AGP Executive Report

Police Integrity Watch: Calls are growing for Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman to step aside from the $336m narcotics probe after allegations tied to police fleet purchases, including three black SUVs reportedly bought outside normal procurement, with questions over vehicle funding and the role of associate Jose Quintin Russell. Courtroom Drama in Drug Case: Former Liberian VP Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with drug trafficking and money laundering after being stopped at Roberts International Airport; her team denies wrongdoing and alleges the government may use fake AI-generated evidence. Port Authority Fallout: A Chinese investor’s alleged US$5m dispute with NPA boss Sekou Dukuly is reigniting scrutiny over possible diversion of funds and other money claims. Third-Country Deportations: The first 20 US deportees arrived in Liberia under a deal to accept up to 1,200 people; reports say some refused to disembark and were sent onward to Equatorial Guinea, raising rights concerns. US Visa Ruling: A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa freeze for 75 countries, including Liberia, calling it unlawful. Maritime Security: UKMTO reported a projectile hit a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, killing the chief engineer, as regional shipping risks remain high.

Third-Country Deportations Begin in Liberia: The first 20 U.S. deportees arrived at Roberts International Airport under a deal to accept up to 1,200 people over 12 months, with limited public access and tight security. Deportation Snag: Reports say five deportees resisted disembarking and were flown onward to Equatorial Guinea instead. U.S. Payment Details: The New York Times reports Washington approved a $5 million payment to Liberia to support migration management, including accommodation, food and vocational training, after assurances against racial or religious persecution. Legal Backdrop: A U.S. judge struck down a Trump visa suspension affecting 75 countries as “patently unlawful,” adding pressure to the broader immigration crackdown. Local Accountability: Liberia National Police denied using Starlink and clarified its internet and vehicle procurement amid public questions. Health Worker Strain (Regional): In DRC’s Ebola response, frontline health workers report fear and unpaid wages, highlighting the wider strain on outbreak care.

Liberia Justice & Courts: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and related offenses tied to a transnational narcotics probe after a reported US$317m cocaine seizure, with the Justice Ministry saying she was arrested at Roberts International Airport and also naming three foreigners in absentia. Deportations & Human Rights: The first group of 20 “third-country” deportees arrived in Liberia under a Trump deal, but reports say five men resisted deplaning and were taken to Equatorial Guinea instead, while Liberia says deportees can seek asylum or leave. Public Health & Regulation: Liberia’s Health Department revoked licenses for group homes linked to National Port Authority executive director Sekou Dukuly and others, with state action aimed at shutting down facilities under scrutiny. Agriculture & Women’s Livelihoods: LUYCDE women farmers appealed for support to expand vegetable and rice production and boost local organic fertilizer and pesticide making. Global Health Watch: The DRC Ebola outbreak is worsening fast, with UN warnings that funds may run dry soon.

Deportations to Liberia: The first 20 people transferred from the U.S. arrived at Roberts International Airport under a third-country deportation arrangement that could take Liberia up to 1,200 deportees in a year, but the process sparked confusion after five reportedly resisted on the plane and were restrained by U.S. agents. Justice Watch: Prosecution dropped charges against former GSA director Mary Broh in the Saudi rice case, while former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor remains in custody amid health-related delays to her court appearance. Revenue & Governance: The Liberia Revenue Authority launched a 2025–2029 Corporate Strategic Plan aimed at boosting domestic revenue, digitizing systems, and improving taxpayer services; the government also set a push for tighter UN coordination on an $874m development envelope. Education: WAEC released 2026 national exam results with a 60.37% pass rate under new graduation criteria, and Change Agent Network University was transferred into Lofa County University as Annex I. Public Safety & Services: NAPTIP sealed a suspected baby-trafficking-linked maternity facility in Rivers State over an alleged N13.5m deal. Infrastructure Jobs: Government set Aug 26 as the deadline to finish deploying yellow road machines across all 15 counties.

Third-Country Deportations: The U.S. carried out its first deportation flight under a deal for Liberia to accept up to 1,200 non-Liberians. Immigration Management: Twenty deportees arrived at Roberts International Airport near Monrovia and were taken away by bus as officials said the group was screened and could seek asylum in Liberia. Drug Probe: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and related offences after a major $317m cocaine bust; she was detained at the airport and moved to police custody. Health Emergency in Custody: Howard-Taylor was later rushed to GIMS Hospital in Monrovia after reportedly suffering a medical emergency while in police custody, delaying expected court proceedings. Child Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s NAPTIP sealed an alleged “baby factory” maternity facility in Port Harcourt and arrested three people, linking the case to a Liberian national resident in Belgium and an alleged ₦13.5m baby-sale scheme. Policy Debate: A civil society group urged Liberia’s National Assembly to review sexuality education and reproductive health policies, warning against foreign influence and calling for broader consultation.

Deportation Deal Update: Liberia says it will receive the first batch of 20 of up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. on Thursday, with most coming from Latin American countries including Venezuela and Cuba; officials say people will be medically cleared and may seek asylum, with IOM and the UN refugee agency supporting services. Drug Probe Escalates: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with cocaine trafficking and money laundering after she was stopped at Roberts International Airport and taken to police custody; three foreign nationals (two Croatians and a Ukrainian) were also charged in absentia, as the case ties to the reported US$317m cocaine seizure. Political Fallout: The CDC and other opposition figures accuse the government of intimidation and “fabrication” of charges, while the Unity Party urges security agencies to stay professional and apolitical. Revenue Push: The Liberia Revenue Authority reports it is nearing the US$1 billion domestic revenue mark for the first time in 179 years, as it rolls out its 2025–2029 strategic plan. Local Governance: ECOWAS and partners call for stronger local governance and citizen participation to speed up county development agendas and protect Liberia’s post-war peace.

Drug Probe Escalates: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and related offenses after she was stopped at Roberts International Airport and questioned by police, with Justice Minister N. Oswald Tweh saying there will be “no selective justice.” Deportation Deal: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. over the next year, starting with the first 20 expected to arrive Thursday; officials say they will be treated as “guests,” can seek asylum, and that the deal is “entirely humanitarian” with U.S. support for Liberia’s migration system. Public Trust in Elections: The National Elections Commission validated a new communications strategy aimed at boosting transparency and reducing misinformation, with EU-funded support. Health & Safety: A separate report highlights the growing risk of antibiotic misuse in West Africa, with Liberia cited as part of a wider misinformation pattern. Maritime Risks: Liberia-flagged vessels were among those affected by attacks and disruptions tied to wider shipping tensions, including incidents near the Black Sea and Hormuz.

Deportation Deal: Liberia says it will accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. within a year, with the first 20 arriving Aug. 20—government insists they are “guests,” not criminals, and some may seek asylum. Cocaine Probe Politics: Former VP Jewel Howard Taylor was taken into custody as a person of interest in Liberia’s US$19m cocaine investigation, while lawmakers and security officials trade accusations over accountability. Courts vs. Violence: Judge George Gbeneweleh urged courts to reclaim their justice role and warned against mob justice; Judge J. Kennedy Peabody cautioned that personalizing leadership weakens institutions. Electricity Cost Fight: LERC rejected LIBENERGY’s bid to change tariffs but delayed the approved US$0.22/kWh implementation to Nov. 1, pressuring the utility to improve service quality. Education & Food: Government and WFP extended the school feeding programme to 2028. Local Services: CSA broke ground for a southeastern regional HR hub in Zwedru to bring payroll and personnel services closer to civil servants. Justice Update: Mary Broh walks free as the Saudi rice case ends for her via nolle prosequi. Health Crisis Abroad: DRC Ebola outbreak hits a deadliest-ever milestone, with Liberia watching regional health risks.

Deportation Deal: Liberia says it will accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the United States over the next year, with the first 20 expected to arrive Thursday; Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah says the arrivals will be treated as “guests of the Republic,” may seek asylum, and Liberia has screened the list ahead of time. Maritime Security: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, the Minoan Dignity, was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one seafarer and injuring the crew, as attacks continue amid US-Iran tensions; INTERCARGO urged protection for civilian merchant crews. Ebola Alert: WHO chief Tedros warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” citing rapid spread driven by insecurity, displacement, and population movement, with deaths now above 2,300. Digital ID Push: Liberia is advancing a PPP-backed biometric ID rollout, with consultations on a concession agreement reportedly completed and the draft headed to Parliament for approval.

Drug War Accountability: Liberia’s police chief Gregory Coleman fired back at Sen. Amara Konneh, demanding he “show the evidence” in cocaine cartel claims, as the senator warns junior officers are being punished while senior officials allegedly escape scrutiny. Courtroom Update: In the Paynesville drug case tied to a massive cocaine seizure, a magisterial court reserved a ruling on reopening a private bar closed during the investigation. Revenue Milestone: Liberia is on track to cross US$1 billion in domestic revenue in September, with the Liberia Revenue Authority citing strong collections and urging that spending outcomes matter as much as the number. Ports & Governance: Scrutiny is growing around National Port Authority boss Sekou Dukuly after an investigation raised questions about his Minnesota group-home business links and use of resources. Aviation Safety: The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority launched a 10-day Safety Management Systems training with EU support to shift safety culture from reactive to predictive. Environment & Jobs: Grand Gedeh’s “cocoa fever” is driving major forest loss, while ArcelorMittal Liberia promoted a Liberian engineer to Deputy GM for Mines. Sports & Youth: The National Sports Fund Authority Act is now law, and River Gee constituted a kickball technical team ahead of the national county meet.

Public Health Crisis: Ebola in DR Congo has crossed a grim milestone, with deaths now at 2,325 and 4,945 confirmed cases—making it the country’s deadliest outbreak ever and the second-deadliest globally. Officials warn the outbreak is spreading fast, with a rising fatality rate as many cases are detected late amid insecurity and weak health systems. Liberia Governance & Accountability: President Joseph N. Boakai has signed the Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization Act, reshaping control of Liberia’s port system and redefining the role of the National Port Authority. Anti-Corruption in Focus: Thirteen former officials go on trial in Montserrado over alleged diversion of Saudi-donated rice meant for disaster victims. Local Development: In Paynesville, a NOCAL restroom dedication has sparked debate over presidential priorities, while community leader Sie D. Anderson launched education and youth projects including 500 scholarships, a bus stop, and a basketball court.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases reaching 4,945, as the UN warns the outbreak is the fastest growing on record and continues to spread through weak health systems and conflict-affected areas. Education Push: President Joseph Boakai is driving a “Back to My Classroom” push to return 250,000 out-of-school children to learning by 2029, with 80,000 targeted in 2026 and a focus on keeping children in school, not just enrolling them. Health Infrastructure: Liberia is pressing to complete the New Redemption Hospital in Caldwell, now about 92% done, to strengthen healthcare delivery under the ARREST Agenda. Power Sector: LEC says it’s stepping up anti-theft enforcement with smart meters and day-and-night inspections. Governance & Justice: Liberia’s war-justice debate grows as the Liberia Massacre Association says it has identified 90 new massacre sites; meanwhile, the judiciary reports a juror died after collapsing at the Temple of Justice. Local Economy & Security: Gbarpolu tightens illicit mining checks by requiring operators to present valid licenses. Ports & Politics: Senate praises Boakai’s approval of Ports Autonomy Bills, while critics warn security gaps remain inside the decentralization plan.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 2,325 people and reached 4,945 confirmed cases, surpassing the country’s 2018–2020 record as health systems struggle to keep up. Public Health (Preparedness): Liberia’s health authorities say there are no confirmed Ebola cases locally, but urge anyone returning from the DRC to self-isolate and call the hotline if symptoms appear within 21 days. Drug Crisis & Accountability (Liberia): President Joseph Boakai has removed LDEA OIC Fitzgerald Biago and indefinitely suspended him from the Liberia National Police, with the administration citing “ethical concerns” but critics demanding clearer answers amid the wider cocaine scandal. Youth Participation (Liberia): UNICEF and UNFPA have relaunched Liberia’s U-Report platform to give children and youth a direct channel to influence decisions, targeting at least 8,000 young people nationwide. Regional Trade & Roads (Sierra Leone–Liberia–Guinea): Sierra Leone’s roads authority has opened bidding for a 39-kilometre highway linking Buedu and Koindu to boost cross-border trade and integration. Maritime Safety (Liberia-linked): A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier collided at Chattogram Port, with no casualties or pollution reported.

Ebola Watch: Israel’s Health Ministry says a patient held in isolation in Soroka Hospital after returning from the DRC tested negative, while urging anyone who traveled from the DRC or Uganda to self-isolate and call the hotline if symptoms appear within 21 days; the DRC outbreak is still flagged as on track to be the worst in history. Maritime Safety & Trade: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier collided with an anchored vessel at Chattogram Port with no casualties or pollution reported, while separate reports highlight how the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted—shipping traffic is down to about 17% of pre-conflict levels. Oil Spill Risk in the Gulf: Reuters-linked satellite and video reports show new oil slicks near Iran’s Qeshm and Sirri islands, adding to environmental fears as cleanup and monitoring continue. Local Justice & Governance: Liberia’s National Labour Court ordered NTAL management to pay its secretary general US$19,280 in retroactive salary and benefits after ruling his dismissal wrongful. Youth & Participation: UNICEF relaunched U-Report in Liberia to give children and adolescents a safer channel to influence decisions, aiming to reach at least 8,000 young people nationwide. Drug Crisis Politics: The EFFL launched fresh attacks over Liberia’s drug crisis and security failures, demanding action against police leadership amid allegations of selective prosecution.

Oil Spill Crisis in the Gulf: Reuters reports new oil slicks inside the Strait of Hormuz after tanker attacks, with a grounded vessel off Oman leaking Russian crude and a second slick spotted near Iran’s Qeshm Island—raising fears for mangroves, coral reefs, turtles and fishing. Shipping Disruption: UKMTO says traffic through the strait is down to 17% of pre-conflict levels, with dozens of damage reports since the US-Iran war began. Liberia Youth Voice: UNICEF relaunched U-Report in Monrovia to let children and adolescents safely influence decisions, aiming to reach at least 8,000 young people. Local Education Support: Residents helped keep a school open in honor of Zoe Robinson, whose community school was threatened after her death. Courts and Accountability: Liberia’s National Labour Court ordered NTAL to pay its secretary general US$19,280 in retroactive benefits after ruling his dismissal wrongful. Drug War Politics: EFFL launched fresh attacks on the Boakai administration over the cocaine crisis and alleged selective prosecution. International Ties: Liberia opened its resident mission in New Delhi, strengthening India-Liberia cooperation.

Drug Crisis & Accountability: President Joseph Boakai has suspended LDEA officer-in-charge Fitzgerald Biago and removed him from the agency, with critics demanding clarity on the “ethical concerns” behind the move amid the widening cocaine scandal. Courts & Rights: The National Labour Court ordered NTAL management to pay its SG Samuel Johnson US$19,280 in retroactive salary and benefits after ruling his dismissal wrongful. Youth & Jobs: International Youth Day in Liberia spotlighted the gap between young people’s skills and limited pathways to jobs and entrepreneurship, with calls for deeper digital and economic opportunities. Governance & Politics: The NEC has proposed steep candidate fee hikes for 2029, sparking debate over whether democracy should stay accessible to all Liberians. Justice in the Public Eye: Social media personality Prophet Key says his six-month contempt sentence has ended, but release has been delayed over conditions tied to his compliance. International Spotlight: Liberia opened its resident mission in New Delhi as India-Liberia ties expand, including talks on shipping security and mining.