AGP Executive Report

Rubber Industry: The Rubber Planters Association of Liberia backs President Boakai’s Executive Order No. 166, which bans the export of unprocessed natural rubber from July 1, pushing value-add processing locally. Mining Reform: The Ministry of Mines and Energy urges urgent amendments to Liberia’s mining laws as lawmakers hold hearings over illicit mechanized mining, smuggling, and weak enforcement. Anti-Corruption Court: The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and OWECC endorse a specialized National Anti-Corruption Court to speed up cases and curb impunity. Capitol Arson Trial: Liberia’s Supreme Court withholds a ruling in the Capitol Building arson trial jury dispute, potentially delaying proceedings. Drug Probe Pressure: Senators demand arrests in the US$19.2M cocaine case at Roberts International Airport, with Joint Security saying Liberia is being used as a transit route. Fuel Security: Boakai approves LPRC’s plan for a 50,000-metric-ton petroleum storage facility to strengthen strategic reserves. Education Support: LPRC and LACE sign a US$165K deal for a student center at G. Gedeh University, while Maersk Liberia donates five 20ft containers to Margibi University. Democracy Funding: Government and partners review progress on the Liberia Electoral Support Project ahead of 2029 voter registration plans.

Airport Cocaine Probe: Liberia’s Senate grilled police over the $19M Roberts International Airport cocaine bust, with the Inspector General promising arrests “in the coming days” after months of public frustration. Anti-Corruption Push: Press Union of Liberia and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf renewed calls for a Specialized National Anti-Corruption Court, warning delays would betray future generations. Financial Crime Shield: Liberia’s Financial Intelligence Agency launched a five-year (2026–2031) strategic plan to strengthen AML/CFT work and coordination against financial crimes. Rail Oversight Demand: Lawmakers face a key vote on the National Rail Authority Act as questions linger over ArcelorMittal Liberia’s May locomotive collision and the lack of a public accident report. Health & Jobs: UNDP and partners launched LiYEPA to back youth enterprises and SME jobs, while LTA is exploring high-speed internet for all University of Liberia campuses. Public Safety: Phebe Hospital workers threatened to shut down operations unless a labor dispute investigation report is released. Sports: George Weah backed Mbappé as “far superior” to Lamine Yamal ahead of the World Cup comparisons. Football Development: LFA kicked off a nationwide U-12 talent hunt in Nimba.

Anti-Corruption Push: Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf urged President Boakai to prioritize a specialized National Anti-Corruption Court, saying cases must be concluded swiftly and credibly. House Oversight & Decorum: The House ordered leadership to investigate Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah after remarks on Spoon Network TV; Fallah later apologized and retracted. Drug Probe Fallout: Liberia’s US$19.2M cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport is still sparking pressure—Senators summoned security officials over a slow probe, while government urged accusers to submit credible proof. Aviation Sanctions: Delta Air Lines added Liberia to its cargo embargo list, suspending freight over narcotics-trade concerns. Health Crisis: Phebe Hospital workers threatened to shut down operations unless a months-long labor dispute investigation report is released. Flood Impacts: NDMA says flooding has affected over 1,000 people, with risks to water safety and vulnerable groups. Education & Funding: Margibi lawmakers vowed to block concession amendments unless higher-education revenue supports Margibi University; Nimba University also called for more funding amid infrastructure strain. Regional Trade: Ganta (Liberia) and Danané (Côte d’Ivoire) pledged tighter border cooperation to boost trade and security.

Youth & Digital Jobs: Liberia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has signed new deals to cut unemployment and widen digital access, including vacation work for 3,000 youths in 2026 and 15 Digital Youth Hubs training 750 young people yearly. Tax & Investment Push: The Liberia Revenue Authority showcased digital tax reforms at a High-Level Diplomatic Investment Forum in Accra, pitching a more transparent, tech-driven tax system to attract investors under the ARREST agenda. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Justice Minister Oswald Tweh vowed tougher action against drug cartels and corrupt protectors, citing major LDEA seizures and the US$19.2m cocaine interception at Roberts International Airport. Human Rights Alarm: Rights groups warned that President Boakai’s suspension of INCHR Chairman T. Dempster Brown could weaken the commission’s independence, while calling for a fair process. Governance & Elections: The House of Representatives summoned NEC and LISGIS over whether constitutional and demographic thresholds are met to create 14 more electoral constituencies. Education Leadership: United Methodist University appointed Rev. Dr. David M. Tokpah as its new president after a six-month search. Transport & Clean Mobility: Women in Monrovia are breaking barriers by driving electric kekehs, though unreliable power and charging costs still slow expansion.

Drug Enforcement & Accountability: Justice Minister Oswald Tweh says Liberia will intensify the fight against drug cartels and any officials protecting them, pointing to major seizures including a US$19.2 million cocaine bust at Roberts International Airport. Ports & Maritime Security: The National Port Authority has stepped up patrols and port rehabilitation, deploying security boats to curb illegal fishing and protect navigation aids at the Freeport of Monrovia. Constitutional Democracy: The House of Representatives summons NEC and LISGIS over the constitutional threshold for creating 14 new electoral constituencies, a move that could expand the House from 73 to 87 seats before 2029. Local Governance & Land Rights: Liberia Land Authority introduces mandatory land use permits nationwide, replacing informal squatter arrangements with a Temporary Occupancy Permit system. Public Sector Welfare: Vice President Jeremiah Koung says civil servants’ salaries are set to increase after a directive to review government pay structures. Energy Regulation: Liberia wins a Rising Star Award for its Embedded Generation regulation, supporting customers who generate their own power to connect safely to the grid. Education & Leadership: UMU appoints Rev. Dr. David M. Tokpah as its new president, ending a six-month search.

Liberia’s Tax Push in Ghana: The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) showcased digital tax reforms and investor-focused initiatives at a high-level diplomatic investment forum in Accra, aiming to boost compliance, service delivery, and confidence for the ARREST agenda. Jobs Through MSMEs: The World Bank marked World MSME Day in Monrovia, stressing that small businesses and digital transformation are key to shifting young people from informal work into sustainable jobs. Port Modernization: Liberia’s National Port Authority says the Freeport of Monrovia is getting automated entry/exit gates, digital access passes, better parking, and upgraded security—expected to finish in 1–2 months. Maritime Skills Boost: LiMA graduated 13 sponsored students from the Regional Maritime University in Ghana, reinforcing Liberia’s push for a stronger maritime workforce. Youth Digital Hubs: The LTA and Ministry of Youth & Sports plan 15 youth digital skills hubs nationwide, with equipment and training support. Drug Enforcement Update: LDEA reported seizures worth over US$8.2 million between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026, underscoring ongoing trafficking concerns. Human Trafficking Trial: Jurors and parties in Liberia’s biggest human trafficking case visited the alleged holding compound as the trial enters final stages. Policy Move on Rubber: President Boakai issued an executive order banning export of unprocessed natural rubber from July 1, 2026, to drive local processing.

Illicit Mining Crackdown: President Boakai’s new anti-illegal mining task force has won backing from the Liberia Chamber of Mines, which praised Executive Order No. 167 for targeting illicit operators and restoring order in the sector. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC, WHO and Uganda launched a Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team to coordinate faster, country-led responses to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, including support for Bundibugyo. Drug War Pressure: LDEA says it seized over 1,419kg of illicit drugs worth more than US$20.8m between July 2025 and June 2026, while lawmakers and officials continue to question Liberia’s airport cargo security after a major cocaine bust. Port Modernization: The National Port Authority unveiled automation at Monrovia’s Freeport, including digital access passes and separate entry/exit gates, aiming to meet international standards. Governance & Gender: The House passed the LACE Act amendment to strengthen oversight of CSR funds, while EFFL argues women’s candidate quotas won’t boost representation without electoral reform. Politics Watch: Opposition leaders gathered in Zwedru for CDC’s 22nd anniversary, with Alexander Cummings signaling openness to a united front, as Weah and others accuse the ruling Unity Party of undermining democracy.

Liberian Politics: ANC leader Alexander B. Cummings told CDC supporters in Zwedru he’s ready to be “the driver or the car boy” for a united opposition push, signaling a shift toward cooperation ahead of 2029. Governance & Justice: MASJL is urging Liberia’s government and security institutions to investigate the reported US$19.2 million drug case at Roberts International Airport independently, warning against public “trial by commentary” before court action. Development & Climate: UNDP Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia briefed President Joseph Boakai on support for the Performance Management and Compliance System, the President’s Delivery Unit, coastal protection work in West Point and Sinoe, and plans to expand media and communications training. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, with prior experience overseeing operations across Liberia and other Anglophone West African states. Public Health: Reports on Ebola preparedness and travel restrictions dominated regional coverage as cases spread in DR Congo, with attention on how countries plan for outbreaks during major events.

Ebola Preparedness in Focus: With a new Ebola strain spreading in DR Congo, France confirmed its first imported case and Congo imposed a 21-day quarantine for travelers; in the U.S., Atlanta officials say the risk is low but the city’s Emory Healthcare biocontainment unit and past Ebola experience are being highlighted. Liberian Drug Case Accountability: The Movement for Accountability and Social Justice in Liberia (MASJL) urged an independent, transparent probe into the reported US$19.2 million Roberts International Airport drug case, warning against public trials before court action. Opposition Politics: ANC leader Alexander B. Cummings told CDC supporters in Zwedru he is ready to be “driver or car boy” for a united opposition push, signaling a shift toward cooperation. Regional Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, with oversight across 13 countries. UNDP Meets Boakai: UNDP’s resident representative briefed President Joseph Boakai on governance, climate resilience, and digital initiatives, including support for the President’s Delivery Unit.

Opposition Unity Push: ANC leader Alexander B. Cummings told CDC supporters in Zwedru that he’s ready to “be the driver or the car boy” to build a united opposition front, signaling a shift from past insistence on leading his own ticket. Sanitation After Floods: Liberia’s regional neighbors in Ghana reopened the Achimota-Abofu Transfer Station with Zoomlion support to restore waste collection after floods left nearly 3,000 “aboboyaa” riders unable to dispose refuse. Drug Case Due Process: MASJL urged Liberia’s government and security agencies to conduct an independent, impartial probe into the reported US$19.2 million Roberts International Airport drug case, warning against public trials before court. Development Briefing: UNDP’s Aliou Mamadou Dia met President Joseph Boakai to discuss governance support, climate resilience for coastal communities, and digital transformation. Regional Finance Appointment: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, effective May 1, after roles covering Anglophone West Africa including Liberia.

Public Health Debate: Liberia’s Inter-Religious Council says a revised Public Health Bill is needed to modernize Ebola-era preparedness, but Christian leaders are split over abortion provisions that could expand access. Anti-Corruption Courts: Liberia’s Senate Judiciary Committee has started consultations on six competing bills to set up a war and economic crimes court and a national anti-corruption court, with public hearings expected in July and advocates urging transparent, inclusive processes. Governance & Accountability: The Governance Commission is pushing for a unified national Monitoring and Evaluation framework, warning that fragmented systems and weak coordination are undermining accountability and results. Peace & Security Training: KAIPTC in Accra held its 15th graduation for a Joint Master’s Course, urging ethical leadership as Africa’s security challenges evolve. Regional Aviation: United Nigeria Airlines says it plans to expand routes to Monrovia and other West African cities within 6–24 months.

Maritime Security & Compliance: The UN’s IMO has paused plans to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was struck by a projectile, raising fresh safety questions even as traffic restarts. Liberia Aviation & Drugs: Liberia’s House of Representatives has called for the temporary suspension of GLS Menzies and Express Handling Services (EHS) over their alleged links to the US$19.2 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, while the Witness Protection Agency has offered protection to RIA Security Manager Oscar Brown after threats tied to the probe. Public Health Policy: Christian leaders are divided over a proposed overhaul of Liberia’s public health laws, with the Inter-Religious Council urging passage for Ebola-era preparedness while critics warn abortion provisions could expand access. Governance & Accountability: The Governance Commission is pushing a unified national Monitoring and Evaluation framework to improve coordination, data quality, and measurable results. Youth & Peacebuilding: Kvinna till Kvinna (KTK) launched PEACEGEN Liberia to boost meaningful youth and women’s leadership in peace processes, and the Youth Development Agency opened the Emerging Leaders Summer School 2026 for 100 scholarship beneficiaries. Energy Development: The World Bank approved US$60 million for Sierra Leone’s renewable energy push under a regional program that also includes Liberia.

RIA Drug Probe: Liberia’s House of Representatives has called for the temporary suspension of GLS Menzies and Express Handling Services (EHS) at Roberts International Airport while investigations into the US$19.2m cocaine seizure continue, citing concerns over cargo handling and chain-of-custody vulnerabilities. Witness Protection: The Witness Protection Agency has offered security and support to RIA Security Manager Oscar Brown after he alleged death threats tied to the same case. Courtroom Tensions: Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. alleges government pressure on Criminal Court “C” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie to overturn his acquittal, as a jury probe widens. Governance & Economy: Government launched new internal audit regulations and a compliance checklist; the IMF projects Liberia’s economy will grow 5.5% in 2026. Public Services: Solar power has been installed in 121 health and education facilities across 13 counties, while NWASHC says 34% of Liberians still practice open defecation. Politics: The True Whig Party suspended Chairman Reginald B. Goodridge over convention disputes. International Ties: Liberia and Maryland signed a landmark MoU to boost trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture and renewable energy.

Maritime Security & Oil Prices: A Liberian-flagged tanker, the Stoic Warrior, cleared the Strait of Hormuz using an Oman-coordinated route despite fresh Iran Revolutionary Guard warnings, as tensions with the U.S. continue and shipping traffic slowly resumes; the move helped push oil prices down toward pre-crisis levels. Local Environment: Stakeholders in Montserrado sounded the alarm over rising soil, water, and waste pollution, calling for stronger policies and urgent action to curb lead contamination and poor waste management. Justice & Finance: Liberia’s Financial Intelligence Agency won a major court backing after a ruling affirmed its power to impose sanctions, setting up a high-stakes fight with Orange Money Liberia at the Supreme Court. Ebola Funding Push: The White House is seeking over US$1.4 billion from Congress to tackle the widening Ebola outbreak, including quarantine, supplies, and global health security. Governance & Procurement: The World Bank hosted a joint integrity and procurement workshop in Monrovia to strengthen fiduciary controls and reduce fraud and misuse in project implementation. Politics: Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. alleges a political witch-hunt after his acquittal, while human rights lawyer Tiawan Saye Gongloe criticized Senate election-law consultations for excluding the LPP.

Maritime Security: A Liberian-flagged oil tanker, Stoic Warrior, cleared the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday despite threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, using a new route near Oman’s coast as tensions simmer around a U.S.-Iran interim accord. Ebola Funding: The White House is asking Congress for over US$1.4 billion to tackle the widening Ebola outbreak, including US$800 million for humanitarian response and a Kenya quarantine centre. Liberia-US Ties: Liberia and Maryland signed a historic sister-state MOU in Washington, while Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow-Nyanti pushed for help as a June 30 deadline threatens temporary immigration protections for over 4,000 Liberians in the U.S. Drug Probe at RIA: Liberian senators called for suspending GLS Menzies’ cargo concession at Roberts International Airport amid scrutiny following a US$19.2 million cocaine seizure. Local Governance & Oversight: The Governance Commission held a symposium to strengthen monitoring and evaluation across Liberia’s public sector, as Unity Party leader J. Luther Tarpeh renewed calls for a cabinet reshuffle. Public Service Recognition: The Liberia Maritime Authority was named Best Performing Public Institution of 2026.

Liberia–U.S. Ties: Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti met the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs to push deeper bilateral cooperation, with energy sector reform a top priority. Local Development: Liberia is gradually adopting the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), with experts saying it can lift yields and cut rice import dependence. Regional Money Plans: Central bank officials in Monrovia finalized the ECOWAS Exchange Rate Mechanism framework, a key step toward a future single currency. Health & Safety: Liberia’s Inter-Religious Council urged lawmakers to pass a stalled health bill that would expand abortion access in certain cases, reigniting Senate debate. Justice Watch: In Liberia’s major human trafficking trial, a second defendant denied charges while testimony continued about visits by Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s security detail to the alleged abuse compound. Governance & Records: Liberia’s National Archives week in Buchanan ended with calls to digitize records to protect rights and strengthen institutions. Training for Media: MFWA opened applications for a 2026 workshop on reporting Africa–China relations for journalists across Anglophone West Africa.