MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) - Liberia's President Joseph Boakai has suspended over 450 government officials for failing to declare their assets on time, a significant move in his administration's anti-corruption efforts. This initiative reflects Boakai's commitment to combating corruption in the nation, which has faced longstanding governance challenges.

The suspensions, which will last for a month or until the officials comply with asset declaration requirements, are part of a broader strategy by the Boakai administration to promote transparency and accountability in government. This action follows a period of civil unrest in December, during which anti-government protests erupted in Liberia, leading to significant incidents including the parliament building in Monrovia, the capital, catching fire.

Since taking office in November 2023, Boakai has pledged to address corruption head-on. The small nation of approximately 5 million people has been plagued by corruption issues, ranking 135th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by Transparency International last year. The recent suspensions are intended to highlight and rectify these persistent issues.

According to President Boakai's statement made on Wednesday, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission provided a list of officials who failed to declare their assets. These officials are now suspended without pay until they fulfill their obligations to declare their assets to the anti-corruption agency. Among those affected by the suspension are key ministers, including the ministers for education and health, as well as the minister responsible for overseeing the budget.

President Boakai emphasized that the failure of these officials to declare their assets by the November deadline undermined national efforts to combat corruption and promote accountability in governance. This message underscores the administration's zero-tolerance approach towards non-compliance with integrity standards in public service.

The previous government led by George Weah faced numerous accusations of corruption and excessive spending, which stoked public discontent and prompted mass protests. In a bid to set an example, President Boakai announced in July 2023 that he would reduce his own salary by 40%, aiming to demonstrate responsible governance and solidarity with the citizens of Liberia.

In response to the suspensions, several of the affected officials visited the commission's offices on Wednesday to submit their asset declarations and comply with government requirements. This proactive approach from some officials indicates an urgent desire to rectify their positions and align with the administration's goals of transparency and accountability.

Overall, President Boakai's anti-corruption measures signify a crucial step towards restoring public trust in government institutions and addressing the systemic corruption that has hindered Liberia's development. The commitment to enforcing compliance with asset declaration laws underlines the administration's determination to foster a culture of accountability within the Liberian government.