As questions continue to mount over the whereabouts of a vessel that disappeared from Liberian waters after reporting critically low fuel, former Minister of Finance Samuel D. Tweah has alleged that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is being held hostage by cartel-linked officials and party interests who are blocking an independent investigation into the US$317.68 million drug scandal.
In a Facebook post on August 5, 2026, the former minister said credible internal sources indicate that the President is facing unprecedented pressure from three competing blocs within and around government as decision loom on whether to pursue an independent investigation or a politically managed probe.
According to Tweah, the struggle has placed the President at the center of what insiders describe as the most contentious tug-of-war of his administration, with major implications for Liberia’s international reputation and the Unity Party’s 2029 prospects.
He outlined three distinct factions currently vying for influence that include, a cartel-Linked official of government and national security actors allegedly tied to drug networks. He said these individuals are said to be strongly opposed to an independent investigation, arguing it would be political suicide, and expose senior officials casting the “Rescue Government” as a narco-government.
He also named Unity Party stalwarts officials with have no direct cartel links but focused on 2029. According to him, this group is reportedly pushing to muddy the waters by implicating former CDC officials, even without evidence. A source quoted party zealots as saying right now in Liberia it is not about the evidence but about power and they already have the power.
“Regime purists” government officials not linked to the cartel. This group is said to favor an independent, credible investigation regardless of political fallout arguing that national integrity must come first,” Tweah noted.
Tweah added that the president is reportedly leaning toward a credible, independent investigation noting that sources say he has argued privately that a compromised investigation would do more damage to the Unity Party in the long run. He is reported to have told aides that Liberians cannot be fooled anymore citing the recent disappearance of the vessel and the government’s handling of it as factors that have eroded public trust.
“The disappearance of that ship and how it was handled has placed considerable doubt in the minds of Liberians about the credibility of a government-led investigation,” a source quoted the President as saying.
For cartel-linked officials and party hawks, Tweah said an independent probe risks criminal prosecution of senior government figures. For the “purists” according to the former Finance Minister, failing to act independently risks permanently damaging Liberia’s credibility with citizens, the opposition, and international partners.
The standoff comes amid heightened public scrutiny following the US$317.68 million drug case and charges against several high-profile individuals including the owner of Private Bar Liberia. As of press time, the government has not announced a final decision on the structure of the investigation. The whereabouts of the missing vessel also remain unknown.
