The “Gentleman Agreement” That Nearly Robbed Liberia of Millions

President Boakai and Core actors of the Yellow Machine "Scandal"

Latest news on the controversial Yellow Machine Deal reveals that the previously negotiated price has dropped from $84 million to $22 million. The fact that the price could fall so drastically proves, without a doubt, that someone tried to rob Liberia of more than $60 million. No honest mistake could explain such a drop. Heavy machinery does not depreciate in value overnight. Either the original price was artificially inflated, or the renegotiated price is absurdly low to cover up the scandal. In either case, it’s corruption—whether it started at the top or was aided by lower-level collaborators[1][3][6].

This isn’t just a case of sloppy governance. It is a blueprint for daylight robbery, concealed behind patriotic language and informal handshakes, while powerful individuals—many of them unelected or without formal procurement authority—maneuvered to push the deal through with alarming determination, despite violating nearly every rule in Liberia’s public procurement laws[1][3][12].

The decision to proceed with a contract of this magnitude without a signed agreement, without legislative approval, and without input from the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) was not accidental. President Boakai’s own admission that the deal was based on a “gentleman’s agreement” with South African businessman Robert Gumede is a confession of governance malpractice[2][3][6]. Why would any responsible government commit to spending tens of millions of dollars based on a handshake? The answer is simple: formal procedures would have exposed the fraud. Following legal channels would have required bidding, audits, documentation, and transparency—obstacles to a plan that was likely designed to extract personal or political benefit under the table[3][6].

The fact that the price could fall from $84 million to $22 million proves that someone deliberately inflated costs or manipulated figures to hide corruption. Heavy machinery does not lose value at such an astronomical rate in such a short time. Either the original price was grossly exaggerated for illicit kickbacks, or the renegotiated price is artificially low to obscure deeper wrongdoing. Both scenarios point directly to corruption at some level of government[1][3][7].

What makes this scandal even more damning is that the administration continued to push the deal aggressively, even as it violated core procurement principles. Key issues include no signed contract—only a gentlemen's agreement initially; a $79 million contract surfaced later after public backlash[1][5]. No PPCC approval—the regulatory body charged with overseeing fair and legal procurement was sidelined[3][6]. No legislative oversight—lawmakers were kept in the dark or misled about the nature of the deal[2][9]. Violation of budget rules—the deal was never formally included in Liberia’s national budget or procurement plan[1][6]. Despite these red flags, the administration insisted on moving forward—an indication that high-level officials had personal or political stakes in the outcome. These could have been in the form of kickbacks, future concessions, or illicit campaign financing deals hidden behind infrastructure projects[5][8].

While President Boakai may have publicly led the initiative, key figures behind the scenes—Mamaka Bility (Minister of State Without Portfolio) and Sylvester Grisby (Minister at the Ministry of State)—reportedly played central roles in the negotiations[1][4]. Neither had a legal mandate over procurement or infrastructure, yet they reportedly engaged with foreign partners and brokers, blurring the lines between official government action and backroom deal-making[4][5]. Their involvement raises critical questions: Who authorized them to lead negotiations? Did they act on Boakai’s instructions, or were they using the presidency as a shield? What benefits—financial or otherwise—did they or their networks stand to gain[4][5]?

An even more dangerous layer to this scandal is the alleged offer of yellow machines in exchange for mining concessions. If true, this would mean Liberia’s natural resources were being bartered away in informal, undocumented arrangements that benefited foreign businessmen and a few well-placed elites rather than the nation as a whole[5][6]. Selling off national wealth for equipment without transparency is not a development deal—it’s neocolonialism with local collaborators. This claim alone warrants a full-scale corruption and national security probe[4][5].

It was only after intense scrutiny from civil society organizations, media outlets, and opposition leaders that the deal was halted and renegotiated. Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s involvement in reducing the price to $22 million appears more like damage control than genuine policy correction[1][9]. Had public pressure not mounted against this deal, it might have proceeded at its original $84 million figure—with millions likely ending up in offshore accounts. This outcome demonstrates how fragile Liberia’s checks and balances are—and how vital civic activism remains in preventing grand theft from government coffers[8][12].

President Boakai’s ARREST agenda and his promises of integrity are now in serious jeopardy. While this scandal emerged just weeks into his administration, his decision to proceed without following legal procedures, his defense of the “gentleman’s agreement,” and his failure to hold anyone accountable speak volumes about his leadership style[2][3]. Unless bold action is taken—including launching an independent probe, suspending implicated officials, and publicly releasing all communications and documents related to this deal—his government risks being defined not by reform but by cover-up[4][8].

The Yellow Machine scandal is not just about machines or roads—it is a brutal reminder that corruption in Liberia is systemic, well-organized, and deeply entrenched at every level of power. The Boakai administration has only a narrow window to either clean house or become indistinguishable from "corrupt" regimes it once criticized[6][12]. Liberia cannot afford another grand theft disguised as development. The people are watching—and this time, they will not be silenced[8][12].

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Additional Sources:

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