Monrovia, Liberia – According to a proposal made by the National Revolutionary Youth Command of the Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia, Executive Order 124, which forbids the export of raw rubber, is to be removed.
The rubber export was forbidden under Executive Order 124, which was put in place by the Weah-led prior administration. Rubber producers are harmed and the country’s economic development is compromised when one producer is given the sole authority to export rubber.
The powerful Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia (EFFL), led by the National Revolutionary Youth Command, believe that this executive order is unfair and will negatively impact the livelihoods of rubber growers in Liberia.
According to the EFFL, to many Liberians, the rubber sector is a major source of revenue since it creates jobs and economic opportunities for a large number of people and communities. Executive Order 124 essentially restricts the alternatives and opportunities available to rubber producers by imposing a monopoly on the selling of the material. This could lead to a decrease in prices and a further marginalization of small-scale producers.
Additionally, the group noted that this executive order stifles competition and innovation in the rubber business by giving a single seller an unfair advantage. It threatens the foundations of fair and unrestricted commerce and might prolong a downward spiral of economic reliance on one party.
”Mr. President, the Economic Freedom Fighters National Revolutionary Youth Command believes that this order is not in the interest of the already struggling masses of our people and has the potential to impede our democracy. Moreover, we believe that this order is fundamentally flawed and fails to provide a system that will work for everyone because it eliminates competition in the market. This Executive Order disrupts the value and supply chain in the rubber sector, and seeks to promote the middle class.”
“Chapter 2, Article 8 of the 1986 Constitution says, “The Republic shall direct its policy towards ensuring for all citizens, without discrimination, opportunities for employment and livelihood under just and humane conditions, and towards promoting safety, health, and welfare facilities in employment.” Section 9 of Executive Order No. 124 is also very worrying and clearly goes against this.”
Liberia ranks 55.5% on the human development index, according to a World Bank assessment of poverty. This figure amply demonstrates Liberia’s severe challenges, as the group informed President Boakai. EFFL also believes that Executive Order 124 has the potential to destabilize Liberia’s economy by putting an excessive amount of stress and hardship on the populace, especially on the region’s struggling rubber farmers.
The organization pleaded with President Boakai to use his power to end the harmful order and advance the creation of a society that is just and equal. It is their deep belief that the future of the country rests on the Boakai leadership’s dedication to preserving democracy, justice, and equality.
The EFFL stated that they are excitedly awaiting a favorable answer from President Boakai in order to advance economic freedom in Liberia for the benefit of the country’s citizens.
