AGP Executive Report

Justice: Former NSA official Peter Bon Jallah was sentenced to 50 years for raping a 16-year-old boy; he plans to appeal, while a kidnapping charge will be retried. Separately, a United Methodist legal aid program helped secure the release of 63 pretrial detainees from Monrovia Central Prison. Migration: Liberia is preparing biometric registration for about 140,000 foreign nationals across four southeastern counties, aiming to document residency and strengthen immigration management. Economy: The World Bank says Liberia’s economy grew 5.1% in 2025, led by mining and services, but stronger job creation is needed to reduce poverty. Business: China Business Women of Liberia protested in Monrovia, citing high port charges, taxes and shipping delays that threaten their livelihoods. Mining: Local miners warn that government reforms, including plans for a gold refinery, must include grassroots stakeholders.

Border Security: Liberia is hosting customs officials from 24 African countries to strengthen intelligence-sharing against smuggling and other cross-border crime. A separate biometric registration drive will target about 140,000 foreign nationals in four counties, starting this week. Economy and Investment: The World Bank says Liberia’s economy grew 5.1% in 2025, but extreme poverty rose to 36.1%. The Liberia Chamber of Commerce and EU opened a trade facilitation office to improve business-government coordination, while China signed a US$30 million development grant with Liberia. Infrastructure: Ivanhoe Atlantic backs a proposed national rail authority to oversee access to Liberia’s rail network. Education: The Education Ministry has begun reviewing its 2022–27 sector plan, with officials calling for stronger accountability and better learning outcomes. Maritime: A Liberian-flagged cargo ship sank after a drone attack in the Black Sea; all 18 crew members were rescued.

Agriculture: President Joseph Boakai warned officials not to misuse farm assistance, as China’s donation of 304 machines raises hopes for higher food production. He urged transparent distribution to farmers and measurable results. Rail Oversight: Ivanhoe Atlantic backed a national authority to oversee Liberia’s rail network, saying independent rules are vital for fair access and investment. Public Safety: Liberia’s police completed a training phase for a planned 911 system designed to improve call handling, dispatch and follow-up. Infrastructure: Liberia, the EU and Germany launched an €8.6 million project to upgrade aviation safety and systems at Roberts International Airport. Mining Enforcement: A government taskforce seized seven machines in a crackdown on illegal mining in Grand Cape Mount County, warning operators they face fines and prosecution. Health: The government plans to expand newborn sickle-cell testing to every county by 2030; about 1,600 babies are born with the disease in Liberia each year, and many die before age five without diagnosis and care.

Agriculture: China has donated 304 machines to support farming, with Liberia targeting 50,000 hectares for development. President Joseph Boakai urged officials to get the equipment working for farmers, while a Bong County rice venture has begun harvesting 100 acres and plans to expand. Health: The government plans to expand newborn sickle-cell testing to every county by 2030. About 1,600 babies are born with the disease in Liberia each year, and up to half die before age five. Aviation: Liberia, the EU and Germany launched an €8.6 million project to improve safety and infrastructure at Roberts International Airport. Maritime Security: Liberia’s maritime commissioner is attending an IMO Council session in London, where he will press for stronger protection of shipping and seafarers following attacks involving Liberian-flagged vessels. Nimba Accident: A town chief lost a leg after a vehicle collision during celebrations welcoming road machinery; police say they are investigating. Cost of Living: Importers and consumers say egg shortages and rising prices call for more competition, while importer UCI disputes claims it dominates the market.

Education Investment: Liberia’s education reform pitch in Toronto won strong interest, with Canadian institutions requesting 90 days to organize a joint response. The plan covers school infrastructure, higher education, workforce training, digital learning and financing. Ebola Watch: The deadly outbreak in Congo has passed 10,000 cases, while Nigeria investigates suspected infections. Liberia’s NPHIL says there are no Ebola cases in the country. Water Access: Liberia’s WASH Commission and Louisville-based WaterStep are partnering on an app to help diagnose broken pumps and map water points nationwide. War Crimes Ruling: Switzerland’s top court upheld former Liberian rebel commander Alieu Kosiah’s 20-year sentence for crimes committed in Lofa County.

Public Health: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 5,000 people, and Nigeria is investigating two suspected cases. Liberia’s National Public Health Institute says there are no Ebola cases in the country. Water Access: Liberia’s WASH Commission has partnered with Louisville-based WaterStep to map water points and help communities identify and repair broken pumps. Maritime Security: Liberia and India have launched an initiative to protect seafarers amid attacks on commercial ships. A Liberian-flagged container ship was struck by drones off Bulgaria; all 18 crew members were rescued. War Crimes Ruling: Switzerland’s top court upheld former Liberian rebel commander Alieu Kosiah’s 20-year sentence for crimes committed during Liberia’s civil war. Mining Plans: President Joseph Boakai announced plans for a US$30 million geological survey and a gold refinery as the government seeks to develop the country’s mineral resources.

Maritime Security: A Liberian-flagged container ship sank after a drone strike off Bulgaria; all 18 crew members were rescued, and responsibility remains unclear. At the G20, India said it had launched a joint initiative with Liberia to protect seafarers amid attacks on commercial shipping. Ebola Watch: Liberia’s NPHIL says there are no Ebola cases in the country, as the outbreak in DR Congo passes 5,000 deaths and Nigeria investigates two suspected cases. Water Access: Liberia’s WASH Commission has partnered with Louisville-based WaterStep to map water points and use an app to help communities diagnose and repair broken pumps. War Crimes: Switzerland’s highest court upheld former Liberian rebel commander Alieu Kosiah’s 20-year sentence for war crimes, but overturned his crimes-against-humanity conviction. Accountability: Naymote has highlighted gaps in legislative accountability, renewing scrutiny of lawmakers’ performance.

Water Access: Liberia’s WASH Commission has partnered with WaterStep and Kijani Group on an app to diagnose broken pumps and build a national database of water points, aiming to help communities restore safe drinking water. Ebola Watch: The outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has passed 10,000 cases and 5,000 deaths, with cases reported in several African countries. Liberia’s health authorities say there is no Ebola in the country. War Crimes: Switzerland’s top court upheld former Liberian rebel commander Alieu Kosiah’s 20-year sentence for war crimes, but overturned his crimes-against-humanity conviction because the offence was not in Swiss law at the time. Legislative Accountability: A Naymote report found that half of lawmakers submitted formal reports to constituents after their district visits, while more than a third lacked functional constituency offices. Budget Dispute: President Boakai is seeking an extension to submit the FY2027 budget, amid concerns over requirements in the Public Financial Management Law.

War Crimes: Switzerland’s Supreme Court upheld former Liberian rebel commander Alieu Kosiah’s 20-year sentence for war crimes in Lofa County, but overturned his crimes-against-humanity conviction because the offence was added to Swiss law after the crimes. Ebola Watch: The DRC outbreak has topped 5,000 deaths and 10,000 infections, with cases reported in several African countries; Liberia’s NPHIL says there are no cases in the country. Maritime Security: The Liberian-flagged container ship Contship Jet sank after a sea-drone attack off Bulgaria. All 18 crew members were rescued. Legislative Accountability: Naymote reports that half of monitored lawmakers filed formal reports to constituents, while more than one-third lacked functional constituency offices. Public Finance: President Boakai is seeking more time to submit the FY2027 budget amid concerns over compliance with the Public Financial Management law.

War Crimes: Switzerland’s Supreme Court upheld a 20-year sentence for former Liberian rebel commander Alieu Kosiah, while overturning his crimes-against-humanity conviction on grounds that the law could not be applied retroactively. Local Governance: The UN urged Liberia and Rwanda to formalize cooperation on decentralization, turning lessons from a study tour into better local services. Mining and Investment: President Boakai proposed a state mining company, Liberia’s first gold refinery and a sovereign wealth fund, alongside a US$30 million geological survey. Budget Oversight: Boakai requested more time to submit the FY2027 budget, targeting November 6 and raising concerns about lawmakers’ review period. Public Health: NPHIL says no Ebola cases have been reported in Liberia, but is strengthening surveillance and preparedness. Maritime Security: A Liberian-flagged container ship sank after a drone attack off Bulgaria; all 18 crew members were rescued. Girls’ Rights: Adolescent girls called for stronger enforcement of laws against child marriage and an end to excluding pregnant students from school.

Maritime Security: A Liberian-flagged container ship sank after three sea drones struck it in Bulgaria’s Black Sea economic zone. All 18 crew members were rescued; Bulgarian prosecutors have opened an investigation into the attack. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and her Omani counterpart discussed expanding cooperation during a phone call, as Liberia prepares to hold the UN Security Council presidency in December. Mining and Energy: President Joseph Boakai announced a US$30 million geological survey and plans to establish Liberia’s first gold-processing facility within two years, aiming to attract investment and add value to mineral resources. Connectivity: Liberia’s Telecommunications Authority identified 15 potential sites for new towers in underserved communities, but has not set a construction timeline.

Mining and Energy: President Joseph Boakai announced a US$30 million geological survey and plans to open Liberia’s first gold-processing facility within two years, alongside proposals for a national mining company and sovereign wealth fund. Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu urged stable, transparent rules to attract responsible investors and ensure mining benefits Liberians. UN Leadership: Liberia has launched preparations for its first turn presiding over the UN Security Council, in December 2026. Justice: Justice minister nominee Betty Lamin-Blamo says 2,848 of Liberia’s 4,125 prisoners were awaiting trial as of September. She pledged a nationwide case review, saying the state must prosecute detainees or release them under the law. Maritime Safety: The Liberian-flagged Contship Jet sank after a drone strike off Bulgaria. All 18 crew members were rescued; responsibility for the attack remains unclear.

Maritime Safety: All 18 crew members aboard the Liberian-flagged container ship Contship Jet were rescued after three drones struck it off Bulgaria. The ship was carrying 421 containers, some reportedly containing hazardous materials; the attack’s source remains unclear. Fuel Infrastructure: President Joseph Boakai dedicated new LPRC facilities and broke ground on a US$35 million expansion to increase storage capacity by 50,000 metric tons. Business Finance: An African Development Bank consultant told a Monrovia conference that Liberian small businesses face a US$1.03 billion annual financing gap, and called for credit guarantees, technical support and better market access. Mining and Jobs: ArcelorMittal Liberia says it expects to export more than 20 million tons of iron ore in 2027, up from under five million in 2024, as its investment in the country approaches US$4 billion. Mining Oversight: Civil society groups are calling for a pause on new mining deals until Liberia reforms its decades-old mining law.

Labor Oversight: The House has summoned Firestone, Labor Ministry officials and the National Bureau of Concessions over alleged breaches of worker-benefit and concession rules. Port Costs: The Senate is probing high cargo charges and delays at Monrovia’s Freeport, which lawmakers say are driving up costs for businesses and consumers. Public Pay: Lawmakers ordered a review of government salaries and benefits after a Central Bank deputy governor disclosed her compensation. Energy and Water: President Boakai dedicated new LPRC facilities and broke ground on a US$35 million storage expansion; the government is also seeking up to US$30 million to finish Monrovia’s water pipeline. Health Alert: The DRC Ebola outbreak has exceeded 10,000 cases and 4,800 deaths, with cases reported elsewhere in Africa. Liberia has imposed 21-day isolation and monitoring rules for travelers amid the regional threat. Mining Reform: Civil society groups want a pause on new mining agreements until Liberia updates its mining law. Diplomacy: Liberia is preparing to lead the UN Security Council in December, with President Boakai expected to chair some meetings.

Lone Star: Unity Party Chairman J. Luther Tarpeh has quit his role mobilizing support for Liberia’s national team, citing personal attacks, including remarks about his late mother. Health Alert: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has passed 10,000 cases and 4,887 deaths, as infections elsewhere in Africa raise regional concerns. Infrastructure: LWSC is commissioning a 10-kilometer water pipeline to improve supply to Monrovia, while the government has pledged support for LPRC’s planned 50,000-ton fuel storage terminal. Waterside: Women traders protested plans to remove their selling tables, warning the move threatens their livelihoods. Women in Maritime: Edwina Mowon has become APM Terminals Liberia’s first female shift manager, after earlier breaking barriers as its first female gate administrator and berth supervisor. Education: KEEP Liberia has opened a reading room with more than 2,000 books at Barnesville Public High School, which had never had a library.

Water Supply: LWSC is set to commission a 10-kilometer pipeline section on Tuesday, a step expected to improve treated-water delivery to Monrovia and nearby communities. Energy Security: President Boakai has launched a US$35 million LPRC expansion that will add 50,000 metric tons of fuel storage; Finance Minister Ngafuan pledged government backing. Global Role: Liberia is preparing to preside over the UN Security Council in December, with President Boakai calling it a defining diplomatic moment. Ebola Preparedness: Liberia has imposed 21-day isolation and monitoring rules for travelers amid the regional outbreak threat. Justice: Justice Minister-designate Betty Lamin Blamo vowed to prosecute cases on evidence, not political ties, as war victims pressed lawmakers to advance the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court. Monrovia Markets: Waterside sellers protested planned removal of their tables, saying the move could threaten their livelihoods. Public Finances: LEC admitted its appeal bond in a US$415,327 debt case failed to meet legal requirements, leaving its challenge at risk of dismissal.