AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 6,000 confirmed cases and 2,911 deaths, with health officials warning the crisis is still out of control as it spreads into new health zones and response teams face attacks and insecurity. Liberia Health (Kidney Disease): A new report says about 800,000 Liberians likely live with kidney disease, but most won’t survive—highlighting preventable causes, weak screening, and limited dialysis capacity. Justice & Accountability (War Crimes Court): Victims of Liberia’s civil wars marked 23 years of peace while renewing calls for prosecutions, reparations, and a war and economic crimes court—now with some former warlords backing trials. Governance & Transparency (Telecom Monitoring): Liberia’s telecom regulator leadership is under pressure after refusing to disclose revenue from a monitoring system, raising fresh questions about public accountability. Environment & Livelihoods (Grand Gedeh): Liberia’s Grand Gedeh, once 99% forest, has seen major deforestation since 2020 as cacao farms expand—driven partly by cross-border pressure from Côte d’Ivoire. Aid & Rights (Sweden Pullout): Sweden has ended its bilateral aid programme to Liberia, a blow that could affect gender equality and healthcare support. National Reconciliation (Peace Museum): Liberia is laying groundwork for a Peace, Reconciliation and Memorial Museum, studying Rwanda’s model to preserve massacre sites and strengthen healing. Drug War (Due Process): Opposition leader Alexander Benedict Cummings urged a speedy, fair trial for Jewel Howard-Taylor, accusing government of selective justice in the narcotics case. Security Sector (Women in AFL): Liberia’s defense ministry and AFL began a countywide push to boost women’s inclusion in the armed forces, targeting recruitment and career pathways. Maritime (Certification): IMO and Ghana’s maritime authority launched a regional training programme to strengthen seafarer certification and safety standards across West Africa.

UN Reparations Push: A UN racial discrimination committee says countries are legally obliged to consider reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and take broad steps to address the lasting legacy of racial discrimination. Drug War Due Process: Opposition leader Alexander Cummings urged a speedy, fair trial for jailed former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor, accusing government “selective justice” in the narcotics case. Courtroom “Tape” Fight: A legal debate is intensifying over whether secretly recorded calls should be admitted in Howard-Taylor’s case, with critics warning the real issue is whether the recording proves the charges. Telecom Transparency Clash: Liberia’s LTA chairman Clarence Massaquoi is facing fresh pressure to disclose revenue from a telecommunications monitoring system, after refusing to share figures publicly. Healthcare Decentralization: Liberia is expanding Jackson F. Doe Hospital in Tappita with new emergency and ICU plans, aiming to make it a major regional referral center. Finance for Small Businesses: The World Bank-backed Enhanced Collateral Registry System was launched to help firms unlock credit using more types of assets. Peace Museum Plan: Liberia’s delegation studied Rwanda’s memorial model as it lays groundwork for a national peace and reconciliation museum. Women’s Rights Aid Shock: Sweden ends its long-running aid presence in Liberia, warning of knock-on effects for healthcare and women’s rights. Kidney Disease Crisis: Experts say about 800,000 Liberians live with kidney disease, and most cases are preventable but often detected too late. Shipping & Climate Talks: Liberia’s shipping proposal is back in focus as IMO net-zero negotiations resume, with carbon pricing and fuel supply affordability at the center of debate.

Deportations Under Fire: U.S. “border czar” Tom Homan pushed back on CNN over claims of abuse during deportations that included flights to Liberia, while internal documents say ICE has expanded “third-country” removals, sending more than 100 people to African states including Liberia. ECOWAS Peacekeeping Legacy: ECOWAS released books documenting ECOMOG’s peace interventions, including in Liberia, as Nigeria’s defence minister renewed debate over who “saved” the region. Liberia Court Moves Capitol Arson Trial: Liberia’s Supreme Court denied former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s bid to stop the case, ordering a fresh jury and restarting the Capitol Building arson trial. Health Crisis Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak surged into two new health zones, bringing affected areas to 60 and deaths to 2,786, as vaccination efforts target frontline workers. Local Security Tension: A canoe accident in Bong County sparked allegations, retaliatory attacks, and burning of homes in Duah Town, with Rep. Koinah calling for calm. Sports: NPA Anchors signed Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Kanu, and DAZN secured LaLiga broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Liberian Courts, Capitol Arson Case: Liberia’s Supreme Court denied former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s petition for a writ of prohibition, clearing the way for Criminal Court “A” to empanel a new jury and restart the Capitol Building arson trial from scratch. Urban Marketing Dispute: In another major ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal tied to Urban Marketing Group and John Hilary Tubman’s interests, directing the trial court to resume and enforce its November 28, 2025 judgment. Justice in Focus: The Supreme Court also overturned the murder conviction of Valington B. Kaiser (“Bishop”), saying the State’s evidence was too weak to corroborate the case, ordering his release after more than three years in prison. Sports & Community: Sierra Leone forward Mohamed Kanu has joined Liberia’s NPA Anchors after a loan spell at FC Bea Mountain, as the club prepares for top-flight action. Public Health Watch: Ebola in eastern DR Congo has spread to two new health zones (Biena and Manguredjipa), bringing affected areas to 60 with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths.

Liberian Football: Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Kanu has joined NPA Anchors in Monrovia, after a loan spell at FC Bea Mountain, as the Port Controllers prepare for Liberia’s 2026-2027 top-flight season following promotion. Sports Streaming: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), with matches available live and on-demand in multiple markets including Nigeria. Courts & Justice: Liberia’s Supreme Court rejected former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s bid to stop the Capitol arson trial, ordering a fresh jury and a restart of the case. Public Health: Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to two more health zones (Biena and Manguredjipa), bringing affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths. Drug War Due Process: A women’s rights leader in Liberia urged impartial, transparent investigations in the Jewel Howard-Taylor drug trafficking allegations, stressing presumption of innocence. Diplomacy & Deportations: A Venezuelan father deported to Liberia by the U.S. says he was stranded far from Monrovia after ICE sent him to West Africa. Sports Administration: Liberia’s Black Fingers women’s handball team will depart for Burkina Faso for the maiden IHF Africa Zone III tournament.

Liberia Courts: Liberia’s Supreme Court denied former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and co-defendants’ bid to stop the Capitol Building arson trial, clearing the way for Criminal Court “A” to empanel a new jury and restart the case from scratch. Justice Update: In a separate ruling, the Court recalled part of an earlier damages decision involving former LISGIS Deputy DG Wilmot Smith and Ecobank Liberia, cancelling US$50,000 awards mistakenly linked to Martin K.N. Kollie and Alex Williams while keeping Ecobank’s US$250,000 special damages intact. Ebola Watch (Regional): In eastern DR Congo, Ebola has spread to two new health zones—Biena and Manguredjipa—bringing affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths as insecurity and health worker strikes hamper response. Health & Rights (Liberia-linked): A Supreme Court decision overturned the murder conviction of Valington B. Kaiser (“Bishop”), citing fundamental weaknesses in the State’s case and ordering his release. Women & Governance (Liberia): CMC Women Chair Alice Baysah urged impartial, transparent due process in the Jewel Howard Taylor drug allegations, stressing presumption of innocence.

Liberia Courts: Liberia’s Supreme Court denied former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and co-defendants’ bid to stop the Capitol arson case, ordering Criminal Court “A” to empanel a new jury and restart the trial from scratch. Justice Update: In a separate ruling, the Supreme Court overturned the murder conviction of Valington B. Kaiser (“Bishop”), saying the State’s case had fundamental weaknesses and failed to sufficiently corroborate key points. Drug Case Delay: Jewel Howard-Taylor’s cocaine trafficking preliminary hearing was pushed to Wednesday, Sept. 2, after the Ministry of Justice requested a last-minute continuance. Ebola Watch (Regional): Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to two more health zones—Biena and Manguredjipa—bringing affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; officials say insecurity, displacement, and a health workers’ strike are hampering response. Women & Rights: CMC Women’s chair Alice Baysah backed Howard-Taylor personally but urged impartial, transparent investigations and stressed due process and presumption of innocence. Diaspora: A Maryland County senator met Liberia’s Paris embassy and Liberian community leaders, urging continued service and stronger ties with France.

CBL Credit Boost: The Central Bank of Liberia launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry to help lenders register and verify collateral faster, aiming to expand secured lending for MSMEs, farmers, women and young entrepreneurs. Supreme Court Correction: Liberia’s Supreme Court recalled part of a US$50,000 damages award, cancelling awards against Martin K.N. Kollie and Alex Williams while keeping Ecobank Liberia’s US$250,000 special damages in place. Drug Case Delay: Jewel Howard-Taylor’s cocaine trafficking preliminary hearing was pushed to Wednesday, Sept. 2, after the Ministry of Justice sought a last-minute continuance. Procurement Warning: President Boakai warned officials not to bypass Liberia’s public procurement rules, stressing compliance to protect state resources and ensure fair contract awards. Local Budget Scrutiny: Bong County’s FY2026 resolution budget faces questions over spending priorities and project execution capacity. Oil Licensing Move: LPRA opened prequalification for Liberia’s 2026 direct negotiation petroleum licensing round, set for Q4, inviting qualified offshore explorers. Gender Law Debate: The Gender Ministry and legal experts clashed over how Liberia’s spousal support law should be applied, with the minister urging reports of non-support by employed wives. Ebola Update (DRC): Congo reported Ebola spreading to two new health zones, with vaccination starting for frontline workers using the Ervebo vaccine.

Drug War, Due Process: President Joseph Boakai told the nation he will enforce Liberia’s laws “without fear or favor,” stressing rule of law as drug prosecutions intensify, while former Press Union of Liberia head Charles B. Coffey Jr. urged calm and respect for court processes. Supreme Court, Anti-Corruption: Liberia’s Supreme Court upheld convictions in major forestry and PPAL-related cases, including a US$10,000 fine and 10-year prison term for Enree Bee Neeplo, and ordered Ecobank to pay US$250,000 to former LISGIS deputy boss Wilmot Smith. Transport Costs: Rising fares on the Ganta–Monrovia route are pushing up costs for commuters and traders, with reports of L$2,000 trips and extra charges for luggage. Sports Development: LFA launched enrollment for the Henry Nyuman Browne National Academy’s first batch, and Bullets signed Liberian midfielder Sheku Sheriff on a two-year deal. Diplomacy: Liberia and France moved to deepen ties after a summit in Paris, with plans to expand trade and investment. Regional Security: Defence Minister Christopher Musa highlighted ECOMOG’s sacrifices in West Africa’s conflicts, urging unity to prevent regional collapse.

Sports Development: The Liberia Football Association (LFA) says it is not relocating home fixtures to Morocco, insisting the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex is on track for final certification after pre-maintenance testing. Cost of Living: Rising fares on the Ganta–Monrovia route are worrying commuters and traders, with transport costs feared to push up food prices in Ganta. Drug War & Justice: Criminal justice graduate students warn against politicizing Liberia’s drug investigation and stress that accusations must be proven in court; meanwhile, Justice Minister N. Oswald Tweh vows a relentless, evidence-based crackdown. Accountability Debate: Senator Amara Konneh urges the government to charge suspended officials or reinstate them if evidence is insufficient, warning of “selective justice.” Youth & Community: The LFA, with FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme, enrolls the first batch of 10–16-year-old talents into the Henry Nyuman Browne National Academy, while the Yellow Machine Program begins recruiting and testing heavy-equipment operators in Bong County.

Rule of Law & Drug Fight: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai used a special national address to reassure Liberians that the government will enforce the law “without fear or favor,” while protecting constitutional rights, as public debate swirls around the drug-trafficking crackdown. Due Process for Jewel Howard-Taylor: Boakai also assured that former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is being treated in full compliance with Liberia’s Constitution and laws, stressing she is presumed innocent, has access to legal counsel, and will receive due process. Court Case Watch: Howard-Taylor was transferred to Monrovia Central Prison ahead of further proceedings on alleged drug trafficking and money laundering charges, after a court rejected a request for her to remain hospitalized. Cyber Governance: Liberia’s President signed the Cybercrime Act and Data Protection Act into law, a move aimed at curbing digital crime and protecting personal data. Local Service Delivery: The National Archives (CNDRA) handed over 16 motorbikes to county coordinators to strengthen field operations, while the Agriculture Ministry distributed 20 pickups and 36 motorbikes to agriculture officers to boost extension services. Human Rights Debate: A rights group and journalists’ training renewed calls to abolish the death penalty, with an amendment reportedly drafted and submitted to President Boakai. Sports: Liberian midfielder Sheku Sheriff signed a two-year deal with Malawi’s FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, pending international clearance.

Education & Corporate Accountability: A site visit to St. Joseph High School in Grand Bassa exposed broken doors, shattered windows, and poor sanitation, sparking fresh questions about the Liberian Agricultural Company’s responsibility and local oversight. Drug War & Due Process: The government rejects George Weah’s “tyranny” claims, saying prosecutions will continue; meanwhile, courts deny Jewel Howard-Taylor home confinement and ABIC warns detention must not become punishment. Third-Country Deportations: Liberia’s deal to accept up to 1,200 U.S. deportees faces backlash from opposition leaders and rights voices as some transfers reportedly go to Equatorial Guinea after refusals. Cyber Governance: President Boakai signs Liberia’s Cybercrime and Data Protection acts into law to curb digital crime and protect personal data. Public Service Logistics: CNDRA hands 16 motorbikes to county coordinators, and the Agriculture Ministry distributes 20 pickups and 36 motorbikes to boost extension work. Health Emergency: WHO calls for a six-month humanitarian truce in DRC’s Ebola fight to reach isolated communities. Security Sector Inclusion: AFL recruitment outreach in Sinoe pushes women toward a 20% target in uniformed roles.

Drug Trial Update: Liberia’s former vice president Jewel Howard-Taylor was sent to Monrovia Central Prison to await trial on drug trafficking and money laundering charges after a court denied her lawyers’ request to keep her in hospital for medical reasons. US Deportations: Liberia received fewer US deportees than planned after five passengers refused to disembark; they were reportedly sent to Equatorial Guinea instead. Immigration Crackdown: A report highlights how Trump’s second-term immigration overhaul includes unprecedented steps such as using a special court for deportations and mass visa actions. Judicial Independence Debate: Human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized the Nigerian Bar Association for inviting former Liberian President George Weah, alleging Liberia’s judiciary was undermined during Weah’s presidency. Maritime Security: The Strait of Hormuz crisis has killed at least 20 seafarers/port workers in 68 incidents over six months, with Liberia-flagged vessels among the most affected. Environment & Trade: EU deforestation rules could disrupt Liberia’s cocoa exports, as some production may fall under the post-2020 forest-clearing cutoff. Public Health: A West Africa survey says 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in Liberia.

Drug War & Due Process: Human rights lawyer Adama K. Dempster and religious leaders at the Liberia Council of Churches urged impartial investigations and due process as the government presses its drug crackdown, while LINU’s Dr. Clarence Moniba called on President Boakai to address the nation and set up an independent panel to review the Howard-Taylor probe. Politics & Institutions: Ex-President George Weah told Nigerian lawyers that democracy can’t survive on elections alone, warning that elected leaders can still become “tyrants” by weakening courts and legislatures; Falana also criticized the NBA for inviting Weah. Revenue Push: The Central Bank backed the LRA’s “Move to Billion” plan, while Bong Senator Findley demanded a serious debate on the LRA’s proposed 5% revenue share. Local Governance: Liberia’s Ministry of Local Government will host a high-level dialogue on decentralization as delays in approvals keep power centralized in Monrovia. Youth & Health: UNFPA urged investment in keeping adolescent girls in school, and the First Lady launched school clubs on reproductive health in multiple counties. Migration Fallout: Deportees who resisted disembarking in Liberia were reportedly sent to Equatorial Guinea under US “third-country” arrangements. Maritime Security: IMO reported 68 incidents and at least 20 deaths in six months near the Strait of Hormuz, with Liberia-flagged vessels among the most affected.

Deportation Fallout: Six people deported from the U.S. to Liberia resisted disembarking and were instead sent onward to Equatorial Guinea, highlighting how “third-country” removals are being used as a workaround that rights groups say leaves people in legal limbo. Justice Update: Liberia’s Attorney General says former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been formally charged over an alleged transnational narcotics network, including drug importation, illicit trafficking, conspiracy, and money laundering. Democracy Watch: Ex-President George Weah warns that weakening courts and judicial independence can undermine democracy, saying even a “tyrant with a certificate of return” remains a tyrant. Maritime Skills: Ghana’s Maritime Authority, with participants including Liberia, is training seafarer examiners and instructors to keep assessment systems aligned with new maritime technology. Culture & Heritage: A reflective piece marks Liberia’s Flag Day, crediting Susannah Elizabeth Lewis and a committee of women for designing and hand-sewing the Lone Star flag. Youth & Business: Ghana-based podcast Konnected Minds tops Apple Podcasts charts in Liberia and other countries, boosting African entrepreneurship voices.

US-Liberia Deportations: The first 20 people sent from the U.S. to Liberia under a “third-country” deal arrived this week, but only 15 stayed after five refused to disembark and were sent to Equatorial Guinea; Liberia says deportees can leave, while rights groups warn the terms are murky and that some transfers involve people with no ties to the destination. Courts and Immigration: A U.S. judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa freeze for 75 countries, saying it exceeded legal authority and wrongly blocked visas based on nationality. Judiciary and Democracy: Former President George Weah told the Nigerian Bar Association that democracy can be undermined when elected leaders weaken courts and institutions, urging lawyers and judges to stay impartial. Liberia-Linked Legal Scrutiny: Jewel Howard-Taylor’s drug-trafficking case continues to draw attention, with fresh debate over due process and political interference. Ebola Update (DRC): The DRC reports Ebola cases have surpassed 5,500 with nearly 2,650 deaths, as new infections continue in eastern provinces. Maritime Safety: A Liberian-flagged ship incident in the Strait of Hormuz again highlights risks to seafarers, after a Filipino crew member was killed and others repatriated.