AGP Executive Report

War Crimes Court Push: War crimes court office chief Jallah Barbu urged President Joseph Boakai to recall lawmakers for a special session to pass the court bill before the U.N. General Assembly, warning time is running out for survivors seeking justice. Anti-Corruption in Focus: Liberia’s Justice system faces fresh scrutiny as former LNP Crime Services head Johnny Bolar Dean—charged over an alleged US$10,000 bribe tied to a US$317M drug case—was granted bail, keeping the high-profile case in motion. Illegal Mining Crackdown: A national taskforce says it will deploy joint security forces to mining hotspots, citing about 485 illegal excavators in Grand Kru and losses estimated at US$1.6 billion from illicit gold and diamond mining. Education Pressure Point: Monrovia Consolidated School System teachers threaten a go-slow/boicot over unresolved salary and payroll grievances, raising fears for thousands of students as the school year begins. Development & Jobs: UNDP warns Liberia must build resilience to protect development gains amid shocks, while government launched a National Adult Literacy Program targeting major literacy gaps in six counties. Local Governance & Services: LTA opened a new consumer support centre in Buchanan to expand regulatory access and complaint handling beyond Monrovia.

Justice System Under Scrutiny: Former LNP Crime Services chief Johnny Bolar Dean has been charged and sent to court over an alleged US$10,000 bribe to compromise Liberia’s US$317 million drug case—though he briefly regained freedom on bail earlier. Anti-Illicit Mining Crackdown: A national taskforce says it will deploy joint security teams to illegal mining hotspots, warning foreign operators could face prosecution and deportation while equipment is seized. Education Pressure Point: MCSS teachers threaten a go-slow/boycott over unresolved pay and payroll grievances, raising fears for thousands of students as the school year begins. Development & Jobs: UNDP warns Liberia to build resilience to protect hard-won gains amid shocks; VP Koung also pushes value addition and local processing to create jobs. Economy & Agriculture: Government signs a US$60M, 20-year coffee concession to revive the sector and support nearly 200,000 smallholders; Liberia and India expand agricultural research cooperation. Governance & Oversight: The Internal Audit Agency launches ASUFT, a customized digital platform to strengthen public financial accountability. Sports Dispute: Nimba’s 2025/26 county sports meet football title faces renewed doubt after a ruling questioned Lofa’s elimination.

Maritime Safety & Justice: Liberia-registered MSC Ikaria VI’s tug TNS Catcher capsized off Busan, and South Korea’s Coast Guard has raided offices of six companies and a shipping association as the search for six missing crew resumes after bad weather. Legal Accountability: Former Liberia Police Crime Services boss Johnny Dean was forwarded to court and charged over an alleged US$10,000 bribe tied to interference in a major cocaine investigation. High-Profile Court Case: Jewel Howard-Taylor’s lawyers withdrew a request for a preliminary examination after the court denied access to materials they said were needed to challenge the case, pushing proceedings to the next stage. Health & Rights: A report highlights the long wait for obstetric fistula surgery in Liberia, following one young survivor’s years of suffering after a stillbirth and delayed care. Energy Policy: Liberia renewed its suspension of import tariffs on off-grid solar products to cut costs and expand rural electrification. Governance & Economy: The World Bank says Liberia could unlock up to 5.3% of GDP in fiscal space by 2030 with reforms to boost domestic revenue and spending efficiency. Regional Integration: Liberia’s LPRA was inducted into the African Petroleum Regulators Forum, aiming to strengthen offshore oil and gas oversight.

Jewel Howard-Taylor Case: Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor’s lawyers withdrew from the preliminary examination after the court declined defense access to key materials, sending the matter to the next stage and raising fresh questions about why the defense ended the process. Justice & Rights: Liberia’s war and economic crimes court office warns that prosecutions will stall without urgent witness protection and whistleblower law amendments. Opposition Politics: Opposition parties under George Weah met again to try unity ahead of 2029, but analysts warn the effort could repeat past failures if leaders can’t stop internal power struggles. Economy & Finance: The World Bank says Liberia could unlock extra fiscal space of 3.9%–5.3% of GDP by 2030 with reforms to boost domestic revenue and improve spending. Banking Crisis: The Central Bank convenes a national conference on non-performing loans to tackle bad debt and free up credit for businesses. Energy Policy: Liberia renewed its tariff suspension on off-grid solar imports, aiming to cut costs and expand clean energy access. Youth & Business: YEIB-MANCO and the Ministry of Commerce launched a technical assistance program to make youth-led MSMEs bankable. Petroleum Governance: LPRA was inducted into the African Petroleum Regulators Forum, boosting regulatory capacity as Liberia expands oil and gas oversight. Education & Labor: MCSS teachers in Monrovia begin a go-slow over unmet 2025 employment and salary agreement terms. Local Governance: LNP cleared Boystown Junction marketers as part of efforts to restore order on the Roberts International Airport–Monrovia corridor.

Quita Dolo Drug Case: A Margibi County jury has found former RIA LDEA commander Joe Logan, his deputy Lovette Flowers, and Nigerian national Tony Obi guilty on multiple counts tied to the cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport. Courts & Politics: In the Jewel Howard-Taylor matter, her lawyers withdrew a request for a preliminary examination, after a tense fight over explosive audio evidence the State says links her to a wider drug cartel and alleged political plots. Medical Leave for Taylor: Judge Ousman F. Feika granted Howard-Taylor compassionate medical leave, moving her to 24-hour state security at her private residence under restricted house detention. Public Finance Watch: The World Bank launched Liberia’s Public Finance Review 2026, praising recent stabilization but pushing for deeper fiscal transformation to fund the ARREST Agenda. Executive Mansion Spending: An investigation says Liberia’s long-running Executive Mansion renovation has cost or committed up to US$47M, raising procurement and oversight concerns. Presidential Pay Debate: Cllr. Tiawon Saye Gongloe is challenging President Boakai over the legality and transparency of his stated 40% salary cut. Telecom Access: The LTA opened its first county Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to handle unresolved telecom complaints locally. Sports & Faith: Liberia’s Global Methodist Church leadership grew as lay leader L. Olando Boyce won a key finance commission seat, while FIFA endorsed SLFA president Babadi Kamara as WAFU A first vice president.

Jewel Howard-Taylor Court Drama: The first State witness in her cocaine case, Raphael Wilson, told the court investigators linked her to an alleged transnational drug network and even discussed a plot involving former President George Weah, as lawyers fought over whether explosive audio recordings will be played. House Detention Update: After compassionate medical relief, Howard-Taylor was moved from prison to 24-hour guarded house detention at her Sinkor residence while the case continues. Anti-Corruption Court Concern: A separate report questions whether Liberia’s courts are stalling LACC corruption cases by letting dockets run out the clock. Public Finance Scrutiny: The World Bank is set to launch a Liberia Public Finance Review on Sept. 7, focusing on whether domestic revenue and spending reforms are translating into real development. Telecom Accountability: Contractors and critics are again raising concerns about the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, including staffing and claims around infrastructure and revenue. Local Service Delivery: LTA opened its first county Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to handle telecom complaints without forcing residents to travel to Monrovia. Domestic Revenue Push: Liberia Revenue Authority says it collected US$954.7m in FY2026, nearing the US$1b target. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Government plans to fully deploy a multi-agency task force to curb illegal mining and protect mineral resources. Human Trafficking Warning: Liberia Anti-Trafficking group says over 52 Liberians are stranded in Nigeria after alleged scams and trafficking schemes. Education & Skills: Key Institute graduates new batches of skilled professionals; UN-backed UN Women grants begin reaching women’s savings and farming groups in eight counties.

Opposition Unity Talks: Liberia’s opposition leaders, led by former President George Weah, agreed to form a steering committee to shape a 2029 collaboration framework—explicitly not an electoral alliance or ticket. Witness Protection Push: The Witness Protection Agency is pressing lawmakers to strengthen Liberia’s witness and whistleblower protection laws, citing long-standing operational gaps. Anti-Corruption Transparency: The Independent Information Commission and CENTAL stepped up Freedom of Information Act enforcement with targeted engagement of key state agencies to improve public access to records. Drug Case Update: Former Liberian VP Jewel Howard-Taylor was released on compassionate grounds and placed under house arrest with travel-document surrender and movement restrictions. FOI Compliance Drive: IIC says FOI compliance must become an institutional culture, not just one officer’s duty. Maritime Tensions: Iran’s IRGC warned and turned back vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, with Liberia-flagged ships named in reports. Youth Land Rights: Liberia Land Authority urged young people to move from land-rights talk to practical dispute resolution and community action.

Green Card Lottery Update: The U.S. State Department says about 129,516 prospective applicants were registered for DV-2026, drawn from 20.8 million qualified entries, with selectees needing to complete processing by Sept. 30, 2026 or lose the benefit. Liberia Education Debate: A Liberia Christian High School official argues failing WASSCE shouldn’t automatically block graduation, while critics say the real question is whether schools prepared students and whether exam processes were flawed. Youth Land Rights Push: Liberia Land Authority officials urged young people to turn land-rights talk into action—document barriers, engage community land committees, and help prevent disputes from blocking investment. Opposition Roundtable Tension: CDC says NPP was never invited as a party to George Weah’s opposition roundtable, while NPP leaders insist they would boycott even if invited. Wildlife Care in Liberia: West African chimpanzees formerly used in hepatitis B research are receiving head-to-toe health checks at a sanctuary in central Liberia. Health Watch (DRC): Ebola in the DRC has surpassed 6,500 cases and nearly 3,150 deaths, with health authorities reporting new infections and ongoing discharges.

Jewel Howard-Taylor Court Update: Liberia’s Criminal Court “C” ordered former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor moved from prison to heavily guarded house detention at her Sinkor residence on medical grounds, while requiring surrender of travel documents and limiting visitors to family and her doctor/assistant; a co-defendant has since challenged the ruling, arguing the judge lacked authority. Drug Case Testimony: In preliminary proceedings, a state witness alleged a cocaine network sought Liberia as a transit hub and linked Howard-Taylor to a proposed protection arrangement and a wider political plot. Local Access to Telecom Help: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to help residents resolve complaints without traveling to Monrovia. Maritime Training: Ghana’s maritime regulator called for stronger seafarer assessment and certification standards, with Liberia among countries in a regional training. Wildlife Care in Liberia: AP reports rescued chimpanzees used in hepatitis B research are receiving health checks at a sanctuary in central Liberia. Immigration Relief Abroad: A U.S. court temporarily lifted restrictions affecting Diversity Visa applicants, with 1,593 prospective Liberian applicants listed for DV-2026.

Chimpanzee Care in Liberia: Chimpanzees once used in hepatitis B vaccine experiments are receiving “head-to-toe” health checks at the Second Chance Chimpanzee Refuge in central Liberia, including dental cleanings, X-rays, blood and fecal tests, and joint mobility exams, as caretakers plan long-term care for animals from the 1970s to early 2000s research era. Jewel Howard-Taylor Court Update: Liberia’s Criminal Court “C” granted former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor compassionate release on medical grounds, moving her to guarded house detention at her residence under strict conditions, while a co-defendant challenges the ruling as unlawful. Drug Case Allegations: In Taylor’s preliminary hearing, a state witness alleged a cocaine-trafficking network sought Liberia as a transit hub and linked Howard-Taylor to meetings involving foreign nationals and claims of political protection. Telecom Access in Buchanan: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to help residents resolve telecom complaints without traveling to Monrovia. Education Support by LAC: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned new school buses and a heavy-duty truck to improve student transport and reduce downtime across its plantation schools. Diplomacy Spotlight: Liberia’s UN Security Council political coordinator, Cllr. Aloysius Jappah, took part in Panama’s E10 & I5 annual dialogue, focusing on preventive diplomacy and council effectiveness.

Jewel Howard-Taylor’s Drug Case: Liberia’s Criminal Court “C” ordered former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor moved from Monrovia Central Prison to 24-hour guarded house detention at her residence for medical care, while prosecutors begin a preliminary hearing and a state witness makes fresh allegations tying her to a cocaine-trafficking network and a political plot. Court Proceedings: Her lawyers also sought evidence access, but a judge rejected an evidence request as the case advances. Security Incident: Liberia Immigration Service officer Thomas Kesselly was reportedly shot in Foya, with conflicting accounts on whether he shot himself. Telecom Access: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to help residents resolve network, internet, and billing complaints without traveling to Monrovia. Education Support: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned new school buses and a truck to improve transport for thousands of students across its plantation. Wildlife Care: Rescued chimpanzees at Liberia’s Second Chance Chimpanzee Refuge received full health checks as they age. Climate Shipping: IMO net-zero talks continued amid divisions over carbon pricing and fuel pathways, with Liberia pushing a proposal tied to fuel intensity targets.

Justice & Governance: President Boakai has reshuffled the justice leadership, replacing the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, a move that critics link to the tense Rehab Junction episode during ex-President Weah’s return. Rule of Law & Accountability: A new survey says Liberians overwhelmingly want a War Crimes Court and will not vote for lawmakers who oppose it, while an editorial pushes “Justice, Not Vengeance.” Land & Due Process: Margibi County Attorney withdrew arrest orders and stop actions in the Eric Wowoh land dispute, raising fresh questions about how cases are handled before guilt is decided. Women & GBV Services: CHI and My Watchman launched digital GBV reporting in New Kru Town to improve confidential reporting, referrals, and survivor support. Energy & Jobs: Senator James Biney broke ground for the Gedetarbo electrification project after a long wait, and STRIVE continues building job-ready TVET skills. Economy & Finance: The Central Bank and Banking Institute are training lenders on the enhanced collateral registry to expand credit beyond traditional land-and-house owners. International Shipping Risk: Liberia-flagged tankers were among vessels hit in the Strait of Hormuz, keeping maritime security and trade pressure in focus.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: Democratic Republic of Congo authorities say Ebola has killed 3,007 people and confirmed 6,186 cases, with the Bundibugyo strain spreading across Ituri and beyond; WHO says vaccine trials could begin soon as the outbreak becomes the deadliest in the country’s history. Liberian Justice Under Scrutiny: Former VP Jewel Howard Taylor’s lawyers again waited for a ruling on compassionate leave at Criminal Court “C,” but the judge did not appear, leaving her health request unresolved. Drug Case Politics: Ex-President George Weah visited jailed former VP Taylor at Monrovia Central Prison, calling the charges “bogus” amid ongoing cocaine investigation tensions. Anti-Corruption/Crime Training: India’s CBI ran a one-week economic offence investigation course for 30 officers from 13 ITEC countries including Liberia, focused on cross-border financial crime probes. Human Trafficking Accountability: Liberia’s biggest human trafficking trial ended with guilty verdicts, but victims’ families are pushing for a fast, transparent investigation into the death of victim Ophelia Melway. Public Health & Water: CRS Liberia dedicated new WASH facilities in Massatine, Grand Cape Mount, adding latrines and rehabilitated water to cut sanitation-related illness.

Justice Shake-Up: President Boakai has replaced Justice Minister N. Oswald Tweh and Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah amid the ongoing $336m cocaine probe, appointing Betty M. Lamin-Blamo and Abrahim Boimah Sillah Sr., a move critics say raises “why now” questions. Cocaine Case Pressure: A Montserrado grand jury indicted 10 people over an alleged 200kg cocaine haul at RIA, including a reported $100k bribe plot to recover seized drugs. Human Trafficking Aftermath: Victims and family members of Ophelia Melway are pushing for a faster, transparent investigation into her death, even as 11 traffickers were convicted in Liberia’s biggest trafficking trial. Road Safety Support: WoGeS Holding Liberia, Inc. publicly thanked the Government of Liberia and major donors for backing Liberia’s road safety reform and public safety education. WASH in Grand Cape Mount: CRS dedicated new latrine and water facilities in Massatine, aiming to cut sanitation-related illness. Maritime Safety Watch: Liberia-flagged ships and crews are in the spotlight after a Durban port collision involving the bulk carrier Hawk S and a tug capsizing off Busan left six missing.

Ebola Crisis in Congo: WHO chief Tedros warns the DRC outbreak can’t be stopped until “every chain is found and broken,” as deaths pass 3,000 and confirmed cases reach 6,186, with many deaths linked to people not on known contact lists and unsafe burials. Liberia Justice Shake-Up: President Boakai removes Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh as Justice Minister and Attorney General, appointing Cllr. Betty M. Lamin-Blamo in his place, with Tweh and Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah reassigned amid fallout from Liberia’s drug investigations. Police Oversight Push: Liberia’s IPCB says it’s moving toward a fully-fledged Independent Policing Oversight Commission to strengthen external accountability, including review of its powers and mandate. Blue Economy & Maritime Links: Liberia’s maritime authorities expand cooperation, including a Nigeria-Liberia partnership to grow Africa’s “blue economy” and maritime education. Local Development Talks: Bong County Rep. Fahnbulleh hails a meeting with President Boakai on local contractor participation and community impacts from concession operations. US Health Funding Cuts Hit Liberia: A report says Liberia faces an 84% US health funding cut by 2030, tied to “America First” global health MOUs. Deportations Watch: The US publishes an updated West Africa deportation list naming 111 Liberians, alongside others, with names, photos, and charges.

Maritime Safety: A tugboat capsized off Busan, killing one crew member and leaving six missing; a Liberia-flagged vessel rescued an Indonesian sailor while the Coast Guard and Navy launched a large search amid rough seas. DR Congo Ebola: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has crossed 6,100 cases and 3,000 deaths, with officials citing weak surveillance, insecurity, and community resistance as containment gets harder. Liberia Justice & Drugs: Liberia’s drug case against ex-VP Jewel Howard-Taylor faces delays as her defense seeks medical records and an independent medical evaluation; meanwhile, ANC leader Alexander Cummings warns against “selective justice” and calls for a swift, transparent process. Public Finance: Liberia’s Auditor General and GAC issued unqualified opinions on the 2025 Consolidated Fund accounts, urging lawmakers to act on recommendations. Governance & Elections: The NEC is set to launch its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to strengthen electoral integrity ahead of the 2029 polls. Mining & Environment: Farmers around Yekepa say AML pollution has ruined farmland, after EPA enforcement actions and fines tied to sewage-related impacts. Youth & Climate: Liberia’s youth climate delegates wrapped LCOY 2026, pushing for accountability and a stronger role in implementing NDC 3.0.