AGP Executive Report

Justice Shake-Up: President Boakai has sacked Justice Minister N. Oswald Tweh and Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah, appointing Betty M. Lamin-Blamo as Minister of Justice/Attorney General and Abrahim Boimah Sillah Sr. as Solicitor General, amid intense scrutiny over the $336m-plus cocaine probe and charges tied to Jewel Howard Taylor. Cocaine Case Pressure: Lawyers warn the US$19.2m RIA cocaine indictment could collapse in court over alleged procedural and forensic defects, raising fresh uncertainty for a case already under public heat. Human Trafficking Justice: Victims’ families are demanding a faster, transparent investigation into the death of trafficking victim Ophelia Melway, after a landmark trial found 11 defendants guilty but no one faced charges over her death. Security & Accountability: In Maryland County, armed robbers hit the CRC-MOPP office in Pleebo-Sodoken District, injuring security staff and stealing cash meant for salaries, with investigators now questioning how attackers knew the money was there and reconciling conflicting theft figures. Public Health & WASH: CRS Liberia dedicated new WASH facilities in Massatine, Grand Cape Mount, adding latrines and rehabilitating a water source to curb recurring illness. Road Safety Support: WoGeS Holding Liberia, Inc. issued an appreciation letter to Liberia and donor partners for backing road safety reform and public safety education. Maritime Safety: Liberia-flagged ships are again in the spotlight—TNPA is investigating a Durban port quay crash involving the bulk carrier “HAWK S,” while separate reports track a tug capsizing off Busan with six missing. Revenue Update: LRA says it collected US$954.7m in FY2026 revenue, aiming to cross US$1b before month-end.

Justice Shake-Up: President Joseph Boakai has removed Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh as Liberia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, appointing Cllr. Betty M. Lamin-Blamo in his place, while Augustine Fayiah is also reassigned and Abrahim Boimah Sillah becomes Solicitor General—moves linked to the wider drug investigation fallout. Ebola Crisis: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus says the Ebola response in DR Congo must be scaled up as deaths pass 3,000 and tracking transmission chains remains a major challenge, with calls for faster funding and more treatment capacity. U.S.-Iran Tensions, Shipping Risks: The U.S. expanded strikes on Iran tied to attacks around the Strait of Hormuz, including targeting Iranian oil tankers in a “tanker-for-tanker” approach, as maritime incidents and casualties continue to mount. Liberia in the Global Health Funding Crosshairs: A report says Liberia faces an 84% U.S. health funding cut by 2030, raising fears for disease surveillance and frontline care. Maritime Safety: A tugboat capsized off Busan, killing one and leaving six missing; a Liberia-flagged vessel rescued one crew member.

Liberia Justice & Drug Case: The Monrovia City Court delayed the preliminary hearing in the drug trafficking and money laundering case against former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor as her defense sought access to medical records and an independent medical evaluation, with the matter now set for Sept. 4. Human Rights & Accountability: ANC leader Alexander B. Cummings urged a swift, transparent, impartial prosecution after visiting Howard-Taylor in prison, warning against “selective justice.” Courtroom Compliance: Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay ordered Judiciary staff to surrender unauthorized use of JUD plates on private vehicles, calling it illegal and criminal. Public Finance: Liberia’s Auditor General issued an unqualified opinion on the 2025 Consolidated Fund accounts, while urging lawmakers to act on recommendations. Governance & Elections: The NEC will launch its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan today to strengthen electoral administration and public confidence. Community Development: Government and ArcelorMittal-Liberia stakeholders reviewed implementation of a US$5m annual Community Development Fund under the Third Mineral Development Agreement. Sports: Grand Kru reappointed Emmanuel “Emo” Kehkeh after full exoneration by the LFA. Youth & Climate: LCOY Liberia 2026 ended with a National Youth Statement pushing accountability and youth participation in NDC 3.0 implementation. Regional Health Watch: DRC’s Ebola outbreak crossed 6,100 cases and 3,007 deaths as containment efforts face insecurity and weak surveillance.

DR Congo Ebola Update: Congo authorities say the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has topped 6,000 cases with 2,911 deaths, as insecurity, displacement and health worker strikes keep the virus spreading into new zones. Liberia Diplomacy: Liberia has concluded its August leadership as Coordinator of the UN Security Council’s Ten Elected Members (E10), hosting senior UN engagement and pushing regional security and humanitarian priorities. Maritime Security/ECOWAS: ECOWAS wrapped up Operation Anouanze IV at the Freeport of Monrovia, highlighting better coordinated West African naval operations and real-time information sharing. CBL Finance Reform: The Central Bank of Liberia launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry System to digitize property registration and expand secured lending. Local Business: SUNU Assurances Liberia opened a new Sinkor office to bring insurance services closer to clients. Public Health (Liberia): Health workers warn misinformation, fees and aid cuts are driving a rise in severely malnourished babies. Justice/Drugs: A Liberian law student urges citizens to avoid political support for drug suspects, stressing rule of law and due process.

ECOWAS Justice Milestone: Charlyne Brumskine has become the first Liberian woman appointed as a judge on the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, selected for a 2026–2030 term, with her goal to expand access to the court across West Africa. Health Crisis—DR Congo Ebola: DR Congo reports Ebola has surpassed 6,000 cases and nearly 3,000 deaths, with new positives and deaths concentrated in Ituri as insecurity and health worker strikes strain response efforts. Liberia’s Economy vs Daily Life: A new analysis says Liberia’s growth and rising domestic revenue are improving macro numbers, but ordinary Liberians still aren’t feeling the benefits. Public Finance & Services: President Boakai suspends import tariffs on qualifying off-grid solar products to cut costs and expand rural energy access. Governance & Rights: The Ministry of Justice urges media to help drive Liberia’s death penalty abolition campaign through accurate public education. Women, Nutrition & Survival: Health workers warn severe malnutrition is rising as caregivers lack correct infant feeding knowledge and treatment tools, with fees and weak access to support worsening outcomes. Regional Security—Liberia-Guinea Border: Opposition leader Clarence Moniba demands a full public account of the months-long border dispute, questioning what diplomacy has achieved while tensions remain unresolved.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 6,000 confirmed cases with 2,911 deaths, as WHO warns the situation is still out of control and could surpass the 2014–2016 West Africa toll; officials cite insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and population movement, while response teams have faced attacks. Liberia’s Health Pressure: A new report says about 800,000 Liberians may have kidney disease, with most cases preventable but often missed due to weak screening and reliance on painkillers; Liberia’s only public dialysis center is struggling to meet demand. Aid Funding Worries for Liberia: A U.S. report based on government documents says new Trump-era health funding deals could cut support for Liberia by about 84% by 2030, raising fears of preventable deaths and disease. Justice and Accountability: Liberia marks 23 years of peace as victims’ groups renew calls for prosecutions, reparations, and a war and economic crimes court; meanwhile, pressure grows on lawmakers and courts over due process in high-profile cases. Governance Watch: Liberia’s telecom monitoring revenue dispute deepens as the LTA chairman refuses to disclose how much money the system has generated, despite public demands for transparency. Environment and Livelihoods: In Grand Gedeh, forests that were 99% intact until 2020 are rapidly shrinking as cacao farms expand, driven partly by cross-border pressure from Côte d’Ivoire—raising long-term risk for communities. Sports Leadership Twist (Lofa): Senator Cyrus rescinds his resignation as Lofa sports steering chair after a ministry review reduced Lofa’s fine and questioned earlier disqualification decisions. Regional Memory and Reconciliation: Liberia’s delegation studies Rwanda’s memorial model as it lays groundwork for a national peace, reconciliation and memorial museum.

UN Reparations Push: A UN racial discrimination committee says countries are legally obliged to consider reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and address the lasting legacy of racial discrimination, calling it a “paradigm shift” that could be cited in court. Liberian Finance & Accountability: Liberia’s Enhanced Collateral Registry System is being launched to widen access to credit, while a separate telecom monitoring revenue dispute grows as LTA chair Clarence Massaquoi refuses to disclose earnings. Drug War Under Fire: The CDC says Boakai’s drug response lacks credibility and impartiality, while Nimba elders back the crackdown “without fear or favor.” Peace Museum Plans: Liberia’s delegation studies Rwanda’s memorial approach as it lays groundwork for a National Peace, Reconciliation and Memorial Museum. Aid Shock for Women’s Health: Sweden ends its long-running aid presence in Liberia, a blow to gender equality and healthcare programmes. Courts & Justice: The Supreme Court clears the way for enforcement in the Urban Marketing–Tubman estate dispute and orders a retrial in the Capitol arson case. Health Crisis: Experts warn 800,000 Liberians have kidney disease, with most cases preventable but often detected too late. Sports & Governance: CAF invites Liberian Cllr. Kunkunyon Wleh Teh to an Addis Ababa governance meeting.

Liberia Deportations Under “Third-Country” Deals: U.S. ICE expanded “third country” deportations, sending dozens of people to African nations including Liberia, according to internal government documents, as the campaign grows beyond original destination countries. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Border czar Tom Homan pushed back on CNN over claims of abuse during deportations, citing rising threats against ICE officers while denying the allegations. ECOWAS Peacekeeping Legacy: ECOWAS released books documenting its peace interventions, including coverage of Liberia in the 1990–2003 period, as the bloc marks its wider conflict-resolution record. Liberia Football Transfer: Sierra Leone forward Mohamed Kanu joined Liberian top-flight side NPA Anchors after a loan spell at FC Bea Mountain. Bong County Violence After River Incident: A canoe accident on the St. John River in Bong County escalated into allegations, retaliatory attacks, and burning of homes in Duah Town, with Rep. Koinah moving to restore calm. Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak spread to two new health zones, bringing the total to 60 areas affected. Sports Streaming: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga across Sub-Saharan Africa, boosting viewing options for fans in the region. Monrovia Police Arrest: Monrovia, California police arrested a wanted man after he walked into a Panda Express where officers were on lunch break.

Liberia–Justice & Courts: Liberia’s Supreme Court has moved to clear the way for the Capitol arson trial after denying Koffa and co-defendants’ prohibition petition, while other court updates include fines and defamation rulings tied to prominent figures. Drug War & Due Process: Civil society and political actors continue to press for impartial, transparent investigations in Liberia’s drug cases, with calls to protect presumption of innocence and avoid selective justice. Bong County Violence: A river accident in Bong escalated into retaliatory attacks, with reports of injuries and burning of homes after allegations over what caused the canoe capsizing. Health & Regional Security: The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has spread to two new health zones, bringing the total affected areas to 60, as vaccination efforts target frontline workers amid insecurity and displacement. Sports & Talent: NPA Anchors in Liberia’s top flight has signed Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Kanu, adding attacking depth as the club prepares for the 2026-2027 season. Economy & Finance: The Central Bank of Liberia has launched an enhanced collateral registry to expand access to secured lending, aiming to unlock jobs and business growth.

Liberian Football Transfers: NPA Anchors, the Monrovia-based Port Controllers, have signed Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Kanu after his loan spell at FC Bea Mountain, adding attacking depth as the club prepares for Liberia’s 2026-2027 top-flight season. Public Finance & Credit: The Central Bank of Liberia has launched an enhanced collateral registry and credit platform aimed at expanding access to secured lending and boosting business finance. Justice System: Liberia’s Supreme Court has denied Koffa and co-defendants’ prohibition petition, clearing the way for the Capitol arson trial, while other court updates continue to shape high-profile cases. Drug War & Due Process: A Citizens Movement for Change leader has urged impartial investigations in the Jewel Howard-Taylor drug allegations, stressing presumption of innocence and due process. Health Crisis Watch: In eastern DR Congo, Ebola has spread to two new health zones, bringing affected areas to 60, with thousands of cases and deaths reported as vaccination efforts begin. Education Compliance: Liberia’s region-wide education spotlight continues as Ghana’s GTEC lists 100 unrecognised universities, warning the public to verify certificates.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): Congo’s Health Ministry says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has hit two new health zones—Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu—bringing affected zones to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; officials warn the fatality rate is higher in the new areas as insecurity, displacement, health-worker strikes and population movement hamper response, while Congo begins vaccinating frontline workers with Ervebo. Liberia Courts (Capitol Arson Case): Liberia’s Supreme Court denied former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s petition for a writ of prohibition, clearing the way for Criminal Court “A” to empanel a new jury and restart the Capitol Building arson trial de novo. Liberia Justice (Murder Conviction): The Supreme Court overturned the murder conviction of Valington B. Kaiser (“Bishop”), saying the State’s evidence did not sufficiently corroborate the case, ordering restoration of his rights after more than three years in prison. Local Governance/Accountability: In a separate development, Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi publicly apologized to Canadian NGO Life Water Canada after viral borehole remarks, saying the charity is credible and pledging projects will continue. Public Safety (Monrovia, California): Monrovia police arrested a wanted man after he walked into Panda Express where officers were on lunch break—ending a month-long hunt after two earlier freeway escapes.

Liberia Supreme Court: The Court denied former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and co-defendants’ bid to stop the Capitol Building arson trial, clearing the way for Criminal Court “A” to empanel a new jury and restart the case. Due Process in Focus: In a separate ruling, the Supreme Court recalled and corrected part of a damages decision, cancelling US$50,000 awards against Martin K.N. Kollie and Alex Williams while keeping Ecobank Liberia’s US$250,000 special damages award intact. Drug War Debate: CMC Women Chair Alice Baysah backed Jewel Howard Taylor with a call for impartial, transparent investigations and respect for presumption of innocence, while stressing she does not support drug trafficking. Ebola Update (DRC): Eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak spread to two new health zones, bringing affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths as insecurity and health worker strikes hamper response. Finance & Credit: The Central Bank of Liberia launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry to expand secured lending and help businesses and entrepreneurs register and verify collateral more easily. Women & Trade: A cross-border trader in Liberia says digital payments are reducing the risk of carrying cash, highlighting growing momentum for interoperable payment systems.

Central Bank Boosts Credit: The CBL launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry to help MSMEs and other borrowers use more assets as security, aiming to expand secured lending. Oil Sector Opens Doors: LPRA opened prequalification for Liberia’s 2026 Direct Negotiation Petroleum Licensing Round, with negotiations set for the fourth quarter. Court Closes Long Forestry Case: Liberia’s Supreme Court upheld convictions tied to Private Use Permits, cutting prison terms to one year each and ordering US$10,000 restitution for five ex-officials. Capitol Arson Trial Update: Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay is set to rule today on a defense challenge in the stalled Capitol Building arson case. Procurement Warning: President Boakai cautioned officials against bypassing public procurement rules, stressing value for money and asset security. Gender Law Debate: The Gender Ministry and legal experts clashed over spousal support interpretations under Liberia’s Domestic Relations Law. Women in Uniform Push: AFL and the Ministry of National Defense held a recruitment awareness drive in Kakata to increase women’s participation in the military. Sports: FC Fassell CEO Cassell Kuoh welcomed the LFA Appeals Committee’s move lifting his permanent expulsion. Regional Health Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak spread to two new health zones as vaccination begins for frontline workers.

Drug War, Due Process: President Boakai told the nation he will enforce Liberia’s laws “without fear or favor,” stressing constitutional rights as drug cases spark misinformation and public debate. Justice System Watch: Press Union veteran Charles B. Coffey Jr. urged calm and respect for rule of law, saying allegations must be tested in court, not in public opinion. Supreme Court Rulings: The Supreme Court ordered Ecobank Liberia to pay US$250,000 to former LISGIS deputy boss Wilmot Smith, while activists Martin Kollie and Alex Williams were ordered to pay US$50,000 each. Anti-Corruption: The Court also upheld convictions in a PPAL economic sabotage case, fining Neeplo US$10,000 and sentencing her to 10 years. Transport Costs: Rising fares on the Ganta–Monrovia route are pushing up costs for commuters and traders, with some paying up to L$2,000. Sports Development: Liberia’s Henry Nyuman Browne National Academy enrollment begins, with FIFA support for youth training and education. Diplomacy: Liberia and France moved to deepen political and economic ties after consultations in Paris.

Drug War Accountability: Justice Minister/AG N. Oswald Tweh vowed Liberia will intensify its crackdown on drug trafficking “without fear or favor,” stressing prosecutions must rest on credible evidence and due process as lawmakers and rights groups push for independent oversight and warn against selective justice. Selective Justice Row: Gbarpolu Senator Amara Konneh urged Boakai to either charge suspended officials or reinstate those without evidence, while the National Muslim Council and civil society groups echoed calls for equal treatment in the drug probe. Jewel Howard-Taylor Case: Debate continues over the detention and charges against former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor, with EPS Director Sam Gaye defending the legal basis for trafficking-related charges even without physical handling of drugs. Communications Transparency: Liberia’s LTA board chair Clarence Massaquoi again declined to disclose regulator revenue publicly, saying reporting is to the President and authorized oversight bodies. Yellow Machines Skills Push: Liberia’s Yellow Machine Program begins recruiting and practical testing of heavy-equipment operators in Bong County, shifting focus from buying machines to building maintenance and workforce systems. Education & Community: A modern primary school was dedicated in Nimba’s District #9, and RHUSH donated rice to remote Margibi communities through its Hunger Mission. Sports: Bullets signed Liberian attacking midfielder Sheku Sheriff on a two-year deal ahead of the next phase of competition.

Drug War & Due Process: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai told Liberians former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor is being treated in full compliance with Liberia’s Constitution, with access to counsel and due process, while stressing guilt is for the independent justice system. Cyber & Data Protection: Boakai signed Liberia’s Cybercrime Act and Data Protection Act into law, a push to curb digital crime and protect personal data as the country’s digital systems expand. Justice Under Scrutiny: Rights and civil society groups renewed calls for fairness in high-profile drug cases, including warnings against biased prosecutions and the need for calm and due process. Agriculture Field Support: The Agriculture Ministry distributed 20 pickups and 36 motorbikes to county agriculture officers to improve farmer outreach, monitoring, and extension services. National Archives Logistics: CNDRA handed county coordinators 16 motorbikes to strengthen rural operations and service delivery. Community & Culture: Cottonwood Community Band named Philip Blackwell as its new conductor, highlighting local music leadership. Sports/Community Event: Registration opened for Monrovia’s Fountain to the Falls 10k run/walk, with limited slots and volunteer sign-up details.