Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., has halted the appointment of paramount chiefs in Sinoe County after the county submitted what he described as an alarming figure, a reported 76 paramount chiefs, which indicates double or even triple the number recorded in other counties.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) is responsible for appointing traditional leaders, including clan and paramount chiefs nationwide. While the appointment process has moved smoothly elsewhere, Sinoe’s unusually high number sparked immediate concern.
“For example, Lofa County has 17 Paramount Chiefs, Bong County 16 Paramount Chiefs, while Nimba County has 39 Paramount Chiefs,” the Minister explained, stressing that the figure from Sinoe is highly questionable and must be swiftly verified.
Speaking on State Broadcaster ELBC in Paynesville, Minister Nyumalin disclosed that the MIA, in collaboration with the Civil Service Agency (CSA), is conducting a credential audit to validate chiefs and tribal governors and confirm who legitimately belongs on the government payroll.
The issue arises as the National Assembly of Chiefs and Elders convenes in Gbarnga, Bong County, for a three-day dialogue. According to Minister Nyumalin, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai believes traditional leaders play a vital role in the decentralization process and must be meaningfully involved in governance.
He explained that more than 280 paramount chiefs, along with clan chiefs and tribal governors appointed in Montserrado County, are expected to attend the assembly, scheduled from Thursday, November 20 to Saturday, November 22, 2025, in Gbarnga City. President Boakai is expected to preside and to use the platform to engage local leaders directly on national governance issues.
Minister Nyumalin further announced that the Ministry intends to establish its own County Service Center, noting that although a facility exists, it is not properly housed. He added that the center should contain at least 20 offices to accommodate ministries and commissions. To support this effort, 15 county service center coordinators have already been recruited and trained.
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