AGP Executive Report

Drug Probe & Due Process: Political leader Dr. Clarence Moniba urged President Boakai to address the nation and set up an independent three-person panel to review the progress of Liberia’s widening drug investigations, stressing “accusations are not convictions” and calling for credible evidence in court. Human Rights & Drug War Scrutiny: The Liberia Council of Churches also called for calm, impartial investigations and respect for due process, warning against turning the drug fight into political division. Courtroom Tensions: Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor denied drug trafficking allegations, while Bong County eminent citizens demanded her release and an independent probe into her arrest, detention, and treatment. Revenue Push: The Central Bank backed the Liberia Revenue Authority’s “Move to Billion” plan, while Bong Senator Findley demanded a serious debate over LRA’s proposed 5% revenue share and the Liberia Revenue Code is undergoing a technical review for modernization. Local Governance: The Ministry of Local Government will host a high-level dialogue on decentralization and local governance on Aug. 26–27, targeting bottlenecks that keep approvals centralized in Monrovia. Youth & Health: UNFPA urged national action to keep girls in school, and the First Lady launched school-based adolescent reproductive health clubs in five counties. Regional Trade & Borders: ECOWAS handed over a renovated NTA building at Bo-Waterside and opened a temporary joint border post to support the permanent ECOWAS border project. Economy & National Milestone: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan said Liberia is expected to cross US$1 billion in domestic revenue in September.

Deportation Fallout: Six people who resisted a U.S. flight in Liberia were separated and sent onward to Equatorial Guinea, highlighting how “third-country” removals are being used as a legal workaround, rights groups say. Justice Update: Liberia’s Attorney General says former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been formally charged over an alleged transnational narcotics network, including controlled-drug, conspiracy, and money-laundering offences. Democracy Watch: Ex-President George Weah warned that a “tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant,” urging stronger, independent courts and fearless legal institutions. Maritime Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority opened a regional training for seafarer examiners and assessors, with Liberia among participating countries, as IMO officials call for assessment systems to keep up with new maritime technology. Youth & Media: Sierra Leone’s NAYCOM commissioner met Liberia officials in Monrovia to discuss youth empowerment cooperation across the Mano River Union. Business Spotlight: Ghana-based podcast Konnected Minds hit number one on Apple Podcasts charts in Liberia and other countries, boosting African entrepreneurship content.

Deportation Deal Fallout: Liberia received the first 20 U.S. deportees under a deal that could take up to 1,200 people, but only 15 stayed after five refused to disembark and were sent to Equatorial Guinea; the U.S. payment is reported as US$5 million, with details of the terms still “murky,” leaving rights groups and many Liberians uneasy. Ebola Update: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 5,500 confirmed cases and nearly 2,650 deaths, with new positives reported across Ituri, North Kivu and Haut-Uele. Justice and Due Process: Former President George Weah urged African leaders to protect democracy by strengthening independent institutions and an impartial judiciary, warning that “a tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant.” Legal Pressure at Home: Liberia’s Jewel Howard-Taylor remains at the center of a widening drug-trafficking case, with calls for the law to take its course and scrutiny on how power is used. Education Dispute: A former mines official, Tingban, urged Boakai to urgently intervene in the University of Liberia stalemate, saying students’ education is being held hostage.

US–Liberia Deportations: Twenty US deportees arrived in Liberia on Aug. 21 under a third-country deal that could eventually move up to 1,200 people, with reports that some transfers are being sent to places they have never lived in. Jewel Howard-Taylor Case: Liberia charged former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor over a transnational drug probe after her Aug. 19 arrest at Roberts International Airport; her office denies the allegations and says the government may be trying to fabricate AI-linked claims. Police Leadership Scrutiny: Calls are growing for LNP Inspector General Gregory Coleman to step aside amid allegations tied to a $336m narcotics scandal, including questions over police vehicle procurement and fleet management. Maritime Security & Shipping Risks: Iran’s Strait of Hormuz control efforts continue as a “Non-Compliant Vessels” list is announced and shipping traffic surges; a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier incident also left one Filipino seafarer dead. Justice & Democracy: George Weah urged lawyers and judges to protect an independent judiciary and keep the law from being used to fuel chaos, speaking at Nigeria’s NBA conference in Port Harcourt.

Third-Country Deportees Begin Arriving: The first 20 people deported from the US landed at Roberts International Airport on Aug. 21 under a new deal allowing Liberia to accept up to 1,200 deportees over 12 months, with officials saying some may apply for asylum in Liberia. Deportation Deal Under Scrutiny: Reports say the US approved a $5 million payment to Liberia for “migration management activities,” contradicting earlier claims by Monrovia that it received no compensation. Jewel Howard-Taylor Denies Charges: Liberia’s ex-VP Jewel Howard-Taylor’s office rejects drug-trafficking allegations, calling them politically motivated, after she was stopped at Roberts International Airport on Aug. 19. Ebola Call for Global Action: A new commentary warns Ebola in DR Congo can’t be treated as “Africa’s problem,” urging stronger international support to avoid past response mistakes. Maritime Tensions in Hormuz: Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz surged nearly 400% as more vessels use a US-backed Oman route, while Iranian projectiles reportedly hit multiple ships, raising insurance and oil-risk fears. Port Safety Incident: A Liberian-flagged container ship incident injured a port pilot after a rope snapped during disembarkation, halting the vessel’s Malaysia departure.

Third-Country Deportations Begin: The first group of 20 people deported from the U.S. arrived in Monrovia under Liberia’s deal to accept up to 1,200 migrants over 12 months, landing at Roberts International Airport under tight security; some reportedly refused to disembark and were moved onward to Equatorial Guinea, raising fresh rights concerns. U.S. Payment Controversy: The New York Times reports Washington approved a US$5 million payment to Liberia for “migration management activities,” contradicting Liberia’s earlier claim of “no compensation.” Jewel Howard-Taylor Case: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering tied to a transnational narcotics probe, while her camp alleges the government may fabricate “AI evidence.” Police Procurement Questions: Calls are growing for LNP Inspector General Gregory Coleman to step aside as allegations swirl over police vehicles and procurement linked to the wider narcotics scandal. Court Blocks Trump Visa Freeze: A U.S. judge struck down Trump’s blanket immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries, including several African states.

Third-Country Deportations: Liberia received the first 20 U.S. deportees under a Trump-era deal to accept up to 1,200 people over 12 months, landing at Roberts International Airport under tight security; reports say at least five resisted deplaning and were flown onward to Equatorial Guinea. US Payment: The New York Times reports Washington approved a $5 million payment to Liberia to support migration management, including accommodation, food and vocational training, after assurances of no racial or religious persecution. Police Accountability: Liberia National Police denied using Starlink, saying internet is provided via LIBTELCO/LTC Mobile, and clarified it bought used operational vehicles from a U.S. firm amid public questions. Justice for Jewel Howard-Taylor: Bong County native David Flomo urged the Ministry of Justice to release former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor to her lawyers for proper legal and medical care as her case draws intense attention. Health Workers Under Strain: A separate report highlights Ebola frontline workers in DR Congo living in fear and missing pay, underscoring the wider regional pressure on health systems.

Deportations to Liberia: Liberia received its first 20 “third-country” deportees from the U.S. under a deal for up to 1,200 people, with reports that five men resisted deplaning and were taken to Equatorial Guinea before being returned. Drug Probe: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering linked to a US$317m cocaine seizure, after she was stopped at Roberts International Airport; three foreigners were also charged in absentia. Health Oversight: Liberia’s National Port Authority executive Sekou Dukuly faces fallout after health authorities revoked licenses for group homes tied to him and others, as regulators move to shut down operations. Women in Agriculture: LUYCDE women farmers appealed for support to expand vegetable and rice production, including making organic fertilizers locally to cut reliance on costly imports. Ebola Watch: UN officials warn DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than the response can handle, with funds expected to run dry soon.

Deportations Under Scrutiny: Liberia received its first 20 U.S. third-country deportees at Roberts International Airport, but the arrival was marred by a reported standoff after five men allegedly refused to leave the aircraft, raising fresh questions about how the deal is being implemented and what Liberia receives in return. Revenue Push: The Liberia Revenue Authority launched its 2025–2029 Corporate Strategic Plan, aiming to modernize tax administration, boost digital systems, and move toward fairer, faster taxpayer services as Liberia targets a historic US$1 billion domestic revenue mark. High-Profile Court Update: Prosecution dropped charges against former GSA Director Mary Broh in the Saudi rice case, while the state said proceedings against other co-defendants will continue. Education Results: WAEC released Liberia’s 2026 national exam results, with 60.37% meeting the new graduation criteria. Local Governance Clash: Townships in Montserrado accused the Monrovia City Corporation of withholding revenue shares, warning the dispute is now affecting sanitation and basic services. Telecom Regulation: The LTA published Satellite Communications Guidelines and hosted FM radio stakeholder workshops to improve compliance and broadcast standards. Sports & Community: Musicians Barsee and Com Cruz were named civic champions as civic education returns to schools.

Deportations to Liberia Begin: The U.S. carried out its first “third-country” deportation flight to Liberia, landing 20 people at Roberts International Airport as Monrovia prepares to receive up to 1,200 deportees over 12 months. Liberia’s Information Minister said most arrivals are from Latin America, including Venezuela, Cuba and Colombia, while others may come from Africa and the Caribbean; officials say the deportees can seek asylum in Liberia or leave, and that the U.S. provided $5 million for migration management. Drug Probe Widens: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering linked to a $317m cocaine bust, after she was detained at the airport while trying to leave; she was later rushed to GIMS Hospital after a reported medical emergency in police custody. Child Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s NAPTIP sealed a maternity facility in Port Harcourt and arrested three people over an alleged ₦13.5m baby-sale and trafficking network involving a Liberian national resident in Belgium.

Deportation Deal in Focus: Liberia will receive the first batch of 20 of up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. on Thursday, with most coming from Latin America—Liberia’s information minister says many are from Venezuela and Cuba—while IOM and the UN refugee agency are set to support services. Drug Probe Turns Political: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with cocaine trafficking, money laundering and related offences after being stopped at Roberts International Airport and taken to police custody, as opposition parties accuse the government of intimidation and scapegoating. Money Watch: Liberia’s Revenue Authority says the country is nearing its first-ever US$1 billion domestic revenue milestone, reporting about US$904.7 million collected as of August 18. Local Governance Push: ECOWAS urges young Liberians to protect peace, while a national dialogue calls for stronger county governance and citizen participation to speed up development agenda delivery. Churches Go Green: AEL launches a Gospel Solar Lights initiative for 2,000 church leaders and ties it to a cleaner, greener Liberia campaign.

Drug Probe Escalates: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and related offenses after authorities stopped her at Roberts International Airport and questioned her over a transnational cocaine network. Deportation Deal: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. over the next year, with the first 20 expected to arrive Thursday; officials say they will be treated as “guests,” can leave or apply for asylum, and Liberia is not seeking compensation. Maritime Security: Reports linked to Iran’s IRGC claim they turned back or seized tankers in and around the Strait of Hormuz, while separate coverage highlights continued attacks on shipping in the Black Sea affecting Liberia-flagged vessels. Local Business & Jobs: Cellecor signed preliminary heads of terms with Liberia’s special economic zone authorities to explore a manufacturing and assembly hub in Buchanan. Public Trust in Elections: The National Elections Commission validated a new communications strategy to improve transparency and reduce misinformation. Health & Community: Flow Day launched free sanitary pad distribution for rural women in Margibi, pairing supplies with hygiene education.

Cocaine Probe Escalates: Former VP Jewel Howard Taylor was taken into custody as a person of interest after being stopped from leaving Liberia, as police continue questioning linked to the US$19m cocaine case, while the NPP urged calm and warned against speculation. Court Warns Against Abuse: Judge George Gbeneweleh told courts to reclaim their constitutional duty to promote justice and resist outside pressure, as Judge J. Kennedy Peabody cautioned leaders against retaliatory, thin-skinned governance that weakens institutions. Drug War Accountability Fight: Senator Amara Konneh was asked by LNP IG Gregory Coleman to “show the evidence” over public claims on the cocaine investigation, and Senator Francis Dopoh warned that lawmakers’ public comments could derail prosecutions. Saudi Rice Case Ends for Mary Broh: The court dropped charges against former GSA boss Mary Tanyonoh Broh via nolle prosequi, ordering return of her bond, ending a saga tied to Saudi-donated rice. Immigration Shock for Liberians: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the US, with the first 20 arriving Aug. 20, sparking security and transparency concerns. Energy Regulation: LERC rejected LIBENERGY’s tariff reconsideration but pushed implementation to Nov. 1, giving the utility a deadline to improve service quality. Public Services Push: CSA broke ground for a southeastern regional HR hub in Zwedru for five counties, and MOH expanded urban vaccination hours in Montserrado through 2026–2027 outreach. Governance & Connectivity: LTA advanced redelegation of Liberia’s .lr domain and signed satellite communications guidelines to expand access, while Petroleum Commission marked its 15th anniversary in Ghana.

Third-Country Deportees: Liberia says it will accept up to 1,200 deportees from the United States over the next year, with the first batch of 20 expected to arrive Thursday; Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah said the arrivals will be treated as “guests of the Republic,” may seek asylum, and that the U.S. will support Liberia to manage the program and strengthen its migration system. Maritime Security: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, MINOAN DIGNITY, was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Aug. 17, leaving one seafarer dead and damaging the engine room; INTERCARGO urged all parties to protect civilian merchant crews. Public Health: The WHO warns the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is “far from being under control,” citing rapid spread driven by insecurity, displacement, and population movement, after the death toll passed 2,300. Digital ID Push: Liberia’s National Identification Registry says consultations on a biometric ID concession with Austria’s OSD are complete and the draft is headed to Parliament for approval ahead of nationwide enrollment.

Maritime Security: A seafarer was killed after an unknown projectile hit a Liberia-flagged cargo ship’s engine room in the Strait of Hormuz; the Omani Coast Guard is assisting the remaining crew as attacks keep disrupting one of the world’s busiest trade routes. Drug War Accountability: Liberia’s cocaine probe is drawing fresh political heat, with the police chief demanding Sen. Amara Konneh “show the evidence” after claims of senior officials being protected, while the senator warns of selective justice. Domestic Revenue Milestone: Liberia is on track to cross US$1 billion in domestic revenue for the first time, with the Liberia Revenue Authority citing stronger tax administration and customs enforcement. Providence Island Push: President Boakai broke ground for Providence Island’s development, tying the heritage project to the ARREST Agenda and tourism plans. Aviation Safety: The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority launched a 10-day safety training supported by the EU to strengthen risk management across the sector. Sports Funding Law: The National Sports Fund Authority Act is now signed into law, with lawmakers saying it should end chronic underfunding. Food Safety Plan: The Food Authority of Liberia unveiled its 2026-2030 strategic plan with EU and UNIDO support to improve food safety systems.

Public Health Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases reaching 4,945, as health officials warn the outbreak is spreading faster than past waves. Liberia Poverty Watch: New World Bank estimates say 35.8% of Liberians lived in extreme poverty in 2025, with warnings that without jobs and stronger services, hardship could deepen. Governance & Accountability: President Boakai’s NOCAL restroom dedication in Paynesville sparks debate over presidential priorities, while 13 former officials go on trial over alleged misappropriation of Saudi-donated rice. Local Development: Sie D. Anderson rolls out a basketball court, bus stop, and 500 vacation-school scholarships in Matadi Estate. Port Sector Shake-up: Boakai signs the Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization Act, reshaping NPA control and oversight. Health Safety: A case involving a fake surgeon highlights ongoing gaps in Liberia’s medical regulation and enforcement.