The Liberian Caucus of the African Parliamentarian Network Against Illicit Financial Flows and Support for Progressive Taxation (APNIFFT), under the chairmanship of Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh II of River Gee County, is deeply alarmed by the continued and deliberate non-compliance of Hummingbird Resources Liberia (operating under Paso Fino Gold
Limited) with its financial obligations to the Government and People of Liberia.
Since 2019, Hummingbird Resources has defaulted on statutory and obligatory payments, including concession fees, social development contributions, and other financial commitments under the Minerals and Mining Law of 2000 and its Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).
According to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the company owes approximately US$3.485 million in unpaid fees and arrears. These obligations, while not classified as taxes under the Liberia Revenue Code Section 4(g), are enforceable as if they were tax liabilities and must be treated with the same level of seriousness and urgency.
It is unacceptable and a dangerous precedent that while ordinary Liberians face prosecution for tax default, and public officials are being issued a 60-day ultimatum by the President to settle tax arrears, a foreign multinational extracting Liberia’s resources is being allowed to negotiate payment terms after six years of non-compliance. This is an affront to the rule of law and a direct compromise of the national interest, particularly for citizens of the Southeastern region whose lands and livelihoods are being exploited without the promised social and economic benefits.
The Minerals and Mining Law of Liberia (2000), Section 9.14(d) clearly provides that failure to pay any taxes, duties, levies, or other payments due the Government constitutes grounds for revocation of a mineral right if such failure is not remedied within sixty (60) days after notice. Section 9.15 further stipulates that revocation takes effect two months after notice. The Government therefore has no legal justification for inaction.
The APNIFFT Liberia Caucus categorically rejects any attempt to normalize or legitimize this gross default by entertaining lenient payment plans or unofficial settlements. Doing so sends a dangerous message of regulatory weakness and perpetuates illicit financial practices, which our network is fundamentally opposed to.
