The Liberian Senate has concurred with the House of Representatives in passing the highly controversial oil block agreements with Oranto Petroleum and TotalEnergies.
The agreements, which grant the two companies exclusive exploration rights to Liberia’s oil resources, have sparked heated debates within the Senate, reflecting the country’s deep concerns over the future of its energy sector. The Senate’s final vote revealed a divided chamber, with some senators expressing strong opposition to the deals, while others supported them as a necessary step towards economic growth and energy independence.
The total vote tally saw 21 votes in favor of the two oil deals, while 20 votes were cast in favor of the Oranto agreement, with mixed reactions from various senators:
Senator Blehgbo Brown and Senator Gbezohngar Finely of Grand Bassa voted against both agreements, while Senator Nathaniel McGill of Margibi voted ‘No’ to the Oranto deal but expressed his support for the TotalEnergies deal, voting ‘Yes.’
Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County voted ‘No’ on Oranto Deal, yes for Total deal.
Senator Wellington Smith of Rivercess County voted ‘No’ to both agreements, expressing concerns about the long-term impacts on Liberia’s resources.
Senator Bill Twaway of Rivercess was among the lawmakers who voted in favor of the agreements.
While the voting was close, the outcome means the oil block agreements are now closer to full implementation, pending final review by the Liberian President for approval.
Disagreement Over the Deal
Before the vote, the agreements particularly with Oranto Petroleum were under significant scrutiny in the Senate, where various senators called for more extensive debates on the terms and potential consequences. The disagreements highlighted a divide on the broader issue of foreign companies’ involvement in Liberia’s oil industry.
However, Senator Albert Chie took a firm stand against a full debate, claiming that senators had previously agreed that the matter would not be opened for extended discussions. This decision, according to Senator Chie, was made to avoid a protracted delay that would impact the legislative schedule, as there was not enough time to hold an adequate discussion on the oil deals.
Senator Chie emphasized, “We made a decision earlier that these agreements would not be debated on the floor today. The time constraints were clear, and we need to move forward with the business of the Senate.”
Despite the opposition, consultations continued among key figures including Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Senator Albert Chie, and Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, as they sought to find common ground on how to proceed with the contentious deals.
As the Senate moves forward with its decision, critics continue to voice concerns over the potential environmental, economic, and social impacts of these deals. Many fear that the agreements could benefit foreign corporations at the expense of Liberia’s long-term development and its people.
“We must consider the bigger picture,” said Senator Gbezohngar Finely of Grand Bassa. “What will be left for future generations if we allow these foreign companies to take control of our natural resources without proper oversight and accountability?”
Proponents of the deals, however, argue that the investment will bring much-needed revenue, job creation, and infrastructure development to the country. Senator Bill Twaway of Rivercess, in his remarks, stated, “The oil deals present an opportunity for Liberia to tap into its vast energy resources and take a step towards economic self-sufficiency.”
Next Steps for the Oil Agreements
The passing of the oil block agreements now means the deals are one step closer to execution, with the President’s office and key government agencies poised to carry out further negotiations and assessments before the finalization. Both TotalEnergies and Oranto Petroleum have been at the forefront of global energy exploration, with substantial experience in oil drilling and energy production.
The Senate’s final approval, however, does not mark the end of the scrutiny on these deals. Civil society organizations, environmental groups, and some lawmakers have pledged to continue monitoring the agreements, ensuring that they align with Liberia’s long-term development goals and environmental protections.
The Senate’s decision to pass the deals reflects a deeply divided government, with both supporters and opponents weighing in on the matter. For now, the focus shifts to the President and government authorities to manage the next steps with due diligence.
