AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update (DRC): Democratic Republic of Congo reported Ebola has crossed 6,000 cases with 2,911 deaths, as the outbreak spreads into new health zones amid insecurity, displacement, and attacks on response teams. Liberia Justice & Reconciliation: Victims and peace advocates marked 23 years of peace, renewing calls for prosecutions, reparations, and a war and economic crimes court. Drug War Pressure (Liberia): Opposition leader Alexander Benedict Cummings urged a speedy, fair trial for Jewel Howard-Taylor, warning Liberia risks becoming a “narco-state” if prosecutions stay selective. Transparency Fight (Liberia): Liberia Telecommunications Authority chairman Clarence Massaquoi is facing mounting pressure to disclose revenue from a monitoring system, raising fresh questions about public accountability. Healthcare Expansion (Liberia): Government plans to upgrade Jackson F. Doe Memorial Hospital in Tappita, Nimba, to expand specialized care beyond Monrovia. Aid Shock (Liberia): Sweden ended its bilateral aid programme to Liberia, a major blow after years of support for recovery and health and gender rights. Forestry & Cacao Boom (Grand Gedeh): Forests in Grand Gedeh fell sharply after 2020 as cacao farms expanded, driven partly by cross-border pressure from Côte d’Ivoire. Financial Inclusion (Liberia): World Bank launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry to help businesses access credit using a wider range of assets.

Healthcare Expansion: Liberia is upgrading the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital in Tappita, Nimba—new housing for staff, plus a planned emergency room, ICU, and more duplexes—part of a push to decentralize specialized care. Finance & Jobs: The World Bank-backed Enhanced Collateral Registry System was launched in Monrovia to help businesses unlock credit using a wider range of assets as collateral. Transparency Under Pressure: LTA chair Clarence Massaquoi is refusing to disclose revenue from the International Gateway Monitoring System, despite mounting calls from journalists and civil society. Drug Case Justice: Opposition leader Alexander Cummings demands a speedy, fair trial for jailed former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor, accusing government “selective justice.” Rule of Law & Courts: The Supreme Court cleared the way for enforcement in the Urban Marketing–Tubman estate dispute, while another Capitol arson case heads to a fresh trial. Public Health Crisis: Experts warn at least 800,000 Liberians live with kidney disease, with most cases preventable but often detected too late. International: A UN committee says countries must consider slavery reparations, citing a legally binding 1965 racial discrimination treaty. Sports/Industry: ArcelorMittal Liberia honored rail workers for preventing a potential safety incident.

ECOWAS Peace Legacy: ECOWAS unveiled four books on its peacekeeping and conflict-resolution work, including “Fighting Bushfires,” which documents ECOWAS interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau (1990–2003). Deportations to Liberia: U.S. ICE expanded “third-country” deportations, with internal documents showing flights dropping off deportees in places including Liberia, while officials and critics clash over alleged mistreatment during removals. Maritime Security: Iran-linked reports and UKMTO updates point to renewed tanker attacks and inbound vessel pressure near the Strait of Hormuz, with a Liberian-flagged tanker named in the latest claims. Bong Violence After River Tragedy: A canoe accident on the St. John River in Bong County escalated into retaliatory attacks and burning of homes after a couple went missing, with authorities and a lawmaker moving to restore calm. Sports & Culture: Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Kanu joined Liberia’s NPA Anchors; Liberia also marked ongoing football and community sports activity, while tributes and reflections on Liberia’s civil war victims continued to circulate.

Supreme Court Update: Liberia’s Supreme Court dismissed an appeal tied to the Urban Marketing Group dispute, clearing the way for the trial court to resume and enforce its November 28, 2025 judgment after the respondents failed to complete required appeal steps, including filing an appeal bond and proper service. Justice & Accountability: The ruling keeps the underlying judgment intact on the merits, with the Court directing issuance of a mandate back to the lower court. Sports (Liberia): Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Kanu has joined NPA Anchors in Monrovia, adding attacking depth as the Port Controllers prepare for Liberia’s 2026-2027 top-flight season. Public Finance & Credit: The Central Bank of Liberia launched an enhanced collateral registry and credit platform aimed at expanding secured lending and unlocking jobs and business growth. Health & Safety (Regional): Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak surged into two new health zones, bringing the total affected zones to 60, with vaccinations underway for frontline workers.

Liberian Football Transfers: NPA Anchors in Monrovia have signed Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Kanu after his loan spell at FC Bea Mountain, adding attacking depth as the Port Controllers prepare for the 2026-2027 top-flight season. Public Safety (Local Interest): Monrovia police in California arrested a wanted man after he walked into a Panda Express where officers were on lunch break—ending a month-long hunt after two earlier escapes onto a freeway. Education Watch: Ghana’s GTEC released a list of 100 unrecognised universities as of August 2026, warning the public to verify certificates. Health (Regional): Eastern DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to two new health zones, bringing affected areas to 60 and deaths to 2,786, as vaccination efforts begin for frontline workers. Sports Streaming: DAZN secured LaLiga EA Sports broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for the next three seasons, starting this weekend.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): Congo’s Health Ministry says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has hit two new health zones—Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu—bringing affected areas to 60, with 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 deaths; officials warn the virus is spreading faster than response efforts, amid insecurity, displacement, and a health workers’ strike, while vaccination with Ervebo for frontline workers begins. Liberia Courts (Capitol Arson Case): Liberia’s Supreme Court denies 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 de novo. Liberia Justice (Murder Conviction): The Supreme Court overturns the murder conviction of Valington B. Kaiser (“Bishop”), saying the State’s case lacked sufficient corroboration, ordering his release after more than three years in Monrovia Central Prison. Local Governance (Water Project Row): Kenya’s Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi apologises to Canadian NGO Life Water Canada after viral borehole remarks, pledging the projects will continue without interruption.

Supreme Court & Capitol Arson: Liberia’s Supreme Court denied former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s prohibition petition, ordering Criminal Court “A” to empanel a new jury and restart the Capitol Building arson trial de novo. Justice System: In a separate ruling, the Court overturned the murder conviction of Valington B. Kaiser (“Bishop”) over fundamental weaknesses in the State’s case, ordering his release. Ebola Update: Eastern DR Congo’s fastest-growing 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; vaccination of frontline workers began with Ervebo. Finance & Credit: The Central Bank of Liberia launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry to expand secured lending and improve collateral registration and verification. Women & Due Process: CMC Women Chair Alice Baysah backed Jewel Howard-Taylor while stressing presumption of innocence and calling for an impartial, non-political investigation. Diaspora Engagement: Maryland County Senator James Biney met Liberia’s Paris embassy and Liberian community leaders in France.

CBL Credit Boost: The Central Bank of Liberia launched an Enhanced Collateral Registry System to help lenders register and verify collateral faster, aiming to expand secured lending for MSMEs, farmers, women and young entrepreneurs. Supreme Court Clarifies Damages: Liberia’s Supreme Court recalled part of a US$50,000 damages ruling, removing Martin K.N. Kollie and Alex Williams from the awards, while keeping US$250,000 special damages against Ecobank Liberia. Drug Case Delay: The preliminary hearing in the cocaine trafficking case against former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor was pushed to Wednesday, Sept. 2, after the Ministry of Justice sought a continuance. Procurement Warning: President Boakai warned officials not to bypass 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 project delivery and monitoring as citizens challenge spending priorities. Maritime & Oil Moves: LPRA opened prequalification for Liberia’s 2026 petroleum licensing round, while LiMA awarded Chinese maritime scholarships to a Liberian student. Ebola Update (Region): In DR Congo, the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak spread to two new health zones, with vaccination of frontline workers underway. Women in the AFL: The AFL held a Kakata awareness drive to encourage more women to join the military.

Drug War & Due Process: President Joseph Boakai told the nation he will enforce Liberia’s laws “without fear or favor,” stressing constitutional rights as drug prosecutions intensify, while Charles B. Coffey Jr. urged calm and respect for rule of law so courts can do their work. Supreme Court Rulings: Liberia’s Supreme Court ordered Ecobank to pay US$250,000 to former LISGIS deputy boss Wilmot Smith over mishandled confidential banking information, and affirmed convictions in the PPAL economic sabotage case, ordering Enree Bee Neeplo to pay US$10,000 and serve 10 years. Justice in Forestry Fraud: The Supreme Court also upheld sentences for five former forestry officials in a US$6m permits fraud case, each fined US$10,000. Local Governance & Services: Monrovia’s town council selected Scott Collins as town manager again, and the Liberia Airport Authority bought nine vehicles to improve operations and safety at Roberts and James Spriggs Payne airports. Sports & Youth: LFA enrolled the first batch into the Henry Nyuman Browne National Academy, while Mustapha Raji said SKD Stadium certification work is ongoing amid fixture relocation rumors.

Drug Enforcement Debate: Justice Minister/AG N. Oswald Tweh vowed a relentless, evidence-led crackdown on drug trafficking, while lawmakers and rights groups pushed for due process and warned against selective justice as the Jewel Howard-Taylor case and wider cocaine probe draw fresh scrutiny. Political Pressure & Accountability: Sen. Amara Konneh urged Boakai to either charge suspended officials or reinstate them if evidence is lacking, and Sen. Samuel Kogar alleged the government is shielding some figures tied to the drug crisis. Constitutional & Legal Questions: Commentaries and students in criminal justice programs called for professionalism and restraint, stressing accusations must be proven in court. Transport Costs Hit Food Prices: Rising fares on the Ganta–Monrovia route are squeezing commuters and traders, with fears that higher transport costs will push up food prices in Ganta. Sports & Youth Development: The LFA enrolled its first batch of young talents into the Henry Nyuman Browne National Academy with FIFA support, while Bullets signed Liberian midfielder Sheku Sheriff on a two-year deal. Infrastructure Skills Push: Liberia’s Yellow Machine Program began recruiting and testing heavy-equipment operators in Bong County to prevent the machines from becoming idle. Community Support: RHUSH donated rice to vulnerable families in Margibi’s Richard Town as part of its Hunger Mission.

Drug-Case Due Process: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai says former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor is being treated in full compliance with Liberia’s Constitution and law, stressing she is presumed innocent and entitled to legal counsel as the justice system handles guilt or innocence. Cybersecurity Law: Boakai has signed Liberia’s Cybercrime Act and Data Protection Act into law, aiming to curb digital crime and protect personal data as the country’s digital infrastructure expands. Drug War Pushback: Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah rejects George Weah’s claims of “tyranny,” saying the administration will not be pressured to drop high-profile narcotics prosecutions. Local Service Boost: CNDRA (National Archives) hands county coordinators 16 motorbikes to strengthen field operations and revenue support. Agriculture Support: The Agriculture Ministry distributes 20 Toyota Hilux pickups and 36 Yamaha motorbikes to agriculture officers to improve farmer outreach and extension services. Education Accountability: Grand Bassa’s St. Joseph High School faces backlash over deteriorating facilities, with scrutiny on the school operator and local oversight.

Education & Corporate Accountability: Grand Bassa’s St. Joseph High School is under fire after reports of broken doors, shattered windows and poor sanitation, raising questions about the Liberian Agricultural Company’s responsibility and local oversight. Digital Governance: President Joseph Boakai has signed Liberia’s Cybercrime Act and Data Protection Act into law, aiming to curb online crime and protect personal data as the country’s digital systems expand. Public Records & Service Delivery: The National Archives (CNDRA) handed 16 motorbikes to county coordinators to improve field operations and access to services. Agriculture Support: The Agriculture Ministry distributed 20 Toyota Hilux pickups and 36 Yamaha motorbikes to agriculture officers to boost extension work and farmer monitoring across all counties. Drug War & Due Process: Rights groups and legal voices are intensifying calls for fair, evidence-based drug investigations as former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor remains jailed and courts weigh detention requests. International Policy: Liberia is also facing debate over a US “third-country” deportation deal, with opposition leaders urging the government to reverse the decision. Sports: Sheku Sheriff has signed a two-year deal with Malawi’s FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, pending international clearance.

Drug Trial Watch: Liberia’s former vice president Jewel Howard-Taylor was placed in pre-trial detention at Monrovia Central Prison after a court denied her request to stay in hospital, as she faces charges tied to an alleged transnational cocaine network linked to a $317m cocaine seizure. Immigration Fallout: Liberia received fewer U.S. deportees than planned after five passengers refused to disembark and were sent to Equatorial Guinea instead, highlighting the uncertainty around “third-country” deportations. Maritime Security: The UN’s IMO says six months of war near the Strait of Hormuz saw 68 incidents and at least 20 deaths, with Liberia-flagged vessels among the most affected. Rule of Law Debate: Human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized the Nigerian Bar Association for inviting former Liberian President George Weah, alleging attacks on judicial independence. Public Health: A malaria workplace survey across 10 West African countries found 62% of respondents get no malaria prevention support from employers, including in Liberia. Environment & Trade: The EU’s deforestation rules could disrupt Liberia’s cocoa trade, as producers must prove beans weren’t grown on forest land cleared after Dec. 31, 2020.

Drug War, Due Process Debate: Human rights groups and religious leaders are urging Liberia’s government to keep the drug crackdown impartial and evidence-led as former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor faces charges, with calls for independent review panels and warnings against “selective justice.” Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor Case: Howard-Taylor denies the allegations and remains in custody amid growing public pressure for medical access and constitutional protections. Revenue Push to “Move to Billion”: The Central Bank backs the Liberia Revenue Authority’s push to modernize the tax system and raise domestic revenue, while a Senate lawmaker says the proposed 5% revenue share for LRA needs deeper legislative scrutiny. Local Governance & Decentralization: The Ministry of Local Government will host a high-level dialogue on decentralization, aiming to reduce bottlenecks that keep approvals centralized in Monrovia. Forestry Devolution: The Forestry Development Authority signs community forest management agreements, shifting more forest protection and use responsibilities to local communities. Youth & Education: UNFPA calls for national action to keep adolescent girls in school, and the First Lady launches school clubs on reproductive health. Regional Trade at Bo-Waterside: ECOWAS hands over a renovated NTA building and opens a temporary joint border post to support the Liberia–Sierra Leone border works. Maritime Security: Reports say Hormuz attacks have killed at least 20 seafarers/port workers in 68 incidents over six months, with Liberia-flagged vessels among the most affected.

Deportation Dispute: Six people deported from the U.S. to Liberia resisted leaving a flight and were instead sent onward to Equatorial Guinea, with rights groups calling it a “third-country” loophole that can bypass protections. Justice Update: Liberia’s Ministry of Justice says former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been formally charged over an alleged transnational narcotics network, including controlled-drug violations, conspiracy and money laundering. Rule of Law: Ex-President George Weah warned at the NBA conference that “a tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant,” urging stronger, independent courts. Maritime Training: Ghana’s Maritime Authority opened a regional programme training seafarer examiners and assessors, with Liberia among participating countries. Youth & Democracy: A Mo Ibrahim/Afrobarometer report says Liberia saw a rise in demand for democracy over the past decade. Flag Day Feature: A reflective piece revisits how Liberian women helped stitch the national flag at the republic’s founding.

Judiciary & Democracy: Former President George Weah told the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt that democracy can be undermined when judicial institutions are weakened or pressured, warning that “a tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant.” U.S.-Liberia Deportations: Liberia received the first 20 U.S. deportees under a deal for up to 1,200, but only 15 stayed after five refused to disembark and were sent to Equatorial Guinea; reports say the payment terms and agreement details remain murky. Ebola in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo reported Ebola cases rising past 5,500 with 2,642 deaths, as new positives continue in Ituri, North Kivu and Haut-Uele. University Pressure: Carlos E. Tingban Sr. urged President Boakai to urgently intervene in the University of Liberia stalemate, saying recurring disruptions are threatening students’ education. Maritime Safety: A Liberian-flagged ship incident injured a port pilot after a rope snapped during disembarkation, prompting an investigation.