By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA — Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr. has raised serious concerns over the government’s handling of a controversial foreign vessel that entered Liberian waters before escaping to Ivory Coast, describing the ongoing state response as a mere “smokescreen” designed to distract the public.
Speaking on The OK Conversation with radio host Julius Jeh, Senator Snowe questioned why Liberian authorities failed to detain or question a high-profile local individual directly linked to the vessel, despite clear documentary evidence establishing a 100% ownership connection and direct requests made to maritime authorities on behalf of the ship.
According to Senator Snowe, official records confirm that a Liberian citizen—who holds 100% ownership of a company registered in the country—wrote an official letter to the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) asking permission for the ship to enter Liberian waters.
Despite this direct paper trail, Snowe expressed frustration that security forces failed to apprehend or thoroughly interrogate the individual while the ship was still anchored off the Liberian coast.
“You, Julius, if you get something coming into Liberia, you write a letter and say, ‘This is coming, I’m the agent, everyone stay clear from this vessel…’ But the ship has left, and there is no question for the individual. He’s been dismissed from the airport, but he’s still a free man passing around Monrovia. So, what are we investigating?” — Senator Snowe asked.
The Bomi County Senator went on to pour cold water on efforts to have the vessel returned to Liberia following its eventual interception and arrest by the Ivorian Navy. He argued that if the ship was carrying illicit cargo, any evidence would likely have been discarded in open waters long before Ivorian authorities took control of the vessel.
“Do you really think, Julius, if there’s any substance on that ship, that after being arrested and going into Ivory Coast, they would have kept it there? Or wouldn’t they throw everything in the sea?” Snowe argued, adding that the vessel held full control over its movements while navigating international waters.
Senator Snowe concluded by labeling the government’s current narrative and ongoing investigation as deeply flawed and confusing to the Liberian public. While acknowledging that he harbors no personal animosity toward the named individual, he insisted that real law enforcement begins with holding local actors accountable rather than making grand gestures after a vessel has already fled national jurisdiction.
“It’s confusing, to be honest with you,” Sen. Snowe stated during his appearance on this show from the U.S. “I hope we can really make some genuine efforts. I hope we can do better than what we’re doing, but believe me, it’s confusing.”
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