident about the veracity of the investigation.

    COCUBOMB encourages the International Community to only hire international forensic financial firms that have no link to and/or interest in Liberia. COCOUBOMB believes that the full involvement of the FBI, IMF, World Bank, AfDB, and US Treasury Department would add more value to the investigation. COCUBOMB will remain proactively engaged with all international partners to ensure full accountability of this missing US$16 billion.

    With unhindered audacity and patriotism, we shall remain relentless in this national pursuit to ensure that those who viciously siphoned and pillaged the people’s money are made to account in accordance with the Rule of Law. On this note, we call on all Liberians to exercise restraint as the International Community independently probes this matter.

    COCUBOMB wants to reassure the International Community of its firm commitment to upholding peace and stability. We will do nothing to undermine the PEACE of our country. In fact, we love this country more than those vicious micro-nationalists and pseudo-patriots who robbed our people of L$16 billion in broad-day light. They must account for this downright wickedness. Liberians deserve far better than living in extreme poverty.

    The popular call of our people from Montserrado to Maryland is “BRING BACK OUR MONEY”. This call remains non-negotiable today and even tomorrow. COCUBOMB wants to reassure all Liberians in and out of Liberia that it shall not rest until this money is fully accounted for. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press, we thank you for coming and appreciate you for your uncompromising stance in this process.

    May God rescue the already damaged image of our country and save generations yet unborn from perishing as a result of systemic corruption and mass impunity in Liberia. Never must we abandon this genuine national cause, for a NEW LIBERIA of justice, equality and prosperity for all is possible in our lifetime.

    Signed: Jeremiah S. Swen, Secretary General, COCUBOMB

    Approved: Emmanuel Gonquoi, Vice Chair, COCUBOMB / CIC of EFFL

    Attested: Martin K. N. Kollie, Chairman, COCUBOMB