AGP Executive Report

Opposition Push for Unity: Five major opposition parties in Liberia formalized cooperation, accusing the Boakai-Koung government of land losses to Guinea, selective anti-corruption and drug enforcement, and using the Cybercrime Act to muzzle critics, setting up an Opposition Political Parties’ Joint Technical Committee ahead of a Sunday joint communiqué signing. UNGA Diplomacy: Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti joined India at UNGA as India’s S. Jaishankar launched a 25-nation “Group of Friends” to protect ships and seafarers after Gulf and Red Sea attacks, while also condemning terrorism and warning against “weaponisation of everything.” Diaspora and Investment Drive: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and President Joseph Boakai urged Liberians abroad to shift from dialogue to delivery—investing in institutions, projects, and jobs—framing Liberia as a more stable destination. Media Watch: The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) set its 62nd anniversary for Sept. 30, focusing on empowering independent media for democracy and accountability. Health Crisis: The DRC Ebola outbreak surpassed 8,300 deaths and nears 8,000 confirmed cases, with capacity limits in Ituri cited as a key challenge.

Ebola Update (DRC): The DRC Ebola outbreak has surpassed 8,300 deaths and is nearing 8,000 confirmed cases, with Ituri still the hardest-hit province as health capacity struggles to admit new patients. UNGA Diplomacy (Shipping & Terror): At UN General Assembly, India’s Jaishankar condemned attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers as “simply unacceptable,” while also warning against “weaponisation of everything” harming the Global South. Liberia-India Maritime Push: On UNGA sidelines, India and Liberia launched a 25-nation “Group of Friends” to protect ships and seafarers, with Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti joining the first ministerial meeting. Liberia Opposition Talks: Opposition leaders are set to sign a joint communiqué Sunday at Sinkor Palace, formalizing cooperation among Weah, Cummings, Kemayah, Freeman and Mason. Liberia Sports (AFCON Qualifier): Lone Star began AFCON 2027 qualifiers in Kigali with a 3-1 loss to Rwanda, despite early promise under new coach Mohammed Adil Erradi. PUL Media Anniversary: The Press Union of Liberia marks its 62nd anniversary Sept. 30 in Monrovia, focusing on empowering independent media for democracy and development.

Opposition Talks: Liberia’s opposition leaders are set to meet Sunday, Sept. 27 at Sinkor Palace to formalize cooperation, with a joint communiqué expected after discussions led by MPC’s Simeon Freeman and involving Weah, Cummings, Kemayah, Freeman and Mason. Diaspora & Investment Push: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan urged Liberians abroad and investors to back Liberia’s “unfinished opportunity,” citing stronger institutions and improved fiscal capacity at the LDAC in Washington. Diaspora to Delivery: President Joseph Boakai told the diaspora to move from dialogue and remittances to concrete investments and projects, framing delivery as the new standard for engagement. Maritime Safety at UNGA: India’s Jaishankar, alongside Liberia’s FM Sara Beysolow Nyanti, backed a “Group of Friends” to protect shipping and seafarers, calling attacks in the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea “simply unacceptable.” Sports: Lone Star began AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 3-1 loss to Rwanda in Kigali. History Feature: A firsthand account revisits the morning President William Tolbert was assassinated during the 1980 coup.

Maritime Security at UNGA: India and Liberia launched a “Group of Friends” to protect shipping and seafarers, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warning attacks in the Gulf, Red Sea and beyond are “simply indefensible” and no longer rare. Diplomatic Spat: At a UN press briefing, Jaishankar snapped at a Pakistani reporter over terrorism questions, saying, “A terrorist country is asking me that question,” as Liberia’s FM Sara Beysolow Nyanti stood alongside. Liberia Football: Lone Star began AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 3-1 loss to Rwanda in Kigali, conceding early and ending with a red card. Agriculture Spotlight: IITA’s Dr. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo told cassava seed producers in Bong that “cassava is the new white gold,” pushing commercialization of improved stems. Youth Finance: YEIB-MANCO CEO Joseph Fatorma Sando says Liberia’s youth bank is built for sustainable jobs and business growth, aiming to reach tens of thousands of youth-led firms.

Maritime Safety Push at UNGA: Liberia and India launched a “Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers” to tackle rising attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers, with Foreign Ministers Sara Beysolow Nyanti and S. Jaishankar co-leading. Diplomatic Clash: At the same UN briefing, Jaishankar sharply rebuked a Pakistani journalist over terrorism allegations, saying, “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on.” AFCON 2027—Rwanda vs Liberia: Rwanda beat Liberia 3-1 in Kigali as qualifiers continue, with group tables showing Liberia still seeking momentum. Youth Finance Spotlight: YEIB-MANCO says it is targeting youth entrepreneurship by combining financing with support to unlock jobs and growth. Agriculture—Cassava Boost: IITA’s Dr. Mercy Diebiru-Ojo told producers in Bong County that cassava is “the new white gold,” urging commercialization of improved seed varieties. Health & Education: IPAM (University of Sierra Leone) commissioned new banking facilities and upgraded lecture rooms, including a Students’ Information Unit. Local Update: Rep. Jacob Debee is hospitalized after a road accident in Bong County.

UN Security Council Reform: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai told the UN General Assembly that “Eighty years of patience is enough,” calling for Security Council reform and at least two permanent African seats, while Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima echoed the same demand through Tinubu’s address, arguing the world of 2026 can’t be ruled by the 1945 power structure. Cyber & Cross-Border Security: Shettima also warned that strong national defenses can’t stop terrorism, cyber threats and other dangers that operate across borders, stressing education, jobs, accountable governance and human rights. Maritime Climate Pressure: Liberia renewed its push for a fair, equitable IMO net-zero approach, warning decarbonization shouldn’t become a new burden for developing countries. Court & Rights: A judge denied former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor bail and set up a Supreme Court fight, while another court gave police a final chance to explain prolonged detention in a cybercrime habeas case. Local Governance & Services: In Bong, residents say a health facility in Gbarnga-Siaquelleh has stayed unused for years; in Nimba, LERC renewed Jungle Energy Power’s electricity distribution license. Sports: Lone Star Liberia head coach Mohammed Erradi says the team is ready for pressure as Rwanda hosts the AFCON qualifier on Sept. 25.

UNGA Security Council Reform: President Joseph Boakai and Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima renewed calls for at least two permanent African UN Security Council seats with veto rights, arguing the 1945 power setup no longer fits 2026 realities. Maritime Climate & Safety: Liberia pushed a fair, net-zero shipping approach at the UN, while the Liberian Registry highlighted maritime innovation milestones at Gastech 2026; separately, Singapore coordinated the rescue of all 25 crew from Liberia-registered MSC HERMES III. Liberia Development Watch: Liberia’s Law Reform Commission outlined major legal overhauls, including a National Family Court, land court and land code, and a mining law reset; government also plans biometric profiling for about 140,600 undocumented migrants. Food & Water Pressure: A safe drinking water crisis hit Gbonkonimah after the only public hand pump failed, and a new report warns childhood malnutrition in Liberia has tripled amid aid cuts and rising costs. Public Health in the Region: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading fast and is short of health workers, especially in North Kivu.

Ebola Response in Crisis (DRC): The WHO warns the Democratic Republic of Congo is short of health workers as Ebola spreads fast, with North Kivu hit hardest and frontline staff striking over unpaid wages. Liberia Court Update (Howard-Taylor): Criminal Court “C” denies former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor’s bail request, with the judge saying alleged conduct continued after Liberia’s 2023 drug law took effect. Deportation Rights (US-Liberia link): A US federal judge orders the return of a migrant deported to Africa, underscoring due-process limits on third-country removals—an issue Liberia has been tied to through acceptance of deportees. NOCAL Debt Enforcement: Liberia’s Commercial Court orders the immediate closure and sealing of NOCAL and the Finance Ministry over a long-running debt case, after contempt proceedings involving NOCAL’s finance chief. Cybercrime Law Debate: A Nimba senator urges clear guidelines for enforcing Liberia’s 2025 Cybercrime Act, warning it could chill freedom of expression after the Wrato case. Youth, Peace & Mentorship: Liberia convenes youth peace and security discussions in Nimba and launches the Karishma Pelham-Raad mentorship program for young Liberians. Extractives Transparency: LEITI approves a compliance report covering six mining companies, moving findings toward community dissemination. Food Security Alarm: A new report links aid cuts and rising prices to a tripling of acute childhood malnutrition in Liberia.

Cybercrime & Speech: Liberia’s Cybercrime Act faces its first real trial spotlight, with critics warning it could be used to silence critics and pressure journalism and privacy. Elections Reform: Government moves to overhaul electoral laws for 2029, targeting party regulation, campaign finance, voter registration, dispute resolution, and women’s political participation. Court Clash Over State Funds: Monrovia’s Commercial Court ordered NOCAL and the Ministry of Finance sealed over a US$764,762 severance dispute, with a finance chief held in contempt. Anti-Drug Push: The Ministry of Health launched a nationwide anti-drug awareness campaign starting in Montserrado, supported by UNICEF, plus training for health supervisors and community assistants. Women’s Digital Empowerment: Cybastion and the Ministry of Gender signed an agreement to create women’s digital and economic hubs in Monrovia, Voinjama, Gbarnga, Kakata and Buchanan. Flood Response: Liberia National Red Cross Society began a major flood response reaching over 7,500 people across six counties. Peace & Institutions: Former Foreign Minister Kemayah urged justice, dialogue, and stronger institutions to protect Liberia’s peace as tensions rise. Diaspora Unity: President Boakai urged Liberians at home and abroad to reject tribalism and deepen diaspora partnership.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: The race for AFCON 2027 spots kicks off Thursday with 48 teams in 12 groups, including Liberia in Group K alongside Mali, Cape Verde and Rwanda. Maritime & Security: Ukraine’s intelligence says 38 vessels tied to Russia’s “shadow fleet” are helping evade sanctions, with Liberia among the flags listed. Women, Peace & Security: President Boakai launched Liberia’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security at the UN, stressing women’s full participation as a national investment. Governance & Courts: A Boakai letter directing payment of a US$355,106 LEC judgment is at the center of a constitutional fight over who can commit public money. Humanitarian & Climate: Liberia’s Red Cross launched its third major disaster response of 2026 for flood victims across six counties, with impacts affecting tens of thousands. Energy & Health: Electricity access reportedly rose to 39%, while the Health Ministry began distributing maternal and child care equipment nationwide. Road Safety & Education: Police warned of erosion damage on the Monrovia–Bong highway, and schools in Bong County reported teacher and safe-water shortages plus damaged roofs and missing chairs.

Liberia Courts & Justice: Criminal Court “B” released Jerry Wrato on a habeas corpus order, hours after Police IG Coleman rejected VP Koung’s plea and moved to prosecute Wrato on four cybercrime counts. Maritime & Trade: Liberia’s National Customs Brokers Association urged a faster, more transparent cargo-clearance system, pushing for better coordination and digitalization at ports. Oil & Gas: Bounty Oil & Gas agreed to buy PetroQuest Liberia Deep Water, aiming to enter deepwater Block LB-32 in the Harper Basin. Decentralization: Government, with UNDP support, is advancing decentralization to push political, fiscal and administrative authority closer to citizens outside Monrovia. Health & Memory: Liberia marks 10 years since Ebola, with the Red Cross highlighting community-based response pillars that remain in preparedness plans. Sports & Youth: AFCON 2027 qualifiers begin with Liberia set to play Rwanda; meanwhile, 14 Liberian agriculture teachers head to Ghana for EU/UNIDO-funded advanced training. International Watch: WHO begins an Ebola vaccine trial in DR Congo as cyberattacks disrupt LNG shipping operations.

Deepwater Oil Deal: Australia’s Bounty Oil & Gas agreed to acquire PetroQuest Liberia Deep Water, opening a pathway to negotiate a production sharing contract for offshore Block LB-32 in the Harper Basin. Coastal Transport Push: Liberia Maritime Authority is advancing plans for a modern multi-purpose ferry under a public-private partnership to move passengers, vehicles, heavy equipment and cargo along the coast. Maritime Safety Cooperation: The Liberian Registry and LiMA concluded technical exchanges with China’s Maritime Safety Administration, including joint vessel inspections to strengthen flag and port state compliance. UNGA Women, Peace Agenda: Liberia launched its third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security at UNGA, aiming for measurable implementation of protection, participation and accountability. Justice Sector Support: The U.S. reaffirmed backing for Liberia’s justice institutions in talks with the Acting Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Cybercrime Debate: Lawyer Tiawan Saye Gongloe warned against using Liberia’s cybercrime law to silence critics, urging civil remedies instead. Food Safety Concern: Spoiled rice seized in Ganta was reportedly resurfacing for sale, raising questions about enforcement and market controls. Youth & Decentralization: A gender-focused capacity workshop began in Gbarnga for local officials as Liberia drives decentralization and citizen-centered services.

Global Health & UNGA Diplomacy: President John Dramani Mahama used the UN General Assembly to launch the Accra Reset panel report “A Sovereign Future for Health,” arguing Global South countries can’t truly own health systems without control of financing, resources and production. US Deportations to Third Countries: Investigations say the Trump administration negotiated deals with dozens of countries, including in Africa, to accept deportees with no ties—reportedly sending more than 25,000 people since 2025 and raising major human-rights concerns. Liberia Maritime Cooperation: The Liberian Registry met China’s Maritime Safety Administration and LiMA to strengthen flag and port state cooperation, including joint vessel inspection work. Liberia Prison Security: Liberia’s Ministry of Justice confirmed a Kakata Central Prison jailbreak and a joint manhunt to recapture escapees, with authorities urging the public not to take matters into their own hands. Tax Administration Digital Push: Liberia Revenue Authority and Gambia Revenue Authority signed an MoE to build a revenue collection dashboard, with Liberia providing technical assistance and training. Post-War Justice Support: Sweden’s ambassador to Liberia pledged continued backing for Liberia’s post-war justice through UN/EU channels as direct bilateral support ends. Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says an Ebola vaccine trial is underway in Ituri, with 20,000 doses allocated for research vaccination. Local Governance & Transport: Liberia’s Ministry of Transport broke ground for a new county office in Ganta, Nimba, as part of decentralization to bring services closer to people. Maritime Cyber Risk: Reports link cyberattacks on LNG and other vessels to compromised safety systems, prompting US and Coast Guard involvement. Business/Jobs: Firestone Liberia advertised vacancies for an ICT Infrastructure lead and a Director of Operations.

Kakata Prison Jailbreak: Liberia’s Ministry of Justice confirmed inmates escaped from Kakata Central Prison on Sept. 20, triggering a joint security manhunt and record verification, with authorities warning the public not to shelter escapees. Cybercrime Act Under Spotlight: Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has demanded the release of Jerry Nyantee Wrotto, arrested over alleged AI-generated images/videos, as debate grows over free speech versus enforcement of Liberia’s new Cybercrime Act. Court Ruling in Ducor Dispute: The Special Commercial Court held Monrovia Oil Trading Corporation liable for US$3.24M improperly withdrawn from Ducor Petroleum’s LBDI account, restoring Amos Brosius as Ducor’s sole owner. Governance & Rights: The Independent Information Commission marked the 16th anniversary of Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act with training for public information officers and review bodies. Public Finance Transparency: BudgIT Liberia resumed operations and renewed its push for budget transparency after legal proceedings over its former Sinkor office. Youth, Peace & Security: Liberia’s Youth and Sports Ministry announced a UNGA-linked forum highlighting youth participation in peacebuilding. Agriculture & Energy: China delivered the first batch of mechanization equipment for Liberia’s farming push, while LPRC assured sufficient petroleum stocks amid global market disruptions. Equal Pay: The Civil Service Agency reaffirmed zero tolerance for gender wage discrimination in the public service.

Prison Break in Kakata: Liberia’s Ministry of Justice confirmed a mass jailbreak at Kakata Central Prison, with reports of more than 100 inmates escaping into nearby communities, prompting a major manhunt and rearrest operations by joint security forces. Child Protection Case: A judge ordered the provisional detention of the grandmother of a 10-year-old boy who died in Pedasí, charging her with aggravated child abuse, as Senniaf continues follow-up checks including school inquiries. Youth, Peace Agenda: Liberia launched the PATHWAYs framework at the UN, aiming to put youth at the center of peacebuilding and development through 2035, with calls for stronger domestic funding. MCC Compact Office Opened: Liberia opened a dedicated office for its second MCC compact team, targeting new power transmission lines and mining law reforms. Ebola Response in Congo: Congo began vaccinating front-line workers in Bunia and Mongbwalu with Ervebo as cases rise, while Liberia-linked regional health warnings continue. UK Transit Visa List: The UK published a 73-country airport transit visa list that includes Liberia, meaning travelers may be denied boarding without the required visa. Maritime Security & Cyber Claims: A Liberia-flagged LNG vessel reported suspected cyberattacks that disrupted safety and control systems, adding to wider concerns about threats to ship infrastructure.

MCC Compact Setup: Liberia opened a dedicated office for its second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, aiming to sign by December 2027 to expand power transmission and overhaul mining laws, with U.S. officials urging stronger contract enforcement and transparency. Youth, Peace & Security: Liberia launched the PATHWAYs framework at the UN, putting young people at the center of peacebuilding and development through 2035, while Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee pushed for major domestic funding. Cyber & Shipping Risk: A Liberia-flagged LNG carrier diverted after crew reported a suspected cyberattack that temporarily took control of safety and pressure systems, raising alarms over maritime digital security. Ebola Response in Congo: Congo began vaccinating frontline health workers in Bunia and Mongbwalu with Ervebo, targeting 20,000 workers as cases and deaths climb. Liberia in U.S. Immigration Spotlight: A U.S. appeals court blocked rapid “third-country” deportations without meaningful notice, a policy that has included Liberia as a receiving destination. Drug Trafficking Probe: Liberia is testing a Malaysia-to-Roberts Airport shipment declared as “botanical powder, coffee and candy” after suspicion of narcotics. Governance & Heritage: President Boakai met partners on preserving Providence Island and backed a disability bill consultation process in Gbarnga.