The response was uniform: "No vacant bed available". By 12:50 am GMT, Charles Amissah was dead —not for lack of medical expertise or a responding ambulance, but for lack of a piece of furniture.

His tragic death has reignited fury over Ghana’s "no bed syndrome," a systemic failure where emergency care is routinely denied based on physical space. 

However, a look into healthcare systems across sub-Saharan Africa reveals that Amissah’s death is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a continental crisis where hospital beds have become a tool of lethal exclusion.

The Ghana context

In Ghana, the "no bed syndrome" is a chronic ailment. In 2024, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), the nation’s largest medical facility, had to suspend referrals to its Surgical Medical Emergency unit because it was housing 60 patients in a 36-bed unit. Photos on social media captured the dehumanising reality: patients receiving treatment in plastic chairs, wheelchairs, and on the bare floor.

The Ministry of Health, on February 18, announced that it had constituted a three-member committee to probe Amissah’s death , examining decision-making processes and contributing factors. Yet, local experts argue the problem is structural. Beyond the physical shortage, the system suffers from abandoned facilities, a lack of medicines, and a severe brain drain as medical professionals flee for better opportunities abroad. 

Despite a national health insurance scheme, the cost of emergency care remains prohibitively high for many, and the referral chain is often broken by a lack of coordinated communication between ambulances and receiving wards.

The Nigerian mirror

Nigeria faces a nearly identical "no bed" crisis, often overshadowed by the "Japa syndrome"—the mass exodus of healthcare workers. The story of Ifelola Abiona last year, a 42-year-old mother of two, mirrors that of Charles Amissah. 

Despite doctors being physically present and ready to operate at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), she was left to "languish" and eventually die because no bed could be found. Her husband recounted a harrowing ordeal of being referred between facilities, paying nearly a million naira (about $745) for redundant tests, only to be told again: "No bed".

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) blamed this on a dysfunctional referral system and a weak primary healthcare foundation.

Chairman of the NMA in Lagos, Dr Saheed Babajide, revealed that in Lagos, only 57 out of 300 primary health centres are comprehensive enough to have doctors, forcing patients to swarm tertiary hospitals for minor ailments. This over-subscription, according to reports, means that many hospitals consistently operate at over 90% occupancy.

Furthermore, the lack of space extends to the families. Informal caregivers—relatives who perform the roles of nurses due to staffing shortages—are forced to sleep on staircases , wooden benches, or bare concrete. They report being bitten by mosquitoes, shivering in the rain, and eventually falling ill themselves, creating a secondary public health risk.

The ICU crisis in South Africa

In South Africa, the crisis shifts from general ward beds to the even more critical shortage of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. Reports reveal that South Africa has a mere five ICU beds per 100,000 people . In some provinces, the ratio drops to one bed per 100,000.

The consequences are visceral. In Gauteng, South Africa's economically dominant province, which houses its financial capital, Johannesburg, a 29-year-old man died after a one-hour wait for medical attention; his family attributed the delay to "corruption led by the political elite" and a lack of available ICU space. Another patient waited six weeks for an ICU bed for a bypass surgery; during that time, gangrene spread, resulting in a double amputation.

The shortage is not just about infrastructure but specialised human capital. Only 25% of ICU nurses in the country are actually trained in critical care. This deficit, combined with crumbling utilities and water/power shortages, means that even when a physical bed is available, there may be no one qualified to man it. 

There have also been reports of financial mismanagement where security budgets outweigh clinical budgets, leaving hospitals under-equipped while funds are siphoned away.

Liberia and Kenya: Crumbling walls and digital deadlocks

In Liberia, the "no bed" crisis is exacerbated by the scars of civil war and the 2014 Ebola epidemic. At Phebe Hospital, the second-largest in the country, reports from 2024 indicated that a lone surgeon had been forced to carry out operations by the light of storm lanterns because of frequent electricity cuts. 

The hospital, burdened by $300,000 in debt to vendors, often lacks basic drugs, forcing doctors to watch patients die while relatives run to local pharmacies to buy supplies. At the James Jenkins Dossen (JJ Dossen) Hospital in Harper, the coastal capital of Maryland County in southeastern Liberia, the influx of patients was so high that pregnant women and their newborn babies were forced to sleep on the floor.

Kenya offers a more modern, albeit equally frustrating, version of the crisis. Recent transitions to the Social Health Authority (SHA) portal resulted in chaotic situations where hospitals with physical beds were shown as having "zero occupancy" in the digital system. Hospital owners reported being forced to turn away women in need of maternity services because the digital dashboard "locked," preventing admissions and reimbursements. 

Officials claim this was a deliberate downgrade to protect patient safety in facilities lacking essential equipment, but providers allege it is a cost-containment strategy by a state grappling with billions in unpaid claims.

A continental death trap

The collective data across these nations paints a grim picture:

Why the bed is just the symptom

The "no bed syndrome" is rarely just about furniture. It is the end result of the "Three Delays" model, according to researchers :

Many governments in Africa still view Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as a luxury rather than an essential component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 

In Nigeria, for instance, only 9% of the population is covered by a formal EMS system. Governments struggle to maintain ambulance fleets, and most response is left to expensive, private hospital-owned vehicles that can cost more than a month’s wages to hire.

The path forward: Essential, not optional

The African Critical Illness Outcomes Study , which investigated about 20,000 patients from 180 hospitals in 22 countries across the continent, suggests that thousands of lives could be saved through simple, low-cost interventions that can be provided in general wards, such as ensuring oxygen availability and training staff in basic life support.

Case studies in Sierra Leone and Malawi show promise. Sierra Leone utilised ambulances from its Ebola response to create a national EMS system that now achieves national coverage with 80 ambulances and over 400 paramedics. Malawi is piloting a coordinated "118" emergency number and trauma registry along its deadliest road corridor.

The United States and Liberia have signed a five-year, US$176 million bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, marking a major step toward implementing the America First Global Health Strategy. Under the deal, Washington will provide up to US$125 million in health assistance over five years to support HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal and child health, and global health security. Liberia, in turn, will increase domestic health financing by nearly US$51 million, assuming more responsibility for its national health system, the New Dawn reports. The agreement comes as Liberia shows measurable progress, advancing toward the 95-95-95 HIV targets, cutting malaria incidence by over 30%, and improving laboratory and surveillance systems. The MOU aims to strengthen government-to-government cooperation and modernise health systems. Similar multiyear agreements will be rolled out with other partner countries in the coming weeks.

Boakai declares Unity Party ‘stronger than ever’

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai says the Unity Party has emerged more united and resilient after years of political turbulence, declaring the party “stronger, more united, and more purposeful than ever.” Speaking at the UP’s Homecoming, Fundraising, and Headquarters Dedication Ceremony, Boakai recalled the party’s painful eviction from its former headquarters in 2021, a moment many believed would mark its collapse. “But they were wrong,” Boakai said. “We reorganised, we endured, and today we stand here not in defeat but stronger,” Liberian Observer quotes. He honoured the party’s founding fathers and remembered supporters killed in tragedies following UP rallies in 2023, describing them as “part of our story, our struggle, and our soul.”

Sweden to end bilateral aid, close Monrovia embassy in 2026

Sweden has announced it will end bilateral development aid to Liberia and close its Monrovia mission by 2026 in a major restructuring of its global development strategy. The move will phase out US$149.6 million in ongoing programs, equivalent to 12.4% of Liberia’s national budget, across governance, energy, education, agriculture, and health. Stockholm emphasised the decision is budget-driven and not a response to any internal developments in Liberia. Sweden will shift support to multilateral channels, EU funding, and future trade partnerships. More than 30 active Swedish-funded projects, including energy access, women’s empowerment, decentralisation, and rule-of-law initiatives, will undergo an “orderly wind-down.”

US$1.25 billion draft budget

The House of Representatives has passed the 2026 National Budget, amounting to L$247 billion, equivalent to US$1,249,665,191.15, marking the end of the second session of the 55th Legislature’s third quarter. The financial framework is fully balanced, with core and contingent revenues matching planned expenditures. The Joint Committee on Ways, Means, and Public Accounts reported discovering an additional US$38.8 million in potential revenue during scrutiny. The budget now moves to the Senate for concurrence.

Digital mineral rights application system

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has rolled out a fully digital mineral rights application platform, replacing Liberia’s manual, paper-based system with an online, transparent, investor-friendly interface. The system allows applicants to submit, renew, and track mineral rights remotely, significantly reducing bureaucratic delays and travel costs. Deputy Ministers Franseth Mulbah and William Hines hailed the launch as a transformative step toward aligning Liberia’s mining governance with global best practices. The system integrates with the Liberia Revenue Authority for online payments and is designed to curb corruption through reduced human discretion and verifiable digital records.

A look at the global map reveals a truth of how almost every country uses the metric system, yet a few, most notably the United States, continue to rely primarily on the imperial or U.S. customary units.

Liberia and Myanmar are historically grouped with the U.S., though both have made slow, uneven moves toward metrication.

The result is a world where a kilogram means the same thing almost everywhere, but pounds, inches, Fahrenheit, and miles still dominate key sectors of American life.

This divide raises deeper questions about standardisation at a time when global collaboration is no longer optional. Scientists warn that climate reporting suffers when countries use different measurement norms, because conversion errors can alter data quality.

A system that the world mostly agrees on, but not universal

The metric system , created during the French Revolution and later refined by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), is rooted in scientific consistency. It is designed around decimals, making it simple to learn, easy to scale, and globally interoperable.

Today, it is the official system for international trade, scientific research, and nearly all global standards bodies.

However, the United States remains the world’s most influential holdout. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the U.S. legally recognised the metric system in 1866 and reaffirmed its intention to adopt it with the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, but adoption was voluntary, not mandated.

This single detail is considered one of the main reasons the transition stalled. Industries, retailers, and local governments were never required to change, making the imperial system an enduring cultural and economic habit.

In practice, the U.S. already depends on the metric system more than most people realise. Scientists, the military, medicine, and even many manufacturers work almost entirely in metric. Yet household products, road signage, real estate, and groceries continue to use customary units, creating a split system that’s both familiar and complex.

Liberia and Myanmar are often mentioned alongside the U.S., but their situations differ . Myanmar announced in 2013 that it would begin transitioning to the metric system to streamline trade. Liberia uses metric units in certain industries such as medicine and shipping, but the customary system persists in everyday life.

Citing data from the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), Marvey said ArcelorMittal Liberia generated US$1.21bn between 2009 and 2022, yet the government received only US$138m, about 11% of total earnings. He added that unprocessed iron ore continues to be shipped out of the country and that gold and diamonds uncovered during operations are often exported without proper reporting.

“Foreign companies are eating Liberia alive,” he said. “It is the responsibility of lawyers to help close loopholes that allow this exploitation to continue,” Daily Observer quotes.

Marvey pointed to Yekepa, once envisioned as a model mining community, as evidence of the sector’s failures. Despite more than 20 years of operations, the town remains largely abandoned, housing blocks have collapsed, water systems no longer function, and key infrastructure, including parts of the Mount Tokadeh rail line, is deteriorating. 

Meanwhile, ArcelorMittal is reported to have increased production, using longer, heavier trains, raising concerns that government losses may be rising, not falling.

Marvey said Liberia’s legal framework allows multinational companies wide latitude. Concession agreements often lack enforcement mechanisms, and agencies tasked with monitoring mining operations remain under-resourced.

He also described the emerging carbon credit sector as “poorly regulated.” Liberia has no dedicated law governing carbon trading, and only 10% of carbon revenue is required to be paid into state coffers.

Marvey urged the legal community to take a more active role in safeguarding Liberia’s resources, saying the country needs stronger laws, tighter oversight and more consistent enforcement.

Local and international stakeholders gathered at the Delegation of the European Union in Liberia for the presentation of a political economy analysis on inclusion and exclusion in Liberian politics. The study, conducted by the Ducor Institute for Social and Economic Research under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, was commissioned by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy. Presenting the findings, Dr. Aaron Weah, Executive Director of the Ducor Institute, noted that decision-making within parties is highly centralised. “Opportunities for meaningful engagement by women and young people remain limited as senior leaders dominate decision-making processes,” the New Dawn Liberia reports. The report called for reforms to expand participation and foster greater inclusivity.

Detoxification program

Liberia’s anti-drug campaign has suffered a major setback after 485 out of 600 youths enrolled in a government-backed detoxification program abandoned the initiative. Jewel Tarpeh Kollie, Montserrado County Health Officer, confirmed the numbers. “From the start, we had about 600 youths in the program. But as of yesterday, the number dropped to 115 (105 males and 10 females). Sometimes you see the number increase, and other times it decreases, because the process is voluntary and many of them walk away,” he said. The program was designed to provide treatment and recovery services to vulnerable youth, but officials now face questions about sustainability and effectiveness, the New Dawn Liberia reports.

Liberia hosts anti-illicit financial flows workshop

Liberia hosted the fifth Anti-IFFs Policy Tracker workshop in Monrovia from September 1–3, 2025, bringing together policymakers, civil society leaders, and international partners to assess efforts to curb illicit financial flows. The workshop focused on identifying high-risk areas in the financial system and strengthening national strategies. Harold Aidoo, Executive Director of Integrity Watch Liberia, welcomed participants, “We are very happy that you could join us here in Liberia. I know it’s your first time here for many of you, and please permit me to formally welcome you. This is a very loving and peaceful country striving to grow and develop like many African countries.” The Anti-IFFs Policy Tracker is designed to help African governments evaluate responses and develop policy reforms, the Liberian Observer reports.

GAC audit flags $2.8m in irregular spending

The General Auditing Commission has flagged $2.8 million in budget irregularities in the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning’s audit of the Consolidated Funds Account for the 2024 fiscal year. The audit revealed overspending by multiple entities, including the Ministry of Public Works, which spent $40.34 million against a budget of $38.01 million. It also found payments made without adequate documentation. The GAC warned that such practices could undermine financial discipline. Responding to the findings, the MFDP denied any missing funds, “All transactions were executed with proper authorisation and supporting records. However, some documentation could not be immediately located due to limitations in the inherited filing and document storage system,” Liberian Observer reports.

Boakai criticised for missing Grigsby’s U.S. funeral

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is facing backlash for failing to attend the U.S. funeral of his late Chief of Staff and longtime confidant, Sylvester Mondubue Grigsby, who died on August 9 while on a medical checkup. Opposition figure Wantoe Teah Wantoe called the absence inexcusable, “Did he attend? No. Wasn’t Grigsby his Chief of Staff and Minister of State? Yes. Wasn’t Grigsby his best friend and childhood companion? Yes. These are the facts. Missing Grigsby’s burial is not just a personal failure. It is a public betrayal of friendship, duty, and the values the presidency should uphold,” Wade Williams, another critic, argued the burial should have been treated as a state matter. “So President Boakai’s Minister of State for Presidential Affairs dies and is buried outside Liberia. He is not present at the funeral. Something isn’t right. Shouldn’t this have been a state funeral?” Smart News Liberia reports.

While some welcomed the call for spiritual renewal, others questioned its timing and impact on the struggling economy.

According to a statement from the presidency, the day was set aside in recognition of what it described as “the enduring grace of God upon the nation” and the strength shown by Liberians in difficult times.

The government encouraged both public and private institutions to observe the day through interfaith gatherings, community events, and special services.

While some citizens see it as a chance to promote unity and seek divine guidance for the country’s future, others see it as unnecessary, especially with many national holidays already on the calendar.

On social media , reactions were swift and passionate.

Some users thanked the president for putting faith at the centre of national life.

But others called it a distraction from urgent national issues like unemployment, insecurity, and the cost of living .

There was also concern about the message being sent by the government, especially after this year’s Independence Day orator had suggested that the country focus less on religious activity and more on economic development. Some pastors and citizens saw the new holiday as a contradiction.

Despite the criticism, President Boakai used the occasion to call for national unity and healing, urging Liberians to forgive one another and seek peace.

“From the founding of our nation, through seasons of trial and triumph, God has remained our guide and the source of our hope. As we look to the future, let us embrace forgiveness of ourselves and one another, for it is only through reconciliation that we can fully heal and move forward as one people,” he said during his speech on Independence Day.

Although Justice Yuoh reached the age of retirement earlier this year, the Liberian Constitution allows her to remain in office until she finishes all pending cases that were started before she turned 70.

Legal experts say Justice Yuoh is expected to step down by August 15, once she has completed her duties.

But the fact that Gbeisay may be commissioned by the president this week has sparked concern that both judges could be seen as holding the same office at the same time.

Liberia’s Constitution states that judges retire at age 70 but may stay on long enough to finish the work already on their desks.

It also states that a Chief Justice must take an oath of office before officially assuming the position.

Some legal observers fear that if Gbeisay is sworn in before August 15, it would create a rare situation where Liberia has two Chief Justices, which could raise questions over the legal authority of decisions made by the court.

However, the country’s Bar Association says this can be avoided.

“There is no potential for a constitutional and institutional crisis depending on how the transition is managed,” said Cllr. Bornor Varmah, president of the Liberia National Bar Association.

Traditionally, Liberian Chief Justices only assume office after their predecessors officially leave.

He explained that the key issue is not the nomination or confirmation of the new judge, but when he takes the oath and starts work.

Authorities say the move comes after repeated incidents of injuries, public disturbance, and reckless behaviour during student gatherings, especially around WASSCE exam celebrations.

The government says students riding on trucks and motorbikes without safety gear, blocking traffic, and in some cases using drugs or alcohol, have put lives at risk.

The Ministry of Education stressed that students are still free to celebrate, but only in secure locations such as stadiums, school grounds, or town halls.

Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah also said the ban is grounded in national law and aims to protect students and the public from harm.

“This is not about stopping joy, it’s about making sure the joy doesn’t end in tragedy,” Dr. Jallah said.

Police Chief Gregory Coleman, on the other hand, backed the move, citing past accidents , including a deadly parade on the Monrovia-Kakata Highway.

He warned that both schools and adults who ignore the rules will face penalties. Officials say a model school working with the ministry has already set an example for safe celebrations.

The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) says it wants the lawmakers to assist with its ongoing investigation, which could reshape how power is challenged within Liberia’s fragile democratic institutions.

Allegations first surfaced in late 2024, when lawmaker Luther Collins publicly accused colleagues of accepting $25,000 each to sign a resolution that ousted Koffa.

In a viral video , Collins and his aide were seen holding stacks of cash, claiming the money was part of a planned bribery deal.

They alleged that the campaign was orchestrated to block an internal audit of the House ordered by Koffa before his removal.

The scandal has widened since then, sparking resignations and growing calls for justice .

Some lawmakers who initially backed Koffa’s removal later withdrew their support, saying they had been misled or were unaware of the extent of the alleged corruption.

The Commission has assured it will respect due process and give lawmakers time to fulfil their duties while investigations continue.

But with mounting evidence and calls for prosecution, this case could become a landmark moment in Liberia’s efforts to root out corruption from the top levels of government .

“We are aware that one of the aircraft’s tires burst upon landing, prompting a precautionary stop on the runway. Preliminary investigations suggest that the poor state of the runway, specifically the presence of potholes, may have contributed to the malfunction,” RIA management is quoted.

Major carriers, including Kenya Airways and Air Peace canceled scheduled landings in Monrovia due to the blocked runway. As of Thursday night, airport authorities had yet to provide a timeline for clearing the immobilised jet, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded.

An anonymous airport source told the  Daily Observer , “The aircraft came to a complete stop and could not move any further. It caused a scare among passengers, including the president’s team.”

Emergency response teams evacuated President Boakai via motorcade, while other officials were transported off the runway using airport vehicles.

However, the Liberia Airport Authority later disputed that operations had fully ceased or that infrastructure issues were to blame.

In the communication signed by Dr Benetta Colins Andrews, Chairperson of the LMDC, the council stated:

“The Credential Committee has officially informed my office that your claim of being a Medical Doctor could not be substantiated by the documents you provided. Particularly so that you’ve failed to provide your undergraduate medical certificate and internship certificate which are the absolute prerequisites for obtaining license to practice medicine in Liberia.”

The letter further confirmed the outcome of the LMDC’s Credential Committee meeting held on April 18, 2025:

“The Credential Committee has therefore in its Friday, April 18, 2025, sitting, recommended the REVOCATION OF YOUR LICENSE effective immediately. Kindly consider this communication as LMDC’s official endorsement of the recommendation by the credential committee based on the findings of its investigation.”

The decision follows an audit launched by the LMDC into the credentials of medical practitioners operating in the country. Dr George was formally requested on March 18, 2025, to present documentation for a re-evaluation of his licensure. However, the council noted that its records showed no verifiable credentials for him at the time.

Further scrutiny revealed inconsistencies in Dr George’s stated academic background. He previously listed a “professional doctorate in medicine (MD), general medicine” from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom on his LinkedIn profile, which has since been removed.

In a statement provided to the BBC , the University of Hertfordshire refuted this claim:

“Following a thorough review of our academic records, we can confirm that there is no evidence that this individual was ever awarded any degree by the University nor studied here. Any claim to the contrary is therefore false and constitutes a misrepresentation of our institution. We are cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities in Liberia and will continue to support any investigations as required.”

Dr George has denied the LMDC’s conclusions and claims the investigation is politically motivated.

“I have served the Liberian health sector diligently for over a decade with no record of misconduct,” he told the BBC. He attributed the reference to the University of Hertfordshire to a clerical error “Maybe I made an error when writing because am under pressure.”

Dr George stated that his primary medical degree was obtained from the University of Central Nicaragua and that he began practising in Liberia in 2014 after submitting his qualifications to the relevant authorities. He maintained that his credentials had not been previously contested.

He further alleged that increased scrutiny followed his election as LMDA President in December 2024. “Problems started to arise once I became the president of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association,” he said, asserting that tensions escalated after the LMDA opposed the government ’s reclassification of specialists and consultants.

“I am continuing the long-standing advocacy for the rights and welfare of doctors and dentists in the country.”

The new facility will allow the country to process palm oil locally, cutting down on imports and boosting domestic industry.

The refinery is expected to create hundreds of jobs in manufacturing, transport, and sales, New Dawn Liberia reports.

It will also offer new opportunities for small farmers who will now be part of a fair supply chain.

This is expected to lead to more stable incomes and better working conditions .

The company behind the project says it is also investing in skills training for young people.

These programmes will prepare Liberians for roles in factory operations, quality control, and logistics, helping to address high youth unemployment.

Communities in areas like Bomi and Grand Cape Mount are likely to benefit from improved services and infrastructure due to the economic boost.

The refinery will also produce cooking oil for the local market, giving Liberians access to a product made in their own country.

Mano Manufacturing Company says the refinery will meet international environmental standards, including rules set by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.

The project will follow a No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation policy to protect the environment.

The refinery is expected to help Liberia compete in global markets while supporting local communities and protecting the environment.

Liberia marks a significant advancement in its fisheries sector with the establishment of its first fibreglass fishing vessel production site on Bushrod Island, funded by the World Bank, reports the Daily Observer . Implemented by the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) in collaboration with an international firm, this project aims to modernise fishing practices, enhance sustainability, and preserve forests. NaFAA plans to manage the launch of 23 solar-powered vessels via selected local entrepreneurs, with hopes of expanding to other coastal regions as demand grows.

Liberia targets drug abuse with security training

In response to growing concerns over drug trafficking, the Government of Liberia has trained 470 joint security officers to enhance drug law enforcement and public health safety. Led by the Technical Working Group, the training equips officers with skills in border management and incident reporting, resulting in significant drug seizures and the destruction of illegal cannabis farms. The initiative promotes a comprehensive approach to drug intervention, balancing enforcement with preventive measures against substance misuse, especially among youth, The New Dawn reports.

Unchecked contraceptive use poses risks for Liberian women

Despite the accessibility of over-the-counter contraceptives in Liberia, many women, including Yamah Kollie, face risks from inadequate medical guidance and misinformation, according to SciDev Net . As health professionals call for better regulatory measures, they stress the need for proper consultation to prevent misuse, particularly of dangerous medications like Microgynon and misoprostol. Advocates urge the adoption of a Public Health Law to improve contraceptive access and education, as irresponsible use threatens women's health and well-being.

AI's impact on academia: A double-edged sword

Liberia's tertiary institutions are grappling with the transformative effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on academic integrity. Faculty members are challenged by the difficulty of detecting AI-generated content, which raises ethical concerns regarding degrees and skills in the workforce. To address this, institutions are encouraged to implement training for educators, revise assessment methods, and adopt ethical guidelines for responsible AI use in academia, as reported by the Daily Observer . The focus is not only on counteracting misuse but also on fostering an environment where AI enhances educational outcomes.

The problem started when construction work at PHP Park led to a pile of rocks being dropped on top of the cable.

This happened some time ago when George Weah was still president, but the damage is only now being felt more widely.

The cable became buried under the rocks , causing slow and unstable Internet across the country.

Henry Benson, head of the Cable Consortium of Liberia, said they had warned about this risk earlier. He said the damage could have caused a total Internet blackout if nothing had been done.

Now, under President Joseph Boakai’s leadership, the government is acting quickly to fix the problem.

A repair ship is on its way and is expected to arrive by April 23 to help fix the cable and restore proper service. But until then, the Internet may remain unstable.

To stop the country from going completely offline, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority is allowing service providers to use other backup connections to help keep people connected while repairs are being made.

Even though new options like Starlink have recently entered the market, most Liberians still depend on the ACE cable.

Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, fiercely maintained its independence through military resistance, most famously by defeating the Italian army at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.

Despite a brief occupation by Fascist Italy from 1936 to 1941, Ethiopia was never formally colonised and retained its imperial structure under Emperor Haile Selassie.

Liberia, on the other hand, was founded in 1822 by freed African-American slaves under the auspices of the American Colonization Society . It declared independence in 1847 and remained free from European colonisation, although it was heavily influenced by American political and cultural norms.

Modern-day significance

The independence of Ethiopia and Liberia is more than a historical footnote—it continues to shape their national identities and regional roles today:

Cultural and psychological impact

The historical independence of Ethiopia and Liberia has had a profound cultural impact, serving as beacons of African resistance and resilience . Ethiopia, in particular, became a symbol of hope for Pan-African movements and Black liberation struggles across the globe, from Harlem to Johannesburg.

In Liberia, the preservation of indigenous identities alongside Americo-Liberian traditions has created a complex but uniquely self-governed African society that avoided the deep scars of European-imposed boundaries and rule.

The term Musiehjah, derived from the Vai language, translates to “women’s house” - a space where women gather to discuss, mediate, and strategise for a better future.

"Musiehjah is not merely a structure; it is a legacy, a beacon, and a sanctuary that encapsulates stories of struggle, sacrifice, and triumph," Sirleaf stated, adding, "It stands as a monumental tribute to the resilience, courage, and indomitable spirit of African women who have fiercely championed justice , climate action, political participation, inclusion, and diversity."

She further elaborated on the vision behind the centre, emphasising its role as a hub for knowledge-sharing and mentorship.

"For me, it means a place where women can go for training, for learning, for knowledge," she explained. "A place where we can bring women who have already achieved, who challenge the status quo - where their stories can be told, their successes shared, and their legacies preserved."

Sirleaf also acknowledged the importance of creating a permanent home for such initiatives, rather than constantly traveling abroad for leadership meetings.

"We have travelled to other countries for meetings, including Kigali, with the support of the Rockefeller Centre," she said. "But we also feel that we shouldn’t be going from place to place. We need a home - a place where we can document and celebrate the journeys of African women leaders."

She concluded with a powerful vision for the future, expressing hope for increased female leadership across Africa.

"This is not just for me," she affirmed. "I want this centre to go beyond me—to stand as a living symbol for every woman who has ever stood up and said, 'I believe in democracy, I believe in freedom and rights, and I will challenge wrong.’ Give us 10 years—five women presidents."

In a 2025 Lenten Pastoral Message, CABICOL, led by Most Rev. Anthony Fallah Borwah, President of the conference, joined forces with the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) and the National Muslim Council to call for the bill’s outright rejection.

“We emphatically reject this bill and its subsequent provisions, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and euthanasia,” the bishops stated. “The Church’s perennial teaching, as inscribed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is that ‘human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception till its normal end.’ The commandment of God is clear: ‘Thou shall not kill’ (Exodus 20:13),” he is quoted by the Liberian Observer .

The religious leaders stressed that legalising abortion and euthanasia contradicts Liberia’s cultural and faith-based values, urging lawmakers to uphold the sanctity of life. They called on all religious and civic groups to oppose the legislation and advocate for policies that align with traditional family and moral principles.

In their annual Lenten message, the bishops joined hands with the Liberia Council of Churches and the National Muslim Council to push for the bill’s rejection.

“We emphatically reject this bill and its subsequent provisions, such as the legalisation of same-sex marriage and euthanasia,” they were quoted by the Liberian Observer .

The Church has always stood against abortion and euthanasia, which is the act of ending a life to relieve suffering.

The bishops said human life must be protected from the moment of conception until natural death. They believe that passing this bill would undermine Liberia’s religious and moral foundations.

The bishops also raised concerns about how the government spends public money.

According to them , too much of the budget goes to government expenses instead of development and social programs.

Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Jubwe criticised the way funds are allocated.

“The high allocation for recurring government expenditures at the expense of development and social welfare must be addressed,” he said.

In addition, the bishops warned that political issues in the House of Representatives could harm Liberia’s democracy.

The bishops also repeated their long-standing call for a War and Economic Crimes Court to bring justice for crimes committed during Liberia’s civil war.

They welcomed President Joseph N. Boakai’s support for the court and said justice is necessary for peace and national healing.

The majority bloc of Liberia's House of Legislature will hold new elections for the country's representatives at the ECOWAS Parliament on February 25, 2025, replacing the current delegation. Frontpageafrica reports that this decision follows concerns regarding the selection process and adherence to ECOWAS protocols, initiated by calls from representatives James Kolleh and Johnson Williams to withdraw current delegates. Nimba County Representative Taa Wongbe, slated for replacement, opposed the decision, asserting on social media that the current delegates will remain until 2028.

Calls for justice for alleged torture victim

A group of concerned citizens in Liberia is demanding justice for Momo David, an alleged torture victim, following an incident involving Chinese national Michael Shio and his security guards. They were arrested for allegedly assaulting David under accusations of theft on January 13, 2025. Reports indicate he was restrained and tortured in a bathroom. According to the Liberianinvestigator , controversy arose when Shio was reportedly released shortly after his arrest, allegedly on the order of a judicial official. At a press conference, spokesperson Alpha G. Gray condemned the assault and warned of the dangers of inaction by police and the judiciary. He highlighted the severity of the attack, calling it a violation of human rights, and urged the government to act promptly to restore public confidence in the justice system. Gray emphasised this case as a pivotal moment for President Joseph Boakai’s administration, calling for nationwide unity against impunity and injustice.

Corruption charges

Former Liberia Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and co-defendants, including ex-Justice Minister Cllr. Nyanti Tuan is seeking to dismiss their corruption case, claiming it's politically motivated and lacks evidence. They are accused of financial misconduct involving over one billion Liberian dollars and half a million U.S. dollars transferred from the Central Bank of Liberia to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) without proper documentation. The defence argues that these transfers were legitimate national security operations, asserting immunity under the National Security Reform and Intelligence Act, Smartnewsliberia reports. They also claim the prosecution has provided no clear evidence of wrongdoing. The court is expected to rule on the motion to dismiss, with ongoing scrutiny of the government’s failure to produce key financial documents related to the case.

Commissioning of new diplomats

Liberia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has commissioned Mr. Johnnie F. Fallah as Consul General in Dakhla, Morocco, and Mr. Baba Sillah as Minister Plenipotentiary to the United Nations. Frontpageafrica reports that the appointments, endorsed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, aim to enhance Liberia's international engagement and advance economic development. Minister Nyanti emphasised the importance of economic diplomacy for job creation and sustainable futures in Liberia while reaffirming the alignment with the nation's transformation goals through the ARREST AGENDA. She expressed confidence in the new diplomats' capacity to strengthen Liberia’s global presence and partnerships.

Gov’t takes step to strengthen healthcare

Twenty-six top medical professionals from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other regions have arrived in Liberia for the 2025 Liberia Medical Mission (LMM), aimed at improving the country’s struggling healthcare system. This initiative, facilitated by the Liberian government and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, includes the distribution of over $500,000 worth of life-saving medicines across five counties: Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Grand Bassa, and Montserrado. At a reception, President Boakai emphasised the government's commitment to addressing healthcare challenges inherited from previous administrations and engaging the Liberian diaspora in rebuilding the nation. The LMM will provide critical services, including cataract surgeries, mental health training, CPR and emergency training, and repairs of biomedical equipment at key hospitals, Liberianobserver reports.

The decision aligns with Article 2, Section 10.2(h) of the Act to Amend Section 5.2 and Section 10.2 of the 2014 Code of Conduct. The suspension follows an earlier directive issued on November 27, 2024, granting a ten-day grace period for compliance, the New Dawn Liberia reports.

“All suspended officials must immediately turn over government assets to compliant heads of agencies, their designees, or authorised personnel within their respective institutions. The president remains steadfast in his commitment to good governance , integrity, and the rule of law,” the statement read.

A statement released by the Executive Mansion on Tuesday, February 12, confirmed that the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) had published a list of non-compliant officials, all of whom are now suspended for one month without pay or until they submit the required asset declarations.

President Boakai emphasised that asset declaration is a legal obligation and an essential measure for promoting transparency and restoring public trust in government institutions.

Boakai warned that moving forward, his administration will strictly enforce legal and ethical standards, stressing that failure to comply with asset declaration requirements undermines national efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability.

The Senate’s decision follows a joint communication submitted by Senators Amara Konneh (Gbarpolu County), Abraham Darius Dillon (Montserrado County), Augustine Chea (Sinoe County), and Gbehzongar Findley (Grand Bassa County). They emphasised the urgency of reassessing Liberia’s budgetary framework, particularly its allocations for the next four years, given the financial vacuum left by the U.S. decision.

The funding freeze follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration, after which an internal memo was sent to U.S. officials and embassies, including Liberia, ordering a halt to nearly all existing foreign assistance and pausing new aid.

Brenda Moore, Founder and Executive Director of the Kids’ Educational Engagement Project (KEEP) highlighted the economic and developmental strain caused by the aid suspension.

“The suspension of USAID funding will put the government under pressure to find alternatives to the existing programs and projects,” Moore stated. “Allowing some of these projects to be halted altogether will mean restart and remobilization costs not initially included in the operational budget. With limited resources, this is no easy task. The stop-work order will not only halt progress but has also put a strain on our local economy and the livelihoods of many Liberians.”

The aid suspension is part of a policy shift under Trump’s “America First” initiative, temporarily halting billions of dollars in foreign assistance pending a 90-day review by the U.S. State Department.

Officials say this will help reduce corruption and make the process fairer for businesses wanting to work with the government.

The launch event will take place on February 6, with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai expected to lead the ceremony.

The system has already been tested with a few government agencies and will expand to more than 50 institutions this year. It will also connect with other platforms like the tax payment system and business registry.

The Public Procurement and Concessions Commission, which is in charge of government contracts, says this system will make it easier for companies to bid for projects and for the public to track spending.

All procurement information will be available online, making it harder for officials to hide deals or misuse funds .

The Liberian government has allocated US$98 million in its Draft National Budget for FY 2025, focusing on critical development projects under the ARREST-Specific Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP), with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, particularly in the road sector. Key allocations include US$52.9 million for road rehabilitation and construction, with major projects such as the Saclepea-Zwedru highway continuing after delays. The "No Car Will Be Stuck" initiative received US$15 million to ensure year-round accessibility of roads, Front Page Africa reports.

Climate change

On November 26, Liberia, in partnership with the World Bank, launched the Climate Integration and Financing Office (CIFO) in Paynesville. According to the Daily Observer , this office aims to integrate climate change into national development, mobilise resources for climate-resilient projects, and enhance collaboration among government sectors and development partners. World Bank’s Country Manager for Liberia, Georgia Wallen, emphasised CIFO’s three key roles: coordinating climate initiatives across sectors, facilitating investment collaboration, and ensuring measurable impacts through climate budgeting. CIFO will help Liberia develop a cohesive climate finance framework while addressing a funding gap as the country currently needs $491 million by 2025 to implement its climate actions, significantly more than the current average of $112 million in annual climate finance.

Theft

Residents of Fiamah Market Junction in Sinkor, Monrovia, have accused officers from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) of theft during a raid on November 23, 2024. The New Dawn reports that the operation aimed to locate a suspect named "Shelving Stick," but resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the confiscation of cash and phones from bystanders. Eyewitnesses reported that one detainee, Buffon, was physically assaulted by officers. Anger has boiled over in the community, with residents calling the actions of the LDEA unjust and demanding accountability from law enforcement. The LDEA has not responded to requests for comment.

Liberia-Sierra Leone relations

On November 21, 2024, Liberia's Director General of the Cabinet, Nathaniel T. Kwabo, met with Sierra Leone's John Somaliah to enhance regional cooperation and public service delivery. The meeting, part of President Joseph Boakai's state visit, focused on the Performance Management and Compliance System (PMCS) used in Sierra Leone to improve government accountability and efficiency. Kwabo expressed interest in adopting similar strategies for Liberia, Daily Observer reports. A key outcome was an agreement to organise study tours to enhance the skills of civil servants in both countries, promoting knowledge exchange.

Majority and minority blocs dispute

The Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL) supports the Supreme Court's call for a return to the status quo in the House of Representatives dispute between the majority and minority blocs. PAL expressed concern that the ongoing standoff is hindering legislative functions and governance. The association urged all parties to respect the Supreme Court's decisions and the rule of law while advising media outlets to avoid escalating tensions that could jeopardise state security and democracy. According to The New Dawn , this statement follows a court order mandating a return to pre-October 15 conditions, after the election of new House Speaker Richard N. Koon, replacing Fonati Koffa.

In the United States, metric is technically the preferred system, as established by the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, but the imperial system remains prevalent in everyday life.

The United Kingdom presents a unique case; it is officially metric, but imperial units are still commonly used, especially for distances, heights, and weights in daily life. For example, road signs in the UK display miles rather than kilometres, and people often use pounds and ounces for body weight.

The imperial system, with units like inches, feet, pounds, and gallons, traces its origins to everyday items or human body parts, making it less standardised and less easily divisible than the metric system. Supporters of the imperial system argue that its units feel more relatable, while critics see it as less practical for scientific and global consistency.

Conversely, some critics of the metric system, which was designed for straightforward conversion and reference, view it as arbitrary.

Overall, the global trend strongly favours the metric system, with increasing adoption even in the few countries where imperial units still hold sway. 

Operations will be funded by rail users and aim to ensure “safe, efficient and equitable access” to infrastructure , according to the Executive Order.

The policy “underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a robust rail infrastructure that supports Liberia’s growing mining sector, enhances the transportation of goods and passengers, and strengthens the national economy,” the president’s office said in a statement.

Another result of the decision could be to unlock progress on the “Liberty Corridor”, a new route linking Guinea to a new commercial port at Didia, Liberia, according to one of the project’s key backers, mining and exploration company HPX.

“HPX is looking forward to finalising our rail access agreements with the Government of Liberia in the next few weeks and is delighted to see the commitment by the president to the National Rail Authority and multi-user access infrastructure,” the company’s president and CEO Bronwyn Barnes said in a statement. Feasibility studies on the Liberty Corridor route could be concluded “quickly” afterwards, she added.

As well as its own mineral exports, Liberia’s railways could provide a more efficient transit route from mines in southern Guinea. Boakai also believes local economies will benefit from passenger and good transport if routes can be developed and modernised.

Timothy Jackson, a returnee and father of three, shared his hopes of receiving support to return to his trade as an auto mechanic and driver.

"I am praying and asking the LRRRC to fulfil their promises, so I can get back on my feet," Jackson told the AFP. He also mentioned that, while food was provided sporadically, there were periods when they had to find food themselves.

Other returnees like Rachel Barwon, who grew up in Ghana, face challenges of identity and employment in Liberia. "It’s my first time here, and we don’t have any identity besides being born to Liberian parents," Barwon said, expressing concerns about finding work.

The LRRRC has been providing limited support, including shelter and food, but it wasn’t budgeted for the prolonged stay. 

Deputy Executive Director A.J. Armah Karneh acknowledged the difficulties and highlighted ongoing efforts to get international partners and the government involved in addressing the needs of the 174 returnees, many of whom have lost contact with their families due to years of displacement.

"We need to address their concerns because they are people of concern," Karneh said, stressing that more attention is required for their reintegration, including ensuring that children among the returnees can access education.

Authorities say the plane lacked proper landing permits and did not originate from any recognised airfield in Liberia.

It was also operating under a fake registration number and had parts of it scratched off.

Crew members were also found to be three Mexican nationals and a Spanish national after investigations.

The crew claimed a radio failure before landing but a technical inspection revealed otherwise.

The flight captain, who initially said he couldn’t speak English, later confessed to being paid $20,000 to fly the plane.

Investigations are underway by the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), security forces and the Office of the National Security.

So far, six individuals including two Sierra Leonean air traffic controllers are being investigated.

Local reports indicate that the aircraft has been secured and declared safe with no suspicious items found on board. Sierra Leonean police and military personnel are currently guarding the aircraft while investigations continue.

According to FrontPageAfrica , the news emerged after unsuccessful attempts by some authorities to cover up the incident.

The prison which is built to accommodate about 150 inmates is currently housing twice the number, 300, raising health concerns.

Nimba County Health Team Officer, Dr Ponnie Robert Lee Dolo who confirmed the report said efforts are underway to set up a committee to commence investigations into the issue and produce a report.

Earlier reports suggested that 56 inmates were infected, FrontPageAfrica reports, but by mid-August, the number of affected inmates had dropped to over 40.

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has suspended the Central Bank Governor and appointed an acting successor following a compliance audit implicating several former officials in financial impropriety. The government has made several arrests and launched an audit of the previous administration, causing tension. Former officials have described the audit as a witch-hunt. President Boakai has also reactivated the government's Economic Management Team to ensure coordination of fiscal and monetary policy and propose solutions to tackle economic uncertainties. According to AllAfrica , the suspended Governor holds a tenured position but may be removed based on cause. The former president has accused the government of weaponising the judiciary to target his officials, while the government maintains it has sufficient evidence to prove its charges against the accused persons.

Police on manhunt for wife killer

Police in Nimba County are searching for a man who shot and killed his wife in the town of Gbapa. The motive for the murder is unknown. In a similar incident, a man from Mali killed his Liberian girlfriend in Guinea. He is awaiting trial in Guinea, Daily Observer reports .

Weah's allies released on bail

Three former officials of the George Weah Government in Liberia were released on bail after being imprisoned on charges of economic sabotage and theft. They were granted bail by a Resident Circuit Court Judge after intervention from their lawyers. Two of the defendants are still missing since the arrest warrant was issued. The FrontPageAfrica reports that the defendants obtained a criminal insurance bond worth $12 million from an insurance company in Monrovia. There were reported threats against judges by the Legal Advisor to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai regarding the release of the former officials.

Arrests

Former Liberian finance minister Samuel Tweah and four other officials have been arrested for defrauding the government. George Weah has vowed to resist any attempts to indict them, claiming it's a political move by the current administration. Former president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf emphasized the importance of due process. The government denies accusations of witch-hunting and promises a fair audit of corruption, according to The Africa Report . President Boakai's suspension of the Central Bank governor is criticized as a violation of the rule of law. Independent analysts support the arrests and call for accountability to address the culture of impunity.

Pest infestations cause havoc

Pest infestations are threatening agricultural livelihoods in Kpaymue, Liberia. Farmers are experiencing crop losses and struggling to support their families. The infestations are attributed to climate change and lack of knowledge about pest management practices. The New Dawn Liberia reports that experts are working on proposals to support farmers and address the issue. Similar pest infestations are being reported across the African continent.

The officials were issued a writ of arrest to face charges of economic sabotage, theft, illegal disbursement and expenditure of public money, theft of property, criminal facilitation, and criminal conspiracy. This action was based on a complaint from the government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).

Tweah, reacting to the indictment, described the move by the Boakai regime as a political witch hunt. He expressed his views on Facebook, stating that he has been a primary political target over the past six years. 

Along with Tweah, those indicted include Weah’s former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh, former Acting Justice Minister Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, former Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) Director Stanley S. Ford, and former FIA Comptroller D. Moses P. Cooper. As of Monday, July 29, 2024, Cllr. Tuan, Karmoh, and one of the FIA indictees were detained at the Monrovia Central Prison. 

Liberian prosecutors have charged Tweah and other former officials with economic sabotage, misuse of public money, property, or records, theft, illegal disbursement and expenditure of public money, theft of property, criminal facilitation, and criminal conspiracy.

The proposal was submitted by a representative of the House and lawmaker, Johnson S.N. Williams of River Gee County District number 3.

According to him, the draft bill will fulfill Article 5 (b) of the 1986 Constitution which states that “the Republic shall preserve, protect and promote positive Liberian culture, ensuring that traditional values which are compatible with public and national progress are adopted and developed as an integral part of the growing needs of the Liberian society .’’

Johnson further seeks to push for an amendment of Chapter 14 to create a New Section 14.8 which will make homosexuality a criminal offence.

This he says will state clearly the country’s position on gay issues.

“This bill seeks to lay to rest and to recuse this country the same way we wage war on drugs. It’s the same way we need to do for homosexuality in our country. As we speak, young people are contaminated by this act, and it’s about time for it to come to an end,” he was quoted .

The lawmaker’s proposal was read on the floor of the House on July 18 and subsequently forwarded to a joint committee to report within two weeks after the House returns.

This comes in the face of massive discrimination facing persons belonging to the Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) community in the country.

In 2012, two anti-LGBT bills were introduced in the Legislature, sparking controversy. One bill, proposed by Representative Clarence Massaquoi, aimed to increase the penalty for same-sex sexual activity. He wanted to change it from a first-degree misdemeanor, with a maximum one-year prison sentence, to a second-degree felony, carrying up to five years in prison.

Another bill was introduced by then-Senator Jewel Howard Taylor. This bill sought to make same-sex marriage a first-degree felony, with a maximum prison sentence of ten years.

Former President Ellen Johns-Sirleaf opposed both bills. She threatened to veto them but also defended the existing laws, which criminalised same-sex sexual activity as a misdemeanor. She said these laws reflected "traditional values in our society that we’d like to preserve."

Factors contributing to stress include economic instability, political turmoil, social issues, and environmental concerns. Here, we explore some of the world's most stressed countries and the reasons behind their high stress levels according to data provided by Gallup.

Afghanistan tops the list as the most stressed country in the world. The nation has been struggling with the aftermath of political upheaval and conflict since 2001, leaving its people in constant worry and uncertainty. The 2024 Gallup Global Emotions Report , which measures life's intangibles like feelings and emotions, found that 68% of Afghans reported experiencing a lot of stress.

Following closely are Lebanon and Sierra Leone. These countries have also been through significant turmoil. Lebanon, in particular, has faced a severe economic crisis, leading to widespread stress among 65% of its population. Sierra Leone also records 61% of its population being stressed.

Other prominent countries on the list include Turkey, Liberia and Sri Lanka. These nations have faced unique challenges, from economic struggles to social and political unrest, contributing to the high-stress levels reported by their citizens. With 60%, 58% and 56% respectively, these countries have high levels of stress.

Interestingly, the report also highlights that stress is not always correlated with a country's wealth. For instance, Greece is noted as the most stressed European nation, despite being a part of the developed world with a 54% representation.

Commissioner General Atty. Stephen J.H. Zargo explained during a press briefing in Monrovia that only 46 out of the country’s 176 border points are safe.

According to Zargo, most of these border points are isolated with dense forests and remote areas, making them unreachable to LIS Delta Patrol Units.

As a result, cross-border movements of people and goods are difficult, and the monitoring of illegal activities including trafficking and smuggling is challenging.

The New Dawn Liberia reports that challenges with equipment and personnel have also contributed to the inability of the LIS to perform its responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the former County Senator for Lofa has indicated that requests for a drone have been made to assist with patrol in these areas. , which will be deplored in these areas for border safety purposes to combat the illegal activities through these porous borders and significant cross-border issues in Liberia. 

The drug, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration , has been reported as an additive in an increasing number of illicit drug mixtures and is accountable for many overdose deaths.

Liberia which has in recent times been battling with the influx of illicit drugs including Kush has launched investigations to find out the origin of the drug which is new on the market.

Executive Director of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Col. Abraham Kromah told local media Global News Network that efforts are being made to trace and arrest traffickers of the drugs in the country.

“Thank God we have a little bit of funding now, to interact with the folks; we are now going on the defensive, we already laid the groundwork on what we intend to do. We now know where and how and who to look for, that’s the good thing about it”, he was quoted.

The non-opiate sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant is only authorised in the United States for veterinary use according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but it is widely used globally as a hard drug.

It results in disfiguration in people, and in some cases, may result in amputation, hence its name.

For President Boakai, the decision represents a necessary and courageous step forward. "Liberia has endured downpours of agony," he stated .

Critics of the war crimes court caution that it may reopen old wounds, yet Liberian President Boakai believes it will pave the way for “justice and healing.”

Adama K Dempster, one of the lead campaigners for the war crimes court, emphasised its importance. "It's an open show of support for war victims and survivors of the civil wars," he told the BBC .

In April, 28 out of the 30 senators in the Liberian Senate voted to establish the war crimes court following a similar vote of approval by the lower house of parliament in the previous month.

Atrocities throughout the bloody conflicts that lasted from 1989 to 2003 included forced child military recruitment, rape, and mass executions. However, Liberia has not yet held a trial for any crimes committed during the violent conflicts, despite calls from both domestic and foreign parties.

Charles Taylor, the former president of Liberia and the chief mastermind of both civil wars, is presently serving a 50-year sentence in the United Kingdom for war crimes, however, for his involvement in the conflict in neighbouring Sierra Leone.

The path to establishing the first war crimes court has been marked by challenges and milestones, including past attempts at reconciliation.

In 2006, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address the aftermath of the conflicts. Although the TRC identified individuals who should be prosecuted for war crimes in 2009, political controversy and a lack of action stalled progress.

Liberia’s House of Representatives approved the 2024 National Budget for the fiscal year on April 29. This follows a rigorous debate by members of the House on April 25, 2024. The debate preceded a report from the joint Ways, Means, and Finance and Public Accounts Committee of the House and the Liberian Senate respectively. The 2024 budget which totals US$738,859,827 was an increment from the previous US$692,408,827 which was submitted. The increment is expected to benefit sectors including Transparency and Accountability, Security and Rule of Law, Health, Education, and Agriculture, GNN reports.

Teaching in limbo

The only public school in Deman Town, Bomi County has been closed due to its deplorable state, leaving over two thousand youths stranded. The Bai T. Moore Town Public School in Senjeh District has been deteriorating for years and was closed at the beginning of 2024. According to The New Dawn , this has contributed to loitering by children of school-going age. It has also led to a rise in social vices including drug abuse, and domestic violence. Many teenage pregnancy cases have also been recorded since the closure of the school. Authorities are yet to address the issue.

Budget allocation to lawmakers

Liberia’s Speaker of Parliament, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa dismissed calls for direct budgetary support for legislative projects to be sent directly to lawmakers. His decision comes after some lawmakers in the House called for proper allocation of budgets to enable them to work on district projects in their respective areas. But Speaker Koffa proposed that monies should be transferred to the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) to ensure lawmakers exercise their oversight responsibilities while maintaining accountability. These deliberations emerged on April 25 following the House Ways, Means and Finance Committee’s report, local news outlet Front Page Africa reports.

Surfing competition

Liberia is set to host its first international surf competition. The country was recently recognized as one of the top ten surfing destinations globally. The inaugural surfing competition will be held under the global theme, “Surf to Rise”. The event is scheduled to happen at Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County from May 24 th to 28 th 2024. The surfing competition is being spearheaded by the Liberian Surfing Association and the Liberia National Olympic Committee, according to the New Dawn outlet.

Boakai constitutes governing boards

Liberia’s President, Joseph Boakai has constituted the National Education Advisory Board, the Board of Governors, and the Principal of the Booker Washington Institute (BWI). A total of nineteen members were appointed on the National Education Advisory Board while fifteen members were appointed on the Board of Governors of the Booker Washington Institute. The president urged all nominees and appointees to demonstrate diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in service to the country. According to the Executive Mansion , the appointments take effect immediately.

The conflicts, spanning from 1989 to 2003, claimed the lives of an estimated 250,000 people. Massacres, mutilation, rape, and even cannibalism stained the history of Liberia, yet no one has been held accountable for these atrocities, the VOA reports.

The next phase involves the resolution returning to the lower house for potential amendments before reaching President Joseph Boakai for final approval. Subsequently, a bill will be drafted and debated by both houses of parliament, paving the way for the establishment of the court.

President Joseph Boakai, in his inauguration speech back in January, committed his government to explore the possibility of creating a "war and economic crimes court" to hold accountable those deemed responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The United States has commended Liberia's strides towards justice, with US Ambassador at Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack expressing support for the court's creation. In a letter to Liberians in March, Schaack emphasized the prolonged wait for justice and the necessity of addressing the horrific abuses endured during the civil wars.

While a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommended the establishment of a war crimes tribunal in 2009, progress has been sluggish, partly due to concerns over peacekeeping and the continued influence of accused warlords within their communities.

The Supreme Court’s decision follows a prohibition filed at the high court by the manager of Gracious Ride, a taxi company whose vehicles were being seized by the task force.

Francis T. Blama prayed the high court to stop the task force from seizing its vehicles which they claim belong to President George Weah’s Chief of Protocol, Finda Bundo.

According to him, the vehicles were being seized based on allegations that a top government official obtained the vehicles through fraudulent means.

Justice Yussif Kaba who presided over the case placed a temporary stay order on the operations of the Assets Recovery Task Force on March 28 and issued notice to the Ministry of Justice to halt the team’s operations.

The Liberian Observer reports that Justice Kaba further requested the appearance of the task force and the ministry on April 1, 2024.

The Office of Assets Recovery was established by President Joseph Boakai on March 5, as part of his corruption fight strategy as promised in his election campaign. This was followed by the announcement of a task force to crack down on corruption and try to retrieve stolen funds.

The Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Core Team is mandated to ensure processes leading to the location, recovery, and retrieval – through criminal prosecutions and civil litigations – of public resources and properties that have been illegally acquired or converted to private use by officials of past administrations, the Liberian Observer noted. 

Liberians will begin to use electric vehicles in the country with its introduction into the country's transportation system from March 1. The DENKI Electric vehicles introduced by Tuma Enterprises Inc. were announced on February 29. This forms part of the country’s quest for cleaner, greener future through private sector-driven efforts towards sustainable transportation. It also forms efforts to introduce eco-friendly transportation solutions in Liberia. The vehicles include various models tailored to the needs of Liberian consumers, according to The New Dawn Liberia .

Protests

Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmmek Piah has indicated that a lawmaker led protests that led to the death of one person on February 28. Several persons in Kinjnor Grand Cape Mount County protested against Bea Mountain Mining Company for what they described as bad labour practices and failure to adhere to their 31-count petition. The action led to the death of one person with nine police officers injured. According to GNN Liberia , the minister noted that the name of the said minister will be disclosed.

Budget delays

The House of Representatives in Liberia extended an invitation to Finance Minister H. Bioma Kamara to appear before the house to provide details about the delay in submitting the draft budget for 2024. This follows a request made by the Bong Country Representative Moima Briggs Mensah who indicated the need for clarifying the cause for the delay, Front Page Africa reports. The President is expected to submit the budget to the Legislature at least two months before the expiration of a current budget however legislature returned the 2024 draft budget to allow for adjustments by the new government. Instead, they allocated US$41.3 million to cover government expenses pending the draft budget.

Deaths over longstanding protests

Three persons are feared dead over a longstanding protest against the operation of commercial gold mining company Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC). The protests which took place in Tawore District, Kinjor, and Grand Cape Mount County turned bloody, The New Dawn Liberia reports. While the Liberia National Police deny reports of the alleged deaths, some legislators from Monrovia said residents of the Grand Cape Mount accused the police Emergency Response Unit of allegedly charging out live bullets.

Trafficking crime investigated

A trafficker who allegedly engages in the trafficking of women to Oman in the Middle East has been picked up by police and detained on the directive of a local court in Monrovia, the Front Page Africa reports. Jones Wilson Saytarkon was reportedly rearrested two weeks after his initial release after prosecutors could not bring a case against him in time. The rearrest came after one of his alleged victims claimed she will not testify against him anymore. Two other victims, a school teacher and a woman named Princess Samuels are expected to testify against Saytarkon.

The retired army chief resigned after a protest by the wives of Armed Offices of Liberia (AFL) Officers over allegations that Johnson was mistreating military personnel stationed across the country.

The military wives accused the former army chief of engaging in unethical labour practices and voiced worries about the low pay, inadequate benefits, and unfavourable living conditions in the barracks.

After the acceptance of his resignation letter by President Joseph Boakai on February 12, his deputy, General Geraldine George was appointed as acting Defence Minister.

The former Deputy Army Chief of Staff Brigadier is the first woman to occupy the position in the history of Liberia, marking a significant step in women's empowerment in the country.

Here’s a profile of Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George

Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George has served in the Armed Forces of Liberia as Acting Commander, 23rd Infantry Brigade; Military Police Company Commander, 23rd Infantry Brigade; Brigade S-5, CIMIC Officer, 23rd Infantry Brigade; Provost Marshal, 23rd Infantry Brigade; Legal Officer, Armed Forces of Liberia Headquarters; and Acting  Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS).

She has also served in the Armed Forces of Liberia Headquarters; as Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel (ACOS J1)(2x), Armed Forces of Liberia Headquarters and Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation (ACOS J3) (2x), Armed Forces of Liberia Headquarters, information from Liberia’s Ministry of Defence .

Brigadier General George holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the African Methodist Episcopal Zion University College in Monrovia and a Masters in International Relations from Webster University, USA.

She also has too her credit, several certificates including an Intelligence, Fight against Terrorism certificate from Rome and Italy, the Administration of Justice from the Liberia Institute of Public Administration, Monrovia, Public Sector Management from the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) at the University of Sierra Leone.

Janet is also authorised to wear the Fort Leavenworth School Badge from the Command and General Staff College, authorized to wear the International Students Military Badge and authorised to wear the Basic Military Police School Badge.

The Deputy Chief of Staff was enlisted into the AFL on July 24, 2006, as part of the first batch of soldiers of the restructured Armed Forces of Liberia.

“The President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., has received and accepted a letter of resignation from the recently confirmed Minister of National Defense Mr. Prince C. Johnson,” the Liberian presidency wrote.

“In his letter, the Minister of National Defense outlined his reasons for his action noting that due to the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of women believed to be wives of servicemen, he has made the decision to resign and preserve the peace and security of the State,” the presidency added.

On February 10, the wives of Armed Offices of Liberia (AFL) officers staged barricades on major highways and demanded that President Boakai fire the former army chief for allegedly mistreating military personnel stationed across.

The military wives accused the former army chief of engaging in unethical labour practices and voiced worries about the low pay, inadequate benefits, and unfavourable living conditions in the barracks, the New Dawn Liberia reports.

The 79-year-old President Boakai, who defeated former Liberian President George Weah in a runoff election in November 2023, has made several government appointments in recent weeks after assuming office on January 22. Prince Johnson, a retired major general, led the AFL as chief of staff to Weah from 2018 to 2024.

The Year of the Dragon, a highly significant symbol in the Chinese zodiac is seen as a sign of strength and positive transformation. African leaders have utilised this opportunity to underscore their hopes for enhanced collaboration, economic partnerships, and increased cooperation with China in the coming year.

On behalf of the Kenyan people, President William Ruto joined other world leaders in expressing his warm wishes to the Chinese people.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya and that of my own, I convey to Your Excellency and through you to the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China, best wishes for a Happy Chinese New Year 2024. As you welcome the Year of the Dragon, which symbolises good health, good luck, power, strength, and wisdom. On 14th December, 2023, Kenya and China celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the period, the two countries have forged and enjoyed warm and strong relations based on friendship, mutual trust and commitment to progress, and which we have both nurtured to a strategic partnership not only for mutual benefit ,"  Ruto wrote on X.

Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali also wrote on X “Extending heartfelt wishes for a vibrant and auspicious Chinese New Year to people and government of China. May the Year of the Dragon usher in abundance and success.”

The Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Koung, added "Happy Chinese New Year. We the people in Liberia say we appreciate the people of China for all the work you continue to do for us. And we continue to work with the people of China to benefit both our countries," said Koung.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar wished the Chinese people a happy and peaceful Spring Festival.

"I wish that China will make great progress and development in various fields in the new year. I wish that the friendship between China and Nigeria will become stronger and the people of Nigeria and China join hands to move towards a better tomorrow," Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar is quoted by CGTN .

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is a significant cultural and traditional celebration in China, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. The Year of the Dragon is particularly special in the Chinese zodiac, symbolising strength, prosperity, and good fortune.

Liberia’s Minister of National Defence Retired Major General Prince C. Johnson III has called for an increment in salaries of military personnel in the country, GNN Liberia reported. According to him, this will serve as an incentive and motivation for these personnel. Speaking at the Armed Forces Day symposium on February 6, 2024, Major General Johnson III (Rtd) noted that the salaries of the Forces must complement their education qualification. The symposium was themed, “The Armed Forces of Liberia Commitment to Sustainable Democracy in Contemporary Time”.

Ministerial appointments

Former presidential candidate in Liberia Cllr. Taiwan Saye Gongloe has urged President Joseph Boakai to appoint at least one cabinet minister from each of the country’s counties per the new Executive Law of 1973, section 10.2. The section says, “As far as practicable, the President shall appoint at least one member of the Cabinet from every county of the Republic”. This comes after ministerial appointments made by the President since his assumption of power in November 2023. According to Front Page Africa , the President has appointed 15 ministers to head ministries so far, including two ministers of state without portfolio.

Health training

20 Liberian nurses from government-run hospitals in four counties are set to undergo special training in Zambia. According to The New Dawn Liberia , the initiative is being sponsored by the Desert Apostolic Pentecostal Church International in partnership with the Ministry of Health. The selected nurses are persons who have catered to people suffering from hearing complications in the country and region and the training will focus on hearing instrument specialty. After the training, they will be expected to help fight the disease in various government referral hospitals across the country.

African Heritage Awards nominations

Former President of Liberia George Weah has been nominated among high-profile Africans for the African Heritage Awards (AHA) in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Liberian Observer reported. Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the Chairman/CEO of Vista Equity Partners, Texas, United States, Robert Smith have also been selected for the Awards. The African Heritage Awards is a gathering held to celebrate and recognize outstanding global accomplishments of Africans within the continent and Diaspora in areas of business, politics, philanthropy, entertainment, and arts among others.

Protests

Chairman of the Unity Party in Liberia led protests outside President Joseph Boakai’s residence on February 2 to protest against the failure of the president to appoint him to his government despite his contributions to his electoral win in November 2023. Rev. Luther Tarpeh and his supporters carried placards outside his home, expressing grievances and demanding that Boakai withdraw some names and replace them with their candidate, Front Page Africa reported.

Gender-based violence goes beyond physical assault. It covers intimidation at work or school, forced abortion, sexual harassment, marital rape, forced marriage, denial of societal or political participation, female genital cutting, and forced prostitution.

Following a national survey in 2010 that revealed that 50 per cent of Tunisian women have experienced violence in their lifetime, the government later in July 2017 announced its first national law to combat violence against women. The law covers all forms of gender-based violence including economic, sexual, political, and psychological.

In the last decade, Liberia has made progress with its legislation protecting women. Towards this aim, Liberia passed a domestic violence law in August 2017.

In September 2021, Gabon adopted new laws to protect women against gender-based violence, particularly to promote women’s financial inclusion.

Rwanda has also set up desks at police stations with trained women to attend to victims of gender-based violence and if there’s a need to proceed to court, they see to it. Rwanda records the highest rate of women participation in politics globally with 49 per cent. Female children now have the right to inherit their parents’ property, a right only males had.  

65 per cent of countries in sub-Saharan Africa have criminalized domestic violence. Countries like South Africa have also tightened laws on gender-based violence and sexual offences. The law gives full effect to the rights of women in South Africa.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Seven countries including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda have criminalized FGM, passed national laws to its effect, and allocated budgets for Implementing programmes to end FGM.

Burkina Faso has passed a law prohibiting female genital cutting and to make it effective, the government has embarked on public education and integrated the topic into the school curriculum. It has also made available an open telephone help desk for women at risk.

Child Marriage

Countries including Malawi, DRC, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Gambia, Madagascar, and Namibia have set 18 as the minimum age of marriage while Kenya and Rwanda have set the legal age of marriage at 21.

Harmful gender norms, alcohol use, increased poverty, partner violence, and fear amongst others are what contribute to the height of gender-based violence cases. While the passing of the law matters, its implementation will go a long way in reducing the number of gender-based cases across Africa.

It is not any different in Africa but these women have either served as heads of state through the election process or in an interim capacity at a time of need.

Sylvie Kinigi - Burundi

The first female President to have served in Africa was Sylvie Kinigi. She served as the acting President of the country from October 1993 to February 1994 when President Melchior Ndadaye died. She was the first and only woman to be prime minister of Burundi.

Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri - South Africa

Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri also served briefly as Acting President when both the President and the Deputy President were out of the country for four days in September 2005. She also served as the constitutional head of state for an interim period of 14 hours on September 25, 2008, when President Thabo Mbeki resigned.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the longest-serving female president in African history who came into power through the election process. She served two consecutive terms from 2006 to 2018. She initially ran for Presidential office in 1997 but lost. A decade later she was seen running again and this time won.

She served as Chair of ECOWAS in June 2016, championed women’s rights and full participation in democratic processes, and led Liberia through reconciliation and recovery following a decade-long civil war. She was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. Today, Sirleaf is an influential voice, a reference point in women’s political participation.

Rose Francine Rogombe - Gabon

Though short-lived, Rose Francine served as the Interim President of Gabon from June 2009 to October 2009 after the death of President Omar Bongo. She was the first female Head of State of Gabon.

Agnes Monique Ohsan Bellepeau – Mauritius

When Sir Anerood Jugnauth resigned, Agnes served as Acting President from March 2012 to July 2012. She served again as Acting President from May 2015 to June 2015 when Kailash Purryag resigned.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim - Mauritius

Later in June 2018, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was elected female president of Mauritius, making her the first female democratically elected president of Mauritius. She was unanimously voted into power by the country’s national assembly. She served until March 2018.

Joyce Hilda Banda - Malawi

Following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika, Joyce Hilda Banda stepped up from vice president to become the second head of state of Malawi from April 2012 to May 2014. She also served as the country’s first female vice president. In 2014, Forbes named her as the 40th most powerful woman in the world and the most powerful woman in Africa.

Catherine Samba Panza - Central African Republic

Catherine became interim President from 2014 to 2016 when rebel leader Michael Djotodia resigned. She was a lawyer who served as the first female Head of State in the Central African Republic and the 8 th  female Head of State in Africa.

Sahle-Work Zewde - Ethiopia

Sahle-Work Zewde is the first elected female President of Ethiopia. She resumed her position on October 25, 2018, and as of 2023 still is in office. Before her office as President, she served as the Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union.

Samia Suluhu Hassan - Tanzania

Samia Suluhu Hassan resumed office in March 2019 as the first acting female President of Tanzania. Being the country’s vice president, she assumed the presidency after the sudden passing of the former Tanzanian President, John Magufuli.

These 10 women are a testament to the fact that women in Africa are now equally considered as deserving candidates, distinct and competitive against men in the political sector. All of them have made their mark on politics in their respective countries .

The sanctions also extend to their immediate relatives, Delecia Berry Tweah, Abigail Chie and Ruthtoria Brown Nuquay as well as Tweah and Nuqay’s minor children.

The said officials reportedly abused their public positions by soliciting, accepting and offering bribes to manipulate legislative processes and public funding including activities in the mining sector, according to local news outlet Front Page Africa .

The fourth person on the U.S. sanction list is Mayor of Monrovia, Jefferson Koijee who was designated by the U.S. Department of Treasury pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818 which targets indiciduals engaged in serious human rights abuses and corruption.

The mayor has also been accused of corrupt acts such as bribery and misappropriation of state assets. Front Page Africa notes that the government official was also alleged to have pressured anti-corruption investigators to halt all investigations in that regard.

The United States through these sanctions aims to hold accountable corrupt individuals and persons involved in human right abuses globally.

The actions were announced during the opening of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption, emphasizing the international effort to combat corruption.

The U.S. Department of State is designating over 30 individuals under Section 7031(c), while the Department of the Treasury is designating two individuals and 44 entities pursuant to E.O. 13818. The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, upon which E.O. 13818 is built, enables the U.S. to target individuals and entities involved in corruption and human rights abuses.

Section 7031(c) mandates that foreign government officials with credible information linking them to significant corruption or gross violations of human rights are not allowed entry into the United States until investigated.

The House of Representatives has issued an arrest order for Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, declaring him a wanted person for non-compliance with two contempt charges. Lofa County District Representative, Francis Nyumalin, proposed a motion to declare Tweah "wanted," GNN Liberia reported. “Honorable Speaker, Co-presiding and colleagues, I move, if I could obtain a second, that a communication be sent to the Finance Minister, from the office of our Chief Clerk, that he appear here on Thursday, at 10 AM with his lawyer to show reason why he should not be held in contempt,” Nyumalin said. The motion aims to compel the Finance Minister's appearance on Thursday at 10am to address the contempt charges. Failure to comply with legislative functions or obstructing members can lead to a fine or imprisonment, as per the House's rules.

U.S. sanctions Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Koijee  

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on 20 individuals for their involvement in human rights abuses across nine countries. Monrovia City Mayor and Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) Secretary General, Jefferson Koijee, is among those sanctioned. “Koijee is being designated for being a foreign person who is responsible for or complicit in, or who has directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse and for being a foreign person who is a current or former government official, or a person acting for or on behalf of such an official, who is responsible for or complicit in, or who has directly or indirectly engaged in, corruption, including the misappropriation of state assets, the expropriation of private assets for personal gain, corruption related to government contracts or the extraction of natural resources, or bribery pursuant to E.O. 13818,” the report by the US Treasury Department read in part.

Unity Party requests postponement certification

The Unity Party has formally requested the National Elections Commission (NEC) to postpone the certification of President-elect Joseph Boakai due to his travel to the United States. Boakai's visit has prompted the party to seek a rescheduling of the certification, originally planned for December 8, 2023, FrontPage Africa Online reports. “Unity Party has officially informed the National Elections Commission (NEC) that due to the visit of the President-elect to the United States of America, the issuance of certificate for the winner of the November 14, 2023 Presidential election, planned for Friday, December 8, 2023, should be postponed until the return of President-elect Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The Party will work with NEC to schedule a new date for the issuance of the certificate for the President and Vice president-elect,” a UP statement read.

Budget presentation extension

President George Weah has secured the Senate's endorsement for a 10-day extension in their sitting to address pending issues faced by the outgoing government. The extension, beginning on December 11, 2023, and concluding on December 22, 2023, is intended to provide more time for the submission of the 2024 National Draft Budget, FrontPage Africa Online reports. The extension also aims to address other critical matters during this transitional period.

Liberia Legal Aid Conference accreditation

The Ohio Supreme Court in the United States has accredited the Second National Legal Aid Conference recently held in Monrovia. The National Legal Aid Conference, organized by the Center for Legal Aid Support Services (CLASS), received accreditation from the Ohio Court's Commission on Continuing Legal Education, the New Dawn Liberia has reported. The conference, initiated by CLASS, aims to promote legal aid development in Liberia.

She added that the country will use its new position to ensure maritime safety and security, local media Front Page Africa reported.

This is not a win for Liberia only but the entire African region. Liberia is now part of the ten-tier Member States overseeing the executive functions of the organization for 2024-2025.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. The IMO Council which is the executive arm of the organization consists of 40 members.

The last time Liberia secured a “Category A” status was in 1995. The country attempted to restore its status in 2007 and 2009 but failed. The country later in 2011 secured ‘Category C’ status only to lose it in 2019.

‘Category A’ Status is for states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services.

The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Cllr. Deweh Gray at the IMO Headquarters in London argued that Liberia is deserving of ‘Category A’ because the country is a strategic partner in spearheading global maritime affairs, promoting the objectives of the IMO.

Liberia boasts four operational ports facilitating global maritime trade which makes it possible to supply commodities such as cocoa, iron ore, rubber, and timber to the world market, local media The New Dawn Liberia reported. The country holds the title of the world’s largest shipping registry with a 14 percent share of the world’s oceangoing fleet, totaling over 5,000 vessels.

Liberia has also consistently contributed to the budget of the Organization with its continuing commitment to IMO, making it deserving of the 'Category A' status .

What they said

Bendu Kiadii in the JFK trauma ward said, "We did not hear anything because the music was playing... I don't really know where the car came from. I just found myself on the ground.”

Liberia has received commendation from the international community following the successful election of a new government, the New Dawn Liberia reports. This comes after former Vice President Joseph Boakai’s victory over the incumbent President George Weah after the country held a runoff election on November 14, 2023. According to the international community in Liberia, the move marks a new chapter in their democratic dispensation.

Health concerns over abortions

An estimated 40,000 abortions happen in Liberia annually, a former Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Global Health at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has said. Dr. Monique Wubbenhorst said this during a training workshop on the empowerment of the local faith community campaign on comprehensive sex education (CSE). Meanwhile, Liberian lawmakers are preparing a bill to expand access to abortion, which is currently subject to tight restrictions that many women circumvent through clandestine and dangerous means Global News Network Liberia reports.

Ecowas speaks on Liberia runoff

ECOWAS has congratulated Liberia’s Joseph Boakai following his victory in the just-ended runoff held on November 14. The West African regional body said that the peaceful nature of the elections is evidence that the country still upholds its democratic credentials. It further pledged support towards the maintenance and security of citizens, Global News Network Liberia reports

Visa Application Center

Liberians and other foreign nationals who intend to visit France now have easy access to a new application centre opened in Monrovia. This is the second in the country and was commissioned by Deputy French Ambassador to Liberia Sebastine Jondot on November 17, 2023. Applicants may expect an average processing time of two to three weeks while processing time for long-stay visa applications will have to take several months to process, The New Dawn Liberia reports.

Weah concedes defeat

Liberia’s President Dr. George Weah has conceded defeat after his opponent, Joseph Boakai won the runoff elections on November 14, 2023. In a speech released on Saturday, November 18, Weah congratulated Boakai and the Electoral Commission. He also urged all Liberians to place patriotism over a party to maintain peace in the country.