AGP Executive Report

Rule of Law & Due Process: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai used a special national address to reassure Liberians that former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor is being treated in full compliance with Liberia’s Constitution and laws, stressing she is presumed innocent, has access to counsel, and that guilt is for the independent justice system. Drug War & Selective Justice Debate: The Howard-Taylor case continues to dominate politics, with government officials rejecting claims of “tyranny” and insisting prosecutions target traffickers and facilitators regardless of political status, while rights groups and media advocates push for humane treatment and due process. Cyber Governance: Boakai signed Liberia’s Cybercrime Act and Data Protection Act into law, a move aimed at curbing digital crime and protecting personal data as the country’s digital systems expand. Human Rights Campaign: Civil society groups intensified their push to abolish the death penalty, training journalists to help build public understanding and support for legal reform. Institutional Capacity: The National Archives (CNDRA) handed 16 motorbikes to county coordinators to improve field operations and service delivery, and the Agriculture Ministry distributed 20 pickups and 36 motorbikes to boost extension work. Security Sector Inclusion: The Armed Forces of Liberia launched a recruitment drive in Sinoe County to raise women’s representation toward a 20% target. Media & Accountability: The Press Union of Liberia is set to relaunch the Blyden Forum with a panel on strengthening institutions and accountability in response to escalating drug trafficking concerns.

Cyber & Data Protection: President Joseph Boakai has signed Liberia’s Cybercrime Act and Data Protection Act into law, a push to curb digital crime and protect personal data as technology expands in banking, health, education, and government. Drug War & Due Process: Rights groups and legal voices are intensifying pressure around the detention of former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor in the US$317m cocaine probe—while courts weigh compassionate detention requests and lawyers prepare appeals, civil society warns that pretrial detention must not become punishment. Selective Justice Debate: Supporters and women’s civil society networks are calling for impartial, evidence-based drug investigations and warning against political interference or unequal enforcement. Flag Day Politics: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan urged peaceful competition and “patriotism into service” during Flag Day, while Nimba women rallied for unity and collective action. Governance on the Ground: CNDRA handed county coordinators 16 motorbikes to boost field operations, and the Agriculture Ministry distributed 20 pickups and 36 motorbikes to strengthen extension services. Education & Protest: University of Liberia students clashed with police over disruptions to classes, as the campus leadership and faculty/staff associations remain locked in disputes. International Migration: Opposition figures and lawyers are reacting to Liberia’s role in receiving US “third-country” deportees, warning the deal could strain capacity and fairness.

Drug Trial Watch: Liberia’s former vice president Jewel Howard-Taylor was remanded to Monrovia Central Prison after a court denied humanitarian release, as prosecutors link her to a transnational cocaine network tied to a $317m July bust. Due Process Debate: Human rights lawyer Dr. Clarence Moniba urged President Boakai to pause public announcements and set up an independent review panel, stressing “accusations are not convictions.” Judiciary & Democracy Row: Nigerian SAN Femi Falana blasted the Nigerian Bar Association for inviting George Weah, alleging Liberia’s judiciary was compromised and ECOWAS rulings ignored. Deportation Fallout: Liberia received fewer U.S. deportees than planned after five refused to disembark and were sent to Equatorial Guinea; advocates warn “third-country” deals deepen legal and humanitarian uncertainty. Revenue & Governance: The Central Bank backed the Liberia Revenue Authority’s push to “move to billion” via digital payments, while Senate lawmakers demanded scrutiny of the LRA’s proposed 5% revenue share. Health & Workplaces: A malaria survey across 10 West African countries found 62% of workers get no employer support for prevention, including in Liberia. Environment & Trade: EU deforestation rules could disrupt Liberia’s cocoa trade as forest loss in Grand Gedeh accelerates after 2020. National Unity Messaging: On Flag Day, President Boakai and officials called for unity, rule of law, and a tougher stance against drugs.

Drug-Case Due Process Push: LINU leader Dr. Clarence Moniba urged President Boakai to address the nation and set up an independent panel to review the Howard-Taylor drug investigation, stressing “accusations are not convictions” and calling for credible evidence in court. Human Rights Watch: A prominent rights activist warned the drug war must target financiers and alleged protectors, but with impartial, transparent investigations free from political interference. Church Call for Calm: The Liberia Council of Churches echoed due process demands, warning against turning drug cases into political division. Howard-Taylor Denies Charges: Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor rejected the allegations as politically motivated, while Bong County voices demanded her release and an independent inquiry into her arrest, detention, and treatment. Revenue & Governance: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan said Liberia is set to cross US$1 billion in domestic revenue in September, while the LRA began a technical review of the Liberia Revenue Code and the CBL backed the LRA’s “Moving to Billion” plan. Local Power & Services: The Ministry of Local Government will host a high-level dialogue on decentralization to fix bottlenecks that keep approvals centralized in Monrovia. Forests & Youth: FDA signed Community Forest Management Agreements with local communities, and UNFPA urged national action to keep adolescent girls in school. Regional Border Moves: ECOWAS handed over a renovated NTA building at Bo-Waterside and opened a temporary joint border post to speed trade and security. International Pressure Point: IMO reported 68 Strait of Hormuz incidents in six months, with Liberia-flagged vessels among the most affected.

Deportation Deal Fallout: Six people deported from the U.S. to Liberia resisted disembarking and were instead flown to Equatorial Guinea, raising fresh questions about “third-country” deportations and due process. Justice & Accountability: Liberia’s Attorney General says former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been formally charged over an alleged transnational narcotics network, listing drug, conspiracy, and money-laundering counts. Rule of Law & Democracy: George Weah warns that democracy can be undermined not only by coups, but by elected leaders weakening courts and institutions—“a tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant.” War Crimes Court Momentum: A new push for Liberia’s long-awaited war crimes court highlights the need for fast legislation and sustained international support to prosecute crimes from the civil wars. Maritime Governance: IMO and Ghana’s maritime authority training focuses on upgrading seafarer assessment and certification systems as technology reshapes required skills. Liberia-Ukraine Ties: Ukraine’s envoy tells Liberian media the relationship is entering a “promising new phase,” with cooperation in trade, education, agriculture, and digitalization.

Deportation Deal Fallout: The first 20 U.S. deportees under a Trump “third-country” arrangement arrived in Liberia, but only 15 stayed after five refused to disembark and were sent to Equatorial Guinea; Liberia says arrivals can leave or seek asylum, while critics flag murky terms and a $5m U.S. payment tied to “guest” status. Legal Backdrop: A U.S. judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa freeze for 75 countries, ruling the nationality-based ban exceeded authority—an important pressure point as deportation policy expands. Rule of Law in Focus: Ex-President George Weah used the Nigerian Bar Association conference to warn that democracy dies not only via coups, but when elected leaders weaken courts and institutions; related commentary in Liberia argues for due process over political slogans. Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 5,500 confirmed cases with about 2,642 deaths, with new positives reported across Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele. Health & Justice Debate: A legal op-ed and open letters in Liberia stress that justice must follow courts, not public outrage, as Jewel Howard-Taylor’s case and other allegations keep the spotlight on due process. Regional Security Watch: Strait of Hormuz traffic surged nearly 400% as ships increasingly use a U.S.-backed Oman corridor, amid ongoing Iran-U.S. tensions.

US–Liberia Deportation Deal: Twenty US deportees arrived in Liberia under a third-country agreement that could eventually take up to 1,200 people, with reports that Washington approved a $5 million payment—contradicting Liberia’s earlier “no compensation” claim and raising questions over secrecy and oversight. Jewel Howard-Taylor Case: Liberia’s former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor denies drug-trafficking and money-laundering allegations, accusing the government of political persecution and warning of possible fabricated “AI evidence,” as her arrest and custody continue to fuel opposition scrutiny. Police Leadership Under Fire: Calls are growing for Liberia National Police IG Gregory Coleman to step aside amid allegations tied to a $336 million narcotics scandal and questions about police vehicle procurement and fleet management. Judiciary & Democracy Talk: George Weah and Nigeria’s Rivers State governor urged judges and lawyers to protect an independent judiciary and resist political manipulation—framing justice as daily democracy. Gulf of Guinea/Maritime Security: Ghana’s GNS Achimota was flagged off to join ECOWAS Operation Anouanze, with patrols alongside the Liberian Coast Guard to deter piracy and trafficking. Strait of Hormuz Fallout: Iran announced a “Non-Compliant Vessels” list as attacks and shipping disruptions continue, while traffic reportedly surged nearly 400% as more ships use a US-backed corridor.

Third-Country Deportations: The first 20 U.S.-deported migrants arrived in Liberia under a deal to accept up to 1,200 people over 12 months, landing at Roberts International Airport amid tight security and confusion over legal status and rights. Funding Controversy: New York Times reporting says Washington approved a $5 million payment to Liberia for “migration management activities,” contradicting earlier claims of “no compensation,” while critics warn the agreement’s terms remain opaque. Deportees Moved Again: Reports say some deportees who resisted disembarking in Liberia were flown onward to Equatorial Guinea, raising fresh concerns about due process and humane treatment. Drug Case Politics: Liberia charged former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor over a transnational drug probe tied to a $317m cocaine bust; her office denies the allegations and accuses the government of possible politically motivated, AI-fabricated evidence. Police Procurement Scrutiny: Calls are growing for LNP IG Gregory Coleman to step aside as questions mount over alleged irregular vehicle procurement and fleet management during the wider narcotics scandal. Ebola Reminder: Commentary highlights DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak as a regional and global risk, urging stronger international support before it spreads further.

Police Accountability: Calls are growing for Liberia National Police IG Gregory Coleman to step aside or resign amid allegations tied to a $336m narcotics scandal, including claims that police acquired three black SUVs outside normal procurement and that an associate, Jose Quintin Russell, handled fleet management while linked to a U.S. auto business. Port & Business Integrity: A Chinese investor’s alleged US$5m dispute with NPA boss Sekou Dukuly is reigniting questions about transparency and possible diversion of funds tied to mineral-water and mining-license projects. High-Profile Drug Case: Liberia has charged former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering after stopping her at Roberts International Airport; her camp denies wrongdoing and alleges the government may fabricate AI-generated “evidence.” US–Liberia Migration Deal: The first 20 people under a third-country deportation arrangement arrived in Monrovia under tight security; reports say some resisted and were diverted to Equatorial Guinea. Compensation Dispute: The New York Times says the US approved a $5m payment to Liberia—contradicting Monrovia’s earlier “no compensation” claim. Legal Shock in the US: A judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa freeze, a ruling that includes Liberia among affected nations. Maritime Security: Liberia-flagged shipping remains in focus after a projectile attack in the Strait of Hormuz killed a bulk carrier’s chief engineer.

Third-Country Deportations Begin: The first 20 U.S. deportees landed at Roberts International Airport under Liberia’s deal to accept up to 1,200 people over 12 months, with officials saying the group includes nationals from Latin America and the Caribbean. Deplaning Dispute: Reports say five deportees resisted getting off the plane and were flown onward to Equatorial Guinea—an early snag that raises fresh legal and rights concerns. U.S. Payment Details: The New York Times reports the U.S. approved a $5 million payment to Liberia for migration management, including support for accommodation, food, and vocational training, after assurances on non-discrimination. Police Clarify Tech Use: Liberia National Police denied using Starlink, saying internet is provided via LIBTELCO/LTC Mobile, and clarified its procurement of used vehicles from a U.S. firm. Howard-Taylor in Court: Bong native David Flomo urged the Justice Ministry to release former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor to her lawyers for proper legal and medical care as she faces drug and money-laundering charges. Health Workers’ Anguish: A separate report highlights unpaid frontline Ebola workers in DRC, underscoring how fragile health systems can be when funding and pay lag.

Drug Probe in Focus: Liberia charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering tied to a US$317m cocaine seizure, as she was stopped at Roberts International Airport and faces multiple counts including conspiracy and controlled-substance offenses. Deportation Deal Under Scrutiny: The first US “third-country” deportees arrived in Liberia under a Trump agreement to accept up to 1,200 people; reports say some resisted deplaning and were restrained, while others were later flown onward to Equatorial Guinea after refusing to get off the plane. Human Rights Concerns: A Cuban deportee says authorities refused to accept him in Liberia and he was held in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea without documents or legal help. Governance & Oversight: A group home program linked to Liberia’s National Port Authority managing director Sekou Dukuly is under scrutiny amid allegations of remote direction and improper links to public funds. Elections & Representation: Liberia’s National Elections Commission chief stepped down after 12 years, with advocates pointing to her record as a model for women’s leadership. Civic Education Push: Musicians Barsee and Com Cruz were signed as Civic Champions as civics returns to schools.

Third-Country Deportations: The first 20 migrants transferred from the U.S. arrived at Roberts International Airport under Liberia’s deal to accept up to 1,200 people, but the process is already sparking questions after reports of a standoff when five deportees reportedly refused to leave the aircraft. Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor: Howard-Taylor spent Thursday night at GIMS after a medical emergency in police custody, with her court appearance extended; she faces charges tied to Liberia’s cocaine probe, while opposition figures and her party warn of rights and due-process concerns. Saudi Rice Case: The Ministry of Justice dropped all charges against former GSA director Mary Broh in the Saudi rice diversion matter, ending her criminal proceedings while other co-defendants’ cases continue. Revenue & Governance: The Liberia Revenue Authority launched its 2025–2029 Corporate Strategic Plan to modernize tax administration, and the government also urged tighter UN coordination to align about US$874m in development financing with national priorities. Local Power Struggles: Monrovia City Corporation and Montserrado townships are at odds over revenue-sharing, with township commissioners warning the dispute is now hitting sanitation and basic services. Education & Social Programs: CAN University was transferred into Lofa County University as Annex I, while civic education returns to schools with musicians Barsee and Com Cruz named Civic Champions. Ports & Trade: Liberia granted port autonomy to boost efficiency, as infrastructure and inland transport gaps continue to affect competitiveness. Public Safety & Accountability: The Civil Service Agency warned consultants that weak performance could cost contract renewals as government tightens value-for-money controls.

US-Liberia Deportations: The first 20 deportees arrived at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia under a US deal to transfer up to 1,200 third-country nationals to Liberia over 12 months, with officials saying the group includes people from Africa and the Americas and that arrivals can seek asylum or leave; the US provided $5m for migration management, while rights advocates warn the “third-country” approach can sidestep protections. Drug Probe & Politics: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering linked to a reported $317m cocaine bust, and she was rushed to GIMS Hospital after a reported medical emergency in police custody, throwing uncertainty on her court appearance. Civic Pressure on Education Policy: A civil society coalition urged Liberia’s National Assembly to review sexuality education and reproductive health policies, arguing for stronger local consultation and scrutiny of foreign influence. Regional Health Alarm: WHO and partners flagged the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo as worsening and far from under control, with rising fatality rates and pressure on health systems. Education Access: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates are now available online for school candidates to download.

Drug Prosecution & Political Fallout: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with cocaine trafficking, money laundering and related offences after she was stopped at Roberts International Airport and taken to police custody, with three foreign nationals (two Croatians and a Ukrainian) charged in absentia; the case is already sparking a political showdown as the CDC alleges intimidation and fabrication while the governing Unity Party backs the investigation and urges security agencies to stay apolitical. Immigration Policy: Liberia is preparing to receive the first flight of 20 people from a planned 1,200 U.S. “third-country” deportees under a Trump-era deal, with officials saying most are from Latin American countries including Venezuela and Cuba and that IOM and UN agencies will support services. Public Finance: The Liberia Revenue Authority says it is nearing a historic US$1 billion domestic revenue mark for the first time in 179 years, as it launches a 2025–2029 corporate strategic plan and pushes for stronger collection and spending discipline. Local Governance: A national dialogue is calling for stronger local governance and citizen participation to speed up County Development Agenda implementation and improve public service delivery. Telecom Regulation: The LTA adopted new satellite communications guidelines, urging international satellite investors to explore Liberia as the sector expands under clearer rules.

Drug Probe Escalation: Liberia charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and related offenses after security forces stopped her at Roberts International Airport and questioned her in the cocaine investigation. Immigration Policy: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 “third-country” deportees from the U.S. over the next year; the first 20 are expected to arrive Thursday, with Monrovia saying they will be treated as “guests,” screened, and allowed to seek asylum or leave. Courts and Public Order: A judge warned against mob justice and reiterated the courts’ role as custodians of peace, as political tensions around the drug crackdown continue to draw attention. Local Governance & Decentralization: UNDP and Liberia’s Ministry of Local Government renewed support for decentralization, including modernization of county service centers and digital governance. Elections Communications: The National Elections Commission validated a new communications strategy aimed at reducing misinformation and boosting public trust ahead of future electoral work. Public Health Watch: Ebola in DR Congo was reported as worsening, with WHO warning it is far from under control.

Cocaine Probe Escalates: Former VP Jewel Howard Taylor was taken into custody as a person of interest in Liberia’s US$19M cocaine investigation, after being stopped while preparing to fly—while the NPP urged calm and police said she was questioned, not charged. Drug-Case Politics Clash: A war of words erupted between elected and appointed officials over the cocaine investigation; LNP IG Gregory Coleman demanded evidence from Sen. Amara Konneh, and Sen. Francis Dopoh warned lawmakers against public comments that could derail prosecutions. Court Independence Push: Judge George Gbeneweleh told courts to reclaim their constitutional duty to promote justice and resist mob justice, while Judge J. Kennedy Peabody warned against retaliatory, thin-skinned leadership that turns institutions against critics. Saudi Rice Case Turns: Prosecution dropped charges against former GSA boss Mary Tanyonoh Broh via nolle prosequi, ending her rice diversion case and returning her bond. Immigration Shockwave: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. within a year; the first 20 arrive Aug. 20, with asylum possible—sparking security and accountability concerns. Energy Regulation: LERC rejected LIBENERGY’s tariff reconsideration, keeping US$0.22/kWh but delaying implementation to Nov. 1. Decentralization Move: CSA broke ground for a southeastern regional HR headquarters in Zwedru to bring payroll and personnel services closer to civil servants.