AGP Executive Report

Airport Modernization: The Liberia Airport Authority has unveiled a proposed US$59 million, five-year plan to upgrade aviation safety, security, passenger services and cargo operations, with Roberts International Airport at its center. Economic Outlook: The IMF has approved a US$50.16 million disbursement to Liberia, as UNCTAD warns that Africa’s growth prospects remain vulnerable to high energy costs, debt and shrinking aid. Health and Nutrition: Aid workers warn that Liberia’s nationwide shortage of malnutrition treatments has left some clinics with few options for severely undernourished children. Regional Justice: Liberian judge Charlyne Brumskine has been elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, a first for a Liberian woman. Energy and Mining: Liberia is offering 15 offshore oil blocks to international companies, while the mining sector says it contributed US$432 million to the country’s US$1 billion revenue milestone.

Diplomacy: Liberia urged respect for international law in Ukraine, calling for civilian and prisoner protections, humanitarian access and renewed efforts for peace at a UN meeting. Anti-Trafficking: Labour Minister Cooper Kruah says his ministry needs more funding to strengthen investigations, prosecutions and protection for vulnerable people. Food and Health: Aid agencies warn that funding cuts have left Liberia without nationwide supplies of therapeutic food since September 2025, putting malnourished children at risk. Regional Justice: Liberian Justice Charlyne Brumskine has become president of the ECOWAS Court, the first Liberian woman to lead the regional tribunal. War Crimes Trial: The U.S. trial of former Liberian army commander Moses Wright, accused of involvement in the 1990 Lutheran Church massacre, has been delayed until February. Survivors say the postponement is a setback to justice. Mining and Investment: Liberia says mining contributed US$432 million toward its revenue milestone as the Africa Finance Corporation explores iron ore and uranium investments across the continent, with Liberia among the region’s potential producers.

Regional Justice: Liberian Justice Charlyne Brumskine has been elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, becoming the first Liberian woman to lead the regional court. War Crimes Case: The U.S. trial of former Liberian army commander Moses Wright, accused of involvement in the 1990 Lutheran Church massacre, has been postponed until February, frustrating survivors seeking justice. Public Finance: The IMF approved a US$50.16 million disbursement to Liberia, while the government says mining contributed US$432 million to domestic revenue. Oil and Mining: Liberia has opened 15 offshore oil blocks to international companies, and the Africa Finance Corporation is exploring iron ore and uranium investments in the region, including Liberia. Accountability: Former ministers Kemayah and Sirleaf were convicted in the US$425,000 Saudi rice diversion case. Trafficking: Labour Minister Cooper Kruah is seeking more funding to strengthen investigations, prosecutions and support for trafficking survivors. Arts and Business: Liberian-owned Curated Cultural Gifts has opened a kiosk at Roberts International Airport to showcase local and African crafts.

Regional Justice: Liberian Justice Charlyne Brumskine has been elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, becoming the first Liberian woman to lead the regional court. Economy: The IMF approved an immediate US$50.16 million disbursement to Liberia after completing reviews of two financing programs, while warning of risks including fuel prices, lower donor support and climate shocks. National ID: The House has begun a 14-day review of President Boakai’s proposed US$52 million digital identification and civil registration deal. Naymote is urging lawmakers to require strong data protection, transparency and independent oversight. Education: Lawmakers have summoned the Education Minister and Monrovia school officials over a prolonged MCSS shutdown that has disrupted classes. Oil and health: Liberia has opened 15 offshore exploration blocks to international companies. At a national science conference, Africa CDC executive Tolbert Nyenswah urged the government to increase domestic funding for healthcare, research and public health training.

Regional Justice: Liberian judge Charlyne Brumskine has been elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, a landmark appointment that puts a Liberian woman at the head of the regional court. Energy and Investment: President Joseph Boakai received an update on proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation compact talks, which prioritize electricity transmission and mining reforms to attract private investment. Liberia has also opened a 15-block offshore oil bid round, with awards expected next April. Judicial Debate: Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay’s proposal to abolish jury trials has drawn sharp pushback from lawmakers and others, fueling debate over constitutional rights and judicial reform. Rural Women’s Rights: A national forum in Buchanan is pressing for stronger land rights and economic opportunities for rural women, who play a major role in farming and household food security.

Regional Justice: Liberian Justice Charlyne Brumskine has been elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, becoming the first Liberian woman to lead the regional court. She pledged to uphold judicial independence and deliver timely justice. Rural Women: A national forum in Buchanan is putting land rights and livelihoods at the center of Liberia’s Women’s Day celebrations, as advocates push to turn legal recognition of customary land ownership into secure rights for women. Agriculture: In Rome, Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah unveiled a US$370 million investment portfolio focused on rice, cocoa, cassava and maize, aiming to boost local production and reduce food imports. Oil and Gas: Liberia has opened negotiations on 29 offshore blocks to attract exploration companies, despite not yet producing oil. Jury Trials: Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay’s call to abolish jury trials has sparked a constitutional debate, with Senators Snowe and Konneh urging reforms rather than scrapping the system. U.S. Ties: President Joseph Boakai met new U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Kristin Gilmore, with both sides pledging closer cooperation on investment, public health and security.

Regional Justice: Liberian Justice Charlyne Brumskine has been elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, pledging to defend judicial independence and deliver timely justice. Justice at Home: The Saudi rice diversion convictions have intensified debate over accountability, while the chief justice’s proposal to abolish jury trials faces strong opposition. A new investigation also finds delays and weak enforcement are failing rape survivors. Political Crisis: A boycott and internal revolt are deepening the leadership dispute in the House of Representatives. Health: The government has launched a monthly exercise and wellness day as officials warn that hypertension, obesity and diabetes are widespread. Development: The African Development Bank has pledged continued support for Liberia’s priority sectors, while the government is pitching a US$300 million agriculture project to investors.

Regional Justice: Liberian Justice Charlyne Brumskine has been elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice. She pledged to uphold judicial independence and deliver timely justice. House Leadership Crisis: Speaker Richard Koon presided over a session attended by 62 lawmakers after a boycott by more than 40 members. Their dispute over benefits and district funding remains unresolved. Saudi Rice Case: The Liberia Council of Churches urged politicians to keep out of the courts after former ministers were convicted in the diversion of Saudi rice aid, warning that justice must avoid both political interference and impunity. Agriculture Investment: Liberia is seeking more than $300 million for agriculture, with plans to expand processing, mechanization and revive Liberica coffee. Healthcare: A report says some hospital patients have waited nearly a week for beds, as lawmakers review county facilities ahead of next year’s health budget. Survivor Services: Government and partners launched an upgraded system to improve coordination and support for survivors of gender-based violence.

Education: More than 3,000 Maryland County students received school supplies and clothing through the Presidential Special Initiative. Judiciary: Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay says his family has received death threats over a Nimba land ruling and has proposed ending jury trials, drawing constitutional objections from Senator Abraham Darius Dillon. Corruption: Former Weah officials Kemayah and Sirleaf were convicted in the US$425,000 Saudi rice diversion case; a former agency official has rejected her guilty verdict and alleged pressure to testify. Legislature: A revolt over lawmakers’ grievances is escalating, with 41 reportedly demanding Speaker Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah’s removal. Trafficking: Police are investigating a suspected scam and trafficking operation after rescuing a Ghanaian woman in Paynesville and detaining seven people. Transparency: The Information Commission ordered the EPA to release environmental records sought by The DayLight, ending a yearlong dispute.

Judiciary: Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay’s call to abolish jury trials has sparked opposition from Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, who says the right is constitutionally protected. Gbeisay also says he and his family have received death threats over a land ruling in Nimba County. Legislature: Speaker Richard Koon says lawmakers’ grievances are legitimate as a revolt over benefits and House administration threatens leadership. Accountability: Former officials convicted in the Saudi rice case face renewed scrutiny, while defendant Rosetta Gbassay rejects the verdict and alleges pressure to testify for prosecutors. Public Safety: Police are investigating a suspected trafficking and scam operation after rescuing a Ghanaian woman in Paynesville and detaining seven people for questioning. Economy: Australia’s Bounty Oil and Gas has begun technical checks on Liberia’s offshore LB-32 block as it assesses exploration prospects. Governance: Liberia’s information commission ordered the EPA to release records sought by The DayLight, ending a yearlong dispute over access to environmental documents.

Anti-Corruption: Former Weah administration ministers Dee-Maxwell Kemayah and Varney Sirleaf were among officials convicted in the Saudi rice diversion case; appeals may follow. Public Safety: Police arrested about 70 foreign nationals in raids targeting alleged cybercrime and counterfeiting, seizing phones, computers and suspected fake currency. Legislative Crisis: At least 47 lawmakers reportedly signed a push to remove Speaker Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, amid allegations of mismanagement and a breakdown in mediation. Education: FAWE Liberia received 1,447 applications for 650 university and vocational education awards for marginalized young people. Children’s Welfare: A government street-child program is falling behind its targets, with limited funding and little public information about progress. Mining Accountability: At a town hall in Bomi, officials urged stronger environmental enforcement and transparency so mining revenue brings visible benefits to host communities.

Cybercrime Probe: Police say raids targeting cybercrime and counterfeiting led to the detention of 70 foreign nationals and the seizure of more than 200 phones and 50 computers. House Leadership Crisis: At least 41 lawmakers are boycotting House activities, while a reported 47 have backed a resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah over alleged financial mismanagement. The claims have not been independently established. Education Access: FAWE Liberia received 1,447 applications for 650 university and vocational education opportunities for marginalized young people; women are expected to make up 80 percent of beneficiaries. Saudi Rice Case: A jury convicted former senior officials over the diversion of Saudi-donated rice, intensifying debate over accountability as the defendants may appeal. Street Children: A government program aiming to reunite 73,000 children with families is reportedly falling behind, with just US$1.3 million committed against a projected US$15 million budget and concerns over limited transparency. Bomi Dialogue: Government officials took a national town hall to Tubmanburg to discuss public accountability and how Liberia can gain more lasting benefits from its mining sector.

Education: FAWE Liberia plans bursaries for 650 marginalized young people, including women, refugees and people with disabilities, for university or technical training; 1,447 applied. Public Spending: Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan challenged the Commerce Ministry to show measurable results from its budget, as collections reached US$4.12 million against a US$5.9 million annual target. Ghana’s ambassador urged Liberia to digitize procurement to improve oversight and curb misuse of public funds. Trade: The Liberia Revenue Authority chief says modernizing and dredging the Freeport of Monrovia is vital to safer shipping, stronger trade and economic growth. Politics: Former Montserrado lawmaker Yekeh Kolubah declared an independent bid for the 2029 presidency and denied seeking reconciliation with President Boakai. Regional Justice: Liberian jurist Charlyne Brumskine was sworn in as one of five new judges on the ECOWAS Community Court. Maritime Safety: Liberia and India, co-chairs of a UN group on shipping safety, condemned attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers in the Gulf and Black Sea.

Regional Justice: Liberian lawyer Charlyne Brumskine was sworn in as one of five new judges on the ECOWAS Community Court, with regional leaders urging impartiality and public trust. Scrabble in Monrovia: Liberia is preparing to host the African Scrabble Championship on October 22–25. Nigeria, which has won 14 of the past 15 tournaments, expects a strong title defense, with Uganda and Kenya tipped as challengers. Cocaine Case: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and 18 others face indictment in the US$317 million drug case; five additional arrests were reported as the government faces scrutiny over the prosecution. House Dispute: Forty-one lawmakers boycotted the House reopening, escalating pressure on Speaker Richard Koon amid demands for accountability and a leadership showdown. Economy: Inflation eased to 4.5%, while the Central Bank says it is tightening its grip on the dollarized economy. Border Cooperation: Liberia joined seven West African states in The Gambia to discuss boundary management, security and cooperation with neighboring communities.

House Rift: About 41 lawmakers boycotted the House reopening, deepening pressure on Speaker Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah amid complaints over funds and administration. High-Profile Trials: A jury returned mixed verdicts in the Saudi rice case, finding former ministers Dee-Maxwell Kemayah and Varney Sirleaf, among others, guilty on principal charges. Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is among 19 people indicted in the US$317 million drug case. Regional Cooperation: Liberia and India, co-chairs of a maritime safety group, condemned attacks on commercial ships and called for an immediate halt. Liberia also joined ECOWAS boundary officials in The Gambia to strengthen cooperation and address border disputes. Education and Security: Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary marked 50 years and was urged to renew its focus on strong, ethical Christian leadership. Separately, the Witness Protection Agency says building trust and capacity remains key to progress toward a war crimes court. Monrovia’s Flood Risk: Another destructive rainy season has renewed concerns about climate change, unsafe housing and displacement in the capital.

House Leadership: About 41 lawmakers boycotted the House reopening and met separately, escalating pressure on Speaker Richard Koon amid complaints over finances and administrative decisions. Saudi Rice Trial: A jury found former ministers Dee-Maxwell Kemayah and Varney Sirleaf, along with two officials, guilty on principal charges; other defendants received mixed or not-guilty verdicts. Cocaine Case: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is among those indicted in the US$317 million drug case, with six defendants reportedly held in Monrovia Central Prison. War Crimes Accountability: Liberia’s Witness Protection Agency is trying to build public trust as calls grow for war and economic crimes courts, but it faces funding and staffing gaps. Regional Role: Liberia and India jointly condemned attacks on commercial ships and seafarers, urging an immediate halt; Liberia also took part in ECOWAS talks on border governance.