IPNEWS: The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Justice, Foreign Affairs and the National Investment Commission to provide a detailed report on the current status of the Implementation Agreement governing the cross-border use of Liberia’s rail and port infrastructure by the Republic of Guinea. The summons follows growing concern among lawmakers that ongoing negotiations involving Ivanhoe Liberia may directly conflict with the obligations Liberia already assumed under the existing bilateral framework.
In a communication dated November 27, 2025, Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon informed the Minister and others that the directive came from Hon. Foday E. Fahnulleh, Chairman of the House Specialized Committee on the Implementation of the Access Agreement. The Minister is scheduled to appear before the Joint Committee on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room of the House Wing.
The letter tasks the Minister with reporting on the Implementation Agreement signed on October 21, 2025 between Liberia and Guinea and ratified by both governments to govern the framework for cross border rail and port access. The Joint Committee on Investment and Concessions, Judiciary and Transport is seeking clarification to ensure Liberia remains fully compliant with the bilateral agreement.
Ivanhoe Corridor Proposal Raises Red Flags
The legislative interest comes against the backdrop of the Ivanhoe Liberia corridor proposal, a project intended to facilitate the transport of Guinean iron ore through Liberian territory. Lawmakers fear that several elements within the proposal are misaligned with the bilateral Implementation Agreement already in force.
Key concerns have been outlined as follows.
1. The Implementation Agreement Is Government to Government, but Ivanhoe Operates as the Primary Negotiator
The Liberia–Guinea Implementation Agreement establishes cooperation strictly at the state level. However, the Ivanhoe proposal places a private company at the center of cross border access negotiations. Lawmakers argue that this could weaken Liberia’s sovereign control over decisions already agreed jointly with Guinea.
2. The Agreement Mandates Non Discriminatory Multi User Access but Ivanhoe Seeks Preferential Treatment
The bilateral agreement requires Liberia to maintain fair and equal access for all Guinean operators wishing to use the rail and port corridor. Reports indicate that Ivanhoe has requested dedicated throughput or priority scheduling which could contradict the non discriminatory access requirements outlined in the IA.
3. The Ivanhoe Proposal Introduces a Parallel Governance Structure for the Corridor
The existing Implementation Agreement anticipates a unified operational framework between the two states. Lawmakers note that the Ivanhoe plan appears to create a separate commercial governance structure for the railway and port. This parallel system could undermine the uniform mechanisms required under the bilateral agreement.
4. Guinea Has Not Approved Any Ivanhoe Dependent Corridor
While Guinea ratified the Implementation Agreement in 2021, the Guinean government has not committed to any corridor dependent on the Ivanhoe project. Lawmakers worry that Liberia risks engaging with a commercial proposal that Guinea may not endorse, putting Liberia’s diplomatic obligations at risk.
5. Transparency Requirements in the IA May Be Undermined
The Implementation Agreement calls for transparent coordination between the two governments on all cross border infrastructure decisions. Lawmakers note that the Ivanhoe negotiations have not been fully disclosed to the public or to relevant committees, raising concerns about compliance with the IA’s transparency standards.
Why the Legislature Wants Answers Now
The Joint Committee wants the Justice Minister to explain:
• Whether any provisions of the Ivanhoe proposal are inconsistent with the Liberia–Guinea Implementation Agreement
• Whether a legal review was conducted before entering discussions with Ivanhoe
• How Liberia intends to safeguard its bilateral commitments with Guinea
• Whether the Ivanhoe proposal could expose Liberia to diplomatic or legal disputes
Conclusion
The Justice Minister’s appearance on December 2 is expected to shape how Liberia manages its international infrastructure obligations going forward. Lawmakers insist that any new commercial corridor agreement must not undermine the binding commitments Liberia has already made with Guinea. The Legislature wants clarity before any further engagements with Ivanhoe proceed
