AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, the Ocean Melody, caught fire during repairs at Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding in eastern China, killing at least 20 and later 25 workers, with 12 evacuated and five injured in stable condition; Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered “all out” rescue, a swift investigation, and accountability. Public Health: Africa CDC warns the DRC’s fast-growing Ebola outbreak is spreading beyond Ituri into North Kivu and Haut-Uele, with 6,843 cases and 3,310 deaths reported, as insecurity, displacement, and health worker strikes strain response. Foreign Policy: Liberia reaffirmed support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara after talks in Rabat, signaling cooperation at the UN ahead of October 2026 discussions. Finance & Governance: Liberia’s Central Bank and President Boakai push action on a non-performing loan crisis, with a national conference spotlighting how frozen credit is hurting farmers, traders, and small businesses. Justice System: Liberia’s Chief Justice temporarily suspended lawyer Peter King after repeated failure to appear before the Judiciary’s Grievance and Ethics Committee over a misconduct complaint. Local Governance & Media: MFDP will train journalists in Buchanan on reporting fiscal decentralization and county budgets as devolution expands. Diaspora/Immigration: Reports say Cameroon is receiving US deportees, with Liberia listed among African countries accepting “third-country” transfers. Youth & Faith: A global Young Life study finds many young people, including in Liberia, are reluctant to discuss identity with pastors and feel less belonging in faith communities. US Visa Policy: The US published E-2 treaty investor visa eligibility lists, with Liberia among the African countries covered.

Non-Performing Loans: President Boakai opened the National NPL Resolution Conference, urging banks and regulators to move from talk to action and treat the crisis as a people-and-jobs problem, while the World Bank called for urgent, coordinated fixes that expand affordable credit. Fiscal Decentralization & Media: MFDP is training journalists in Buchanan on reporting county budgets, spending, local revenue, procurement and development projects as Liberia pushes devolution under its ARREST agenda. Domestic Revenue Push: Finance Minister Ngafuan set a US$1.3B domestic revenue target by December 2026, citing progress toward the US$1B mark. Credit System Reform: The U.S. urged Liberia to modernize credit information and link borrower records to national ID to improve lending decisions and reduce identity abuse. Political Tensions: The NPP suspended three partisans for allegedly using party letterhead to endorse an opposition unity roundtable led by George Weah without authorization. Opposition/Justice Pressure: Transitional justice advocate Dhaliwal urged Boakai to call an extraordinary legislative session to pass the War and Economic Crimes Court and Anti-Corruption Court bills. Local Governance & Skills: VP Koung pushed technical skills training for youth unemployment, and NaFAA completed a mid-year PMCS review. Education Support: Senator Biney launched a 10-year Maryland County education support program starting with about L$3M. Legal/Defamation: Senator McGill threatened legal action after Henry Costa’s drug-cartel allegations, calling them false and unsupported. International Note: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, Ocean Melody, caught fire in Qingdao, China, killing at least 20 with five missing.

War Crimes Court Push: WECC office chief Jallah Barbu urged President Boakai to recall lawmakers for a special session before the U.N. General Assembly, warning time is running out to pass the court bill. Anti-Corruption Courts Pressure: A civil society coalition said delays on WECC and the National Anti-Corruption Court are deepening impunity as Liberia prepares for the U.N. Security Council presidency. Drug Case Fallout: Liberia charged former LNP Crime Services head Johnny Bolar Dean over an alleged US$10,000 bribe tied to a US$317m drug trafficking probe; he later regained freedom on bail. Justice Procedure Clarified: The government said the defense, not prosecutors, withdrew a preliminary examination request in the Jewel Howard-Taylor drug case. Illegal Mining Crackdown: A national taskforce says it will deploy joint security forces to shut down illegal sites, seize equipment, and pursue prosecution and possible deportation of foreign operators. Education Disruption Risk: MCSS teachers threatened a go-slow/boicot over unresolved salary and employment grievances, raising fears for thousands of students. Governance & Devolution: Government announced a Sept. 16–17 policy dialogue to transfer selected functions to counties and produce a devolution action plan. Economy & Jobs: Boakai commissioned three deputy directors at the Liberia National Tourism Authority, while VP Koung renewed calls for value addition and local processing to create jobs.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Liberia’s National Taskforce to Combat Illicit Mining will deploy joint security forces to mining hotspots, starting with Grand Kru, Sinoe and Grand Gedeh, warning foreign operators could face prosecution and deportation as it targets hundreds of illegal excavators and estimates US$1.6bn in losses. Anti-Corruption in Drug Case: Former LNP Crime Services chief Johnny Bolar Dean was charged for allegedly taking US$10,000 to compromise a US$317m drug investigation, though he later regained freedom on bail—raising a major test for the justice system. Drug Enforcement Results: A jury in Margibi found two former LDEA officers and a Nigerian national guilty in a trafficking case involving US$100,000-plus. Education Pressure Point: MCSS teachers threaten a boycott/go-slow over unresolved pay and employment grievances, putting thousands of students at risk. Adult Literacy Push: Government launched the National Accelerated Adult Literacy Program to lift adult literacy from 58.6% to 62.8%, starting in six low-literacy counties. Decentralization Plan: A two-day policy dialogue will map how selected functions move from central government to counties, aiming for a devolution action plan. Jobs Through Value Addition: VP Koung urged Liberia to reduce raw-material exports by investing in local processing and skills to create jobs. Coffee Deal: Government signed a US$60m, 20-year coffee concession with JR Farms to revive the sector and support nearly 200,000 smallholders. Regional Military Justice: Michigan Air National Guard joined Liberian, Sierra Leone and Nigerian legal professionals in Monrovia to strengthen military justice and due process. Political Tension in Nimba: Senator Kogar renewed attacks tied to the War and Economic Crimes Court debate, fueling Nimba’s political fault line.

Military & Rule of Law: Liberia hosted a weeklong State Partnership Program engagement as the Michigan Air National Guard and legal professionals from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria exchanged lessons on military justice, due process and discipline. Defense Cooperation: Liberia and Morocco’s military chiefs in Rabat mapped out training, joint exercises and exchange visits under a 2025 defense pact. Justice & Corruption: Former Liberia National Police Crime Services boss Johnny Bolar Dean was forwarded to court and charged over alleged US$10,000 bribery and interference in a major drug investigation. High-Profile Drug Case: Jewel Howard-Taylor’s lawyers withdrew from a preliminary examination after the court declined defense access to key materials, pushing the case to the next stage. Economy & Governance: 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. Finance Sector: The Central Bank convenes a national conference on non-performing loans to tackle bad-debt roots and improve lending. Energy Policy: Liberia renewed its suspension of import tariffs on eligible off-grid solar products to cut costs and expand rural electrification. Opposition Politics: Liberia’s opposition again tried to unify under George Weah, setting a steering committee ahead of 2029—while critics warn past splits could repeat. Regional Monetary Push: ECOWAS moved to fast-track the ECO single-currency launch toward a 2027 rollout.

World Bank Fiscal Outlook: Liberia can unlock extra fiscal space worth about 3.9%–5.3% of GDP annually by 2030 if it boosts domestic revenue, improves spending, and manages fiscal risks, the World Bank says in its 2026 Public Finance Review. Non-Performing Loans Push: The Central Bank of Liberia is convening a national NPL resolution conference (Sept. 9–11) to tackle bad loans that are squeezing credit and investment. Jewel Howard-Taylor Case: Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor’s lawyers withdrew from a preliminary examination after the court declined defense access to key materials, moving the matter forward while her team insists she has not been indicted or found guilty. Opposition Unity Under Strain: Opposition parties again tried to coordinate ahead of 2029, but analysts warn past unity efforts collapsed over leadership fights. Youth Business Support: MoCI and YEIB-MANCO launched a technical assistance program to make youth and MSMEs “bankable,” with support for planning, records, marketing, and market access. Petroleum Governance: Liberia’s Petroleum Regulatory Authority was inducted into AFRIPERF, aiming to strengthen oil and gas oversight as licensing expands. Local Governance & Public Order: LNP cleared marketers from Boystown Junction, while calls continue for a humane, organized market solution for affected traders. Tariff Relief for Solar: Liberia renewed its suspension of import tariffs on off-grid solar products to cut costs and expand rural electrification.

Courtroom Tension in Taylor Case: Monrovia City Court chaos erupted when an LNP officer fired tear gas as former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor’s preliminary examination was expected, then defense lawyers withdrew the request for the preliminary examination, shifting the fight over the State’s audio recording evidence to Criminal Court “C.” Drug Case Verdict: A Margibi jury unanimously convicted former RIA/LDEA commander Joe Logan, his deputy Lovette Flowers, and Nigerian Tony Obi in the Quita Dolo Kosso cocaine case. World Bank Fiscal Push: The World Bank outlined a roadmap for Liberia’s fiscal transformation at the Public Finance Review launch, urging stronger domestic revenue and better spending outcomes. Spending Scrutiny: An independent investigation says Liberia’s Executive Mansion renovation has cost up to US$47M across administrations, renewing procurement and oversight questions. Economy Under Pressure: Finance Minister Ngafuan projected growth gains while acknowledging risks like inflation, poverty, and jobs. Telecom Accountability: Liberia Telecommunications Authority controversies continued as contractors urged President Boakai to intervene amid claims of mismanagement and employment concerns. Governance & Security: Government moves to fully deploy a multi-agency task force to crack down on illegal mining. Local Service Delivery: LTA opened its first county Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to handle telecom complaints without forcing residents to travel to Monrovia.

Jewel Howard-Taylor Court Battle: Liberia’s Criminal Court “C” begins a preliminary examination as the first state witness, Raphael Wilson, alleges Howard-Taylor links to an international cocaine network and even a plot against George Weah—while the defense fights to block explosive audio recordings from being played. Anti-Corruption Courts Under Pressure: A Margibi corruption case spotlights claims that prosecutors asked repeatedly for a trial date but the docket never made room, raising fears the system is letting cases stall. Public Finance Scrutiny: The World Bank prepares to launch Liberia’s Public Finance Review 2026, pressing for more domestic revenue and better spending results. Telecom Transparency Fight: Contractors and workers at the LTA urge President Boakai to intervene amid disputes over who controls the International Gateway Monitoring System and concerns about staffing and financial impropriety. Drug War Accountability: Human rights lawyer Tiawan Gongloe demands Boakai disclose his salary and clarify the “40%” reduction, while political figures push for an independent review of the cocaine investigation. Governance & Service Delivery: Liberia opens a first county Consumer Support Center in Buchanan, and government moves to fully deploy a multi-agency task force against illegal mining. Humanitarian & Social Programs: UN Women begins cash disbursement to women’s savings groups in eight counties, while reports warn of Liberians stranded in Nigeria through trafficking and scam schemes.

Opposition Unity Talks: Liberia’s opposition leaders, led by former President George Weah, agreed to form a steering committee to build a framework for sustained collaboration ahead of 2029—explicitly not an electoral alliance. Party Friction: The CDC says the NPP was never invited as a party, while NPP chairman George Mulbah insists it would boycott even if invited, underscoring widening cracks in opposition coordination. Witness Protection Push: The Witness Protection Agency is seeking stronger legislative backing to fix gaps in Liberia’s witness and whistleblower protections, including access outside Monrovia. Anti-Corruption & FOI Enforcement: The IIC and CENTAL stepped up Freedom of Information compliance drives with targeted state agencies, aiming to move public bodies from awareness to real record access. Jewel Howard-Taylor Update: Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor was released on compassionate grounds and placed under house arrest with strict movement conditions, as her drug case continues. Justice Court Challenge: A co-defendant has filed to overturn the compassionate release ruling, arguing the judge lacked authority. Land Rights for Youth: The Liberia Land Authority urged young people to turn land-rights advocacy into practical action on disputes and community land management. Maritime Governance: Ghana’s maritime authority called for tougher seafarer assessment and certification standards, with regional training including Liberia.

Land Rights & Youth Action: Liberia Land Authority urged young people to move from land-rights talk to practical dispute resolution, community engagement, and documenting barriers to youth participation in Community Land Development and Management Committees. Opposition Fracture: CDC Secretary-General Jefferson Koijee rejected NPP Chairman George Mulbah’s claim that the party was invited to Weah’s opposition roundtable, saying only individual NPP members were approached and warning Mulbah against “creating the impression” of institutional rejection. Jewel Howard-Taylor Court Drama: Criminal Court “C” ordered former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor moved to heavily guarded house detention for medical reasons, while her case continues amid explosive testimony alleging a drug network sought protection and political access. Legal Pushback: A co-defendant challenged the compassionate-release ruling, arguing the judge lacked legal authority—setting up fresh legal fights as the prosecution proceeds. Telecom Access in Buchanan: Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to bring complaint handling and regulatory services closer to residents. International Spotlight: Guyana announced it will accept a limited number of US third-country deportees under strict conditions, with case-by-case review and temporary stay rules.

Courtroom Politics: Criminal Court “C” ordered former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor moved from Monrovia Central Prison to heavily guarded house detention for medical reasons, while her case continues on drug-related charges and strict conditions include surrendering travel documents and limiting visitors. Defense Pushback: A co-defendant in the same narcotics case challenged the compassionate release ruling, arguing the judge lacked legal authority—raising fresh questions about how discretion is being applied in high-profile prosecutions. State Witness Claims: In preliminary proceedings, a first State witness testified that an alleged drug network sought Liberia as a transit hub and pursued protection involving senior political figures, including claims tying Howard-Taylor to meetings and a proposed deal. Opposition Roundtable Row: Liberia’s CDC says the NPP was never invited as a party to an opposition roundtable, rejecting claims by NPP chairman George Mulbah and insisting any NPP contacts were only individual, not institutional. Local Governance & Services: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to bring complaint handling and regulatory services closer to citizens. War Crimes Court Demand: A new survey reports overwhelming public support for a War and Economic Crimes Court, with respondents warning lawmakers they won’t back those opposing the bill.

Courtroom Fallout in Taylor Case: Liberia’s Criminal Court “C” ordered former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor moved from prison to 24-hour guarded house detention for medical reasons, but a co-defendant has now challenged the judge’s authority, calling the compassionate release unlawful. State Witnesses Detail Alleged Drug Network: In preliminary proceedings, police investigator Raphael Wilson testified about a purported cocaine-trafficking plot involving meetings in Dubai and Liberia, alleged “protection” requests to senior officials, and claims of links reaching into political circles. Justice System Under Pressure: Howard-Taylor’s lawyers also sought evidence access ahead of the preliminary hearing, but the court denied the request, saying the stage is for probable cause. Telecom Access in the Provinces: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to help residents resolve complaints without traveling to Monrovia. Diplomacy at the UN: Liberia’s UN Security Council political coordinator, Cllr. Aloysius Jappah, took part in Panama’s E10 & I5 dialogue on preventive diplomacy and Council effectiveness. Public Health Support: Cuba reaffirmed it will assist the DRC’s Ebola response as the outbreak surpasses 3,000 deaths.

Courtroom Drama: Criminal Court “C” ordered former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor moved from Monrovia Central Prison to 24-hour guarded house detention at her Sinkor residence for medical care, while prosecutors press on with a drug case that has already sparked competing claims of “selective justice.” Preliminary Hearing: At the start of her preliminary proceedings, the State’s first witness, police investigator Raphael Wilson, alleged a Dubai-linked cocaine network sought protection from senior political figures and discussed plans targeting the Weah administration—setting up a high-stakes fight over what the court will allow next. Justice System Shake-Up: Hours after George Weah’s return drew boos at Rehab Junction, President Boakai replaced the Justice Minister and Solicitor General, a timing that fueled speculation about political fallout around the former president’s welcome. Local Governance & Services: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority opened a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan to bring telecom complaints and regulatory help closer to citizens. Economic & Rule-of-Law Pressure: ELTEL dragged the Finance Minister to the Supreme Court over a US$355k judgment enforcement dispute, while debate continues over how Liberia handles non-performing loans and access to credit. Women, Peace & Security: UNFPA urged faster action on women and girls’ health as funding tightens, and WONGOSOL welcomed Boakai’s justice-sector leadership move for women’s representation.

Justice & Politics: President Boakai has reshuffled Liberia’s justice leadership, replacing Minister of Justice Oswald Tweh with Betty Lamin-Blamo and Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah with Abrahim Boimah Sillah—moves coming amid public heat over the Jewel Howard Taylor cocaine case and the Rehab Junction political flare-up. Courts & Accountability: A War and Economic Crimes Court bill is drawing a blunt warning from a new survey: nine in ten Liberians want it, and nine in ten say they won’t vote for lawmakers who oppose it. Pretrial Tensions: Jewel Howard Taylor’s compassionate leave request again hit a snag as no ruling was delivered, leaving her legal and medical status unchanged. Rule of Law Watch: In Margibi, the County Attorney withdrew arrest orders against Eric Wowoh and others, reopening due-process questions over how land disputes and criminal allegations are handled. Women, Peace & Health: UNFPA urges faster action on women and girls’ health as aid pressure grows, while CHI and My Watchman launched digital GBV reporting in New Kru Town. Economy & Governance: The Central Bank and Banking Institute are training lenders on Liberia’s enhanced collateral registry to expand credit access beyond traditional land-and-house requirements. Security & Regional Impact: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 3,000 deaths and 6,000 cases, with vaccine trials being readied. Maritime & Foreign Policy: Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have involved Liberia-flagged ships, and South Korea is weighing possible support options for freedom of navigation.

Justice & Drug Case: President Joseph Boakai has sacked Justice Minister and Attorney General N. Oswald Tweh and Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah, appointing Betty M. Lamin-Blamo and Abrahim Boimah Sillah Sr., as Liberia’s US$336m cocaine probe continues and public scrutiny grows. Political Pressure: Former President George Weah visited jailed former VP Jewel Howard Taylor at Monrovia Central Prison, calling the charges “bogus” and warning of “tampering with justice,” while lawyers still await court action on her compassionate leave request. War Crimes Court Push: War crimes court office chief Jallah Barbu urged Boakai to recall lawmakers for a special session to pass the court bill before the UN General Assembly. Accountability in Court: A Montserrado grand jury indicted 10 over an alleged 200kg cocaine shipment through RIA, including an alleged US$100k bribe plot. Governance & Institutions: NEC launched a 2026–2030 strategic plan to modernize elections ahead of 2029 polls. Public Services: CRS dedicated new WASH facilities in Massatine, and Nimba’s labour office ordered Ganta United Methodist Hospital to clear salary arrears to meet minimum wage rules. Health Security: DR Congo Ebola deaths topped 3,000 with cases above 6,000, keeping regional health pressure on.

Justice Shake-Up: President Boakai has replaced Justice Minister/Attorney General N. Oswald Tweh with Betty M. Lamin-Blamo and named Abrahim Boimah Sillah Sr. as Solicitor General, moves coming amid intense scrutiny over the $336m cocaine probe and the Jewel Howard-Taylor case. Political Fallout: George Weah returned to Liberia and called Howard-Taylor’s charges “bogus,” warning of “tampering with justice” and urging unity to protect the rule of law. Drug Case Under Strain: Lawyers warn the Roberts International Airport cocaine indictment could collapse in court over alleged procedural and constitutional defects. Human Rights & Accountability: A trafficking case that ended in guilty verdicts is now facing fresh pressure as the family of victim Ophelia Melway demands a fast, transparent investigation into her death. Elections & Governance: NEC launched its 2026–2030 strategic plan, budgeting over US$75m for reforms, digital upgrades, and public confidence ahead of the 2029 polls. Public Health & Regional Leadership: Africa CDC named Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr. First Vice Chair of the Continental Immunization Advisory Council, with Mercy Ahun as Chair. Security & Resources: Government activated the Protect Our Resources Taskforce to crack down on illegal mining nationwide. Health Infrastructure: CRS dedicated new WASH facilities in Grand Cape Mount, aiming to cut sanitation-linked illnesses.