AGP Executive Report

Deportation Deal in Focus: Liberia will receive the first batch of 20 of up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. on Thursday, with most coming from Latin America—Liberia’s information minister says many are from Venezuela and Cuba—while IOM and the UN refugee agency are set to support services. Drug Probe Turns Political: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with cocaine trafficking, money laundering and related offences after being stopped at Roberts International Airport and taken to police custody, as opposition parties accuse the government of intimidation and scapegoating. Money Watch: Liberia’s Revenue Authority says the country is nearing its first-ever US$1 billion domestic revenue milestone, reporting about US$904.7 million collected as of August 18. Local Governance Push: ECOWAS urges young Liberians to protect peace, while a national dialogue calls for stronger county governance and citizen participation to speed up development agenda delivery. Churches Go Green: AEL launches a Gospel Solar Lights initiative for 2,000 church leaders and ties it to a cleaner, greener Liberia campaign.

Drug Probe Escalates: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and related offenses after authorities stopped her at Roberts International Airport and questioned her over a transnational cocaine network. Deportation Deal: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. over the next year, with the first 20 expected to arrive Thursday; officials say they will be treated as “guests,” can leave or apply for asylum, and Liberia is not seeking compensation. Maritime Security: Reports linked to Iran’s IRGC claim they turned back or seized tankers in and around the Strait of Hormuz, while separate coverage highlights continued attacks on shipping in the Black Sea affecting Liberia-flagged vessels. Local Business & Jobs: Cellecor signed preliminary heads of terms with Liberia’s special economic zone authorities to explore a manufacturing and assembly hub in Buchanan. Public Trust in Elections: The National Elections Commission validated a new communications strategy to improve transparency and reduce misinformation. Health & Community: Flow Day launched free sanitary pad distribution for rural women in Margibi, pairing supplies with hygiene education.

Cocaine Probe Escalates: Former VP Jewel Howard Taylor was taken into custody as a person of interest after being stopped from leaving Liberia, as police continue questioning linked to the US$19m cocaine case, while the NPP urged calm and warned against speculation. Court Warns Against Abuse: Judge George Gbeneweleh told courts to reclaim their constitutional duty to promote justice and resist outside pressure, as Judge J. Kennedy Peabody cautioned leaders against retaliatory, thin-skinned governance that weakens institutions. Drug War Accountability Fight: Senator Amara Konneh was asked by LNP IG Gregory Coleman to “show the evidence” over public claims on the cocaine investigation, and Senator Francis Dopoh warned that lawmakers’ public comments could derail prosecutions. Saudi Rice Case Ends for Mary Broh: The court dropped charges against former GSA boss Mary Tanyonoh Broh via nolle prosequi, ordering return of her bond, ending a saga tied to Saudi-donated rice. Immigration Shock for Liberians: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the US, with the first 20 arriving Aug. 20, sparking security and transparency concerns. Energy Regulation: LERC rejected LIBENERGY’s tariff reconsideration but pushed implementation to Nov. 1, giving the utility a deadline to improve service quality. Public Services Push: CSA broke ground for a southeastern regional HR hub in Zwedru for five counties, and MOH expanded urban vaccination hours in Montserrado through 2026–2027 outreach. Governance & Connectivity: LTA advanced redelegation of Liberia’s .lr domain and signed satellite communications guidelines to expand access, while Petroleum Commission marked its 15th anniversary in Ghana.

Third-Country Deportees: Liberia says it will accept up to 1,200 deportees from the United States over the next year, with the first batch of 20 expected to arrive Thursday; Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah said the arrivals will be treated as “guests of the Republic,” may seek asylum, and that the U.S. will support Liberia to manage the program and strengthen its migration system. Maritime Security: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, MINOAN DIGNITY, was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Aug. 17, leaving one seafarer dead and damaging the engine room; INTERCARGO urged all parties to protect civilian merchant crews. Public Health: The WHO warns the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is “far from being under control,” citing rapid spread driven by insecurity, displacement, and population movement, after the death toll passed 2,300. Digital ID Push: Liberia’s National Identification Registry says consultations on a biometric ID concession with Austria’s OSD are complete and the draft is headed to Parliament for approval ahead of nationwide enrollment.

Maritime Security: A seafarer was killed after an unknown projectile hit a Liberia-flagged cargo ship’s engine room in the Strait of Hormuz; the Omani Coast Guard is assisting the remaining crew as attacks keep disrupting one of the world’s busiest trade routes. Drug War Accountability: Liberia’s cocaine probe is drawing fresh political heat, with the police chief demanding Sen. Amara Konneh “show the evidence” after claims of senior officials being protected, while the senator warns of selective justice. Domestic Revenue Milestone: Liberia is on track to cross US$1 billion in domestic revenue for the first time, with the Liberia Revenue Authority citing stronger tax administration and customs enforcement. Providence Island Push: President Boakai broke ground for Providence Island’s development, tying the heritage project to the ARREST Agenda and tourism plans. Aviation Safety: The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority launched a 10-day safety training supported by the EU to strengthen risk management across the sector. Sports Funding Law: The National Sports Fund Authority Act is now signed into law, with lawmakers saying it should end chronic underfunding. Food Safety Plan: The Food Authority of Liberia unveiled its 2026-2030 strategic plan with EU and UNIDO support to improve food safety systems.

Public Health Crisis: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with deaths rising to 2,325 and confirmed cases reaching 4,945, as health officials warn the outbreak is spreading faster than past waves. Liberia Poverty Watch: New World Bank estimates say 35.8% of Liberians lived in extreme poverty in 2025, with warnings that without jobs and stronger services, hardship could deepen. Governance & Accountability: President Boakai’s NOCAL restroom dedication in Paynesville sparks debate over presidential priorities, while 13 former officials go on trial over alleged misappropriation of Saudi-donated rice. Local Development: Sie D. Anderson rolls out a basketball court, bus stop, and 500 vacation-school scholarships in Matadi Estate. Port Sector Shake-up: Boakai signs the Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization Act, reshaping NPA control and oversight. Health Safety: A case involving a fake surgeon highlights ongoing gaps in Liberia’s medical regulation and enforcement.

Ebola Crisis in Focus: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 2,325 deaths and 4,945 confirmed cases, making it the deadliest in the country’s history, with the UN warning the virus is killing a person about every 30 minutes. Port Security & Politics: Liberia’s port decentralization push is drawing scrutiny as lawmakers and officials position for 2029, while critics flag security gaps and weak enforcement mandates inside the new framework. Justice for War Victims: An editorial urges Liberia to deliver real justice for war victims, warning that a war-crimes court must be independent, funded, and protected from political interference. Health & Safety Alarm: A case involving a woman who died after surgery by a fake doctor highlights calls for stronger oversight by Liberia’s medical regulators. Local Governance Watch: Monrovia City Hall’s deteriorating theater section is raising questions about maintenance of public assets, even as the city points to inherited conditions. Education Drive: President Boakai pushes to return 250,000 out-of-school children to classrooms by 2029, with counties asked to take direct ownership. Energy Crackdown: LEC says it’s stepping up power-theft enforcement with smart meters and more inspections, including at night. Mining Crackdown: Gbarpolu tightens controls on illicit mining by requiring operators to present valid licenses at county entry points. Tourism Project: Government officials toured Providence Island as Liberia prepares development work to turn the historic site into a heritage tourism destination. Tech for Riders: Motorcycle and tricycle unions sign with Digital Liberia to introduce digital IDs and GPS tracking to curb theft and improve accountability.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 2,325 people and reached 4,945 confirmed cases, surpassing the 2018-2020 toll to become the deadliest in the country’s history, with 101 new cases reported in 24 hours. Public Health (Liberia-linked risk): Israel reported no confirmed Ebola cases, but health authorities urged travelers returning from the DRC to self-isolate and call a hotline if symptoms appear within 21 days. Liberia Justice & Safety: A Liberian herbalist, Saah Fayiah Jr., has been jailed over an alleged “death-scare” scheme that exploited a woman’s fear and belief, collecting US$7,200 for spiritual sacrifices. Youth & Community: UNICEF relaunched Liberia’s U-Report platform to give children and adolescents a safe channel to influence decisions, aiming to reach at least 8,000 young people nationwide. Tourism & Media Skills: Liberia National Tourism Authority and Wode Maya wrapped a two-day masterclass for nearly 200 creators on content creation and travel storytelling. Regional Trade/Infrastructure: Sierra Leone’s Roads Authority opened bidding for a 39-kilometre Sierra Leone-Guinea-Liberia highway segment to boost cross-border trade and integration. Maritime (Liberia-flagged incident): A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier collided with an anchored vessel at Chattogram Port; no casualties, flooding, or environmental pollution were reported.

Ebola Watch: Liberia is urged to avoid travel to the DRC and self-isolate for 21 days after return if symptoms appear, after a patient in Israel’s Soroka Hospital tested negative following travel from the DRC as the outbreak in Central Africa accelerates. Drug-Crisis Accountability: President Boakai has suspended LDEA OIC Fitzgerald Biago indefinitely and removed him from the agency, prompting fresh questions about what “ethical concerns” were found amid the wider cocaine scandal. Courtroom in Liberia: Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and 12 others go on trial Monday over alleged diversion of Saudi-donated disaster rice, with defendants rejecting the claims. Maritime Safety: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier collided with an anchored vessel at Chattogram Port; no casualties or pollution were reported. Youth & Tourism: UNICEF relaunched U-Report in Monrovia to amplify young voices, while Liberia’s tourism authority wrapped a two-day masterclass for nearly 200 creators. Energy Costs: Sierra Leone tops Africa for expensive residential electricity tariffs, with Liberia close behind—highlighting pressure on household budgets.

Drug Crisis & Accountability: Liberia’s President Boakai has removed LDEA OIC Fitzgerald Biago and indefinitely suspended him from the Liberia National Police, with critics demanding clarity on the “ethical concerns” behind the move amid the widening cocaine scandal. Courts & Rights: The National Labour Court ordered NTAL management to pay its Secretary General Samuel Johnson US$19,280 in retroactive salary and benefits after ruling his dismissal wrongful. Local Justice Watch: Former foreign minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and 12 others head to trial Monday in Criminal Court “C” over alleged diversion of Saudi-donated disaster rice, with defendants denying wrongdoing. Youth & Skills: International Youth Day in Monrovia highlighted Liberia’s jobs gap and relaunched UNICEF’s U-Report platform to give young people a direct voice in decisions. Tourism & Creators: LNTA and Wode Maya wrapped a two-day masterclass for nearly 200 creators to boost Liberia’s digital storytelling and tourism promotion. Community Spotlight: Residents helped keep a school open in honor of Zoe Robinson, whose work in Liberia’s Liberian School for Needy Children inspired the community. Regional/Global: Oil slicks linked to tanker incidents are spreading in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz as shipping traffic remains sharply reduced.

Strait of Hormuz Oil Spill: A major spill has reached Iran’s Qeshm Island after attacks near Oman, with satellite-linked reports pointing to the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Pioneer; officials warn of damage to mangroves, coral reefs, sea turtles and fishing grounds. Liberia Courts & Justice: Prophet Key has regained freedom after a six-month contempt sentence, but his release has been tied to whether Supreme Court conditions were fully met. Drug-Crisis Accountability: President Boakai’s suspension and removal of LDEA OIC Fitzgerald Biago is drawing fresh questions about ethics and oversight amid Liberia’s cocaine crisis. Youth & Jobs Pressure: International Youth Day events in Monrovia highlighted a widening gap between young Liberians’ skills and limited pathways to jobs and livelihoods. Local Governance & Elections: The NEC is considering steep candidate fee hikes for 2029, sparking debate over whether democracy is becoming too costly. Humanitarian Trial: Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and others face trial over alleged diversion of Saudi-donated disaster rice. UNICEF Youth Platform: UNICEF relaunched U-Report in Liberia to give children and adolescents a direct channel to influence decisions.

Youth & Jobs in Focus: Liberia marked International Youth Day with calls to stop treating young people as “leaders of tomorrow” and start building real pathways to jobs, skills, and digital opportunity, as the YouthConnekt Liberia chapter was relaunched. Child Participation: UNICEF and UNFPA relaunched U-Report in Monrovia, aiming to reach at least 8,000 young Liberians through a safe channel for children and adolescents to influence decisions. Drug-Crisis Accountability: Political pressure is rising after President Boakai removed LDEA OIC Fitzgerald Biago and indefinitely suspended him from the Liberia National Police, with critics demanding clarity on the “ethical concerns.” Courtroom Update: Social media personality Prophet Key says his six-month contempt sentence has ended, but release remains tied to whether Supreme Court conditions were fully met. Local Justice: The National Labour Court ordered NTAL management to pay its Secretary General US$19,280 in retroactive salary and benefits after ruling his dismissal wrongful. Governance Debate: NEC’s proposed steep candidate fee increases for 2029 has sparked fresh debate over whether democracy should stay accessible to all.

Diplomacy & Trade: Liberia officially reopened its Embassy/Resident Mission in New Delhi after 35 years, with Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and India’s EAM S. Jaishankar pushing deeper cooperation on shipping security, mining, health, agriculture, water, and UNSC reforms. Food Security: India pledged 3,000 metric tons of rice to Liberia and expanded scholarships and community project support after the same high-level talks. Drugs & Governance: President Boakai told security officials to stay focused on the drug fight and secure borders, while the EFFL demanded the suspension of Police IG Gregory Coleman over the crisis. Justice & Rule of Law: A court in Maryland County warned that “justice in Liberia is not for sale,” as war victims urged lawmakers to speed up the War and Economic Crimes Court. Ports & Security Risk: Boakai signed the port decentralization bill, ending the National Port Authority monopoly, but critics warn safeguards are unclear amid the ongoing cocaine scandal. Environment & Energy: EPA warned sand mining is worsening coastal erosion; LERC licensed LEC’s 20MW solar plant; and a solar roadmap story highlighted dry-season power shortages. Women in Security: AFL intensified women recruitment in Grand Gedeh, citing rising female representation. Youth & Democracy: UNICEF/UNFPA relaunched U-Report to let adolescents shape decisions, while youth media literacy training targeted misinformation and electoral integrity.

India–Liberia Talks: Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti met India’s Jaishankar in New Delhi to deepen cooperation across technology, agriculture, health, mining, energy, trade and education, with both sides also pushing for UN Security Council reforms. Youth & Democracy: UNDP-backed training at the NEC in Monrovia boosted young Liberians’ media and information literacy to fight misinformation and strengthen democratic participation. Border Calm: Liberia says calm has returned at the Liberia–Guinea border after a tense checkpoint standoff at Sorlumba was resolved through dialogue. Education Boost: Government has started distributing about US$1m in science lab equipment to public high schools, alongside renewed reminders that primary school registration is free. Drug Crackdown: Authorities defended the narcotics crackdown as evidence-driven and meant to stand up in court, not “public opinion.” Local Governance: Nimba Superintendent Gono downplayed claims of deep political rivalries, saying disbursements were legally approved for constituency engagement. Accountability & Finance: CBL announced a national push to tackle non-performing loans, while the Legislature issued a “final summons” to a former LAA boss over audit-related questions. Infrastructure Risk: River Cess residents in River Cess still face danger after a stalled bridge project left communities stranded.

Diplomacy & Global South: Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti arrived in New Delhi for talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, as both sides push deeper cooperation. Drug War Accountability: Two months into the US$317m Duazon cocaine case, questions are growing over who is being held accountable, with visible suspects still largely foreign while Liberian names fade from public view. Courts & Justice: A jury trial in the US$317m drug case is set to begin amid concerns over juror security and sequestration logistics in Margibi. Governance & Oversight: Lawmakers warned that officials tied to the Liberia Airport Authority audit (2018–2023) could face prosecution if they fail to appear again. Local Development: River Cess residents say a stalled US$90,000 bridge project has left them risking their lives on makeshift log crossings. Youth & Education: FLY urged real youth partnership in national decision-making; 11 Liberians head to China for graduate studies under the Liberia–China scholarship. Environment: EPA begins a national process to implement Liberia’s High Seas Treaty. Sports: LAF challenges the Liberia Marathon Trust over licensing fees and ends a long partnership.

Ebola Surge in DRC: WHO warns the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo could become the worst on record, with cases now above 4,400 and deaths above 2,000 as spread outpaces the response. Labour Justice in Nimba: Liberia commissioned its first Nimba County Labour Court, appointing Cllr. Tarlo N. Wheyee to speed up worker-employer dispute resolution beyond Monrovia. Family Planning Push: IWYE is urging Liberia to set aside 2% of the 2027 national budget for family planning, blaming low funding for rising teenage pregnancy. LTA Digital Licensing: Liberia’s telecom regulator says it is automating licensing and renewals with a nationwide digital platform to cut paperwork and travel. Drug Enforcement Leadership: President Boakai named retired Major General Daniel Dee Ziankahn Jr. as LDEA Director General, with Senate confirmation pending. ARREST Agenda Accountability: Boakai put officials “on notice” over delays and poor performance, warning removals for under-delivery. Education Fee Abolition: Government says it has funded grants to public primary schools to implement free registration and stop shifting costs to parents. Sports Watch: Everton forward Martin Sherif, Liberia-born, was charged by the FA over alleged betting rule breaches involving 61 bets.