In a response to criticisms regarding the use of a U.S. lobbying firm to attack political opponents, President Irfaan Ali has described sanctioned businessman and presidential candidate Azruddin Mohamed as a “security risk” to Guyana. During a Facebook Live statement from his office, President Ali announced that measures have been activated to secure the nation’s borders, natural resources, and financial systems, though he did not provide specific details.
The President emphasized that his government has no involvement in the troubles facing Mohamed. “When we speak about national security, we are speaking about the security of our state, our natural resources, and our financial system,” he said. He pointed out that Mohamed is identified by the U.S. government as a key figure in gold smuggling, allegedly defrauding the state of over US $50 million in five years.
President Ali further asserted that Mohamed poses a threat to Guyana’s diplomacy and defenses against Venezuela. He clarified that any investigations into Mohamed’s activities predated the businessman’s political ambitions and were based on evidence compiled by U.S. authorities.
“The U.S. government has made it clear that they have enough evidence which they are pursuing in relation to this matter,” the President stated, distancing his administration from the allegations. He noted that it is not the Guyana government that has publicized Mohamed’s alleged links to gold smuggling and other illegal activities.
Moreover, President Ali addressed accusations from Mohamed, who has claimed that the government is misusing state resources through the lobbying firm to undermine his candidacy. The President denied these allegations, asserting that the government does not influence the actions of U.S. congressmen.
Documents filed with the U.S. Justice Department by the lobbying firm reveal email exchanges where “draft tweets” questioning Mohamed’s presidential run were shared with a U.S. Congressman, raising concerns about the use of state resources in political campaigns. The government has reportedly hired this lobbying firm at a cost of US$50,000 per month.
As tensions continue to rise in the lead-up to the elections, the implications of these statements and actions remain to be seen in the political landscape of Guyana.
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