AGP Executive Report

Cocaine Crackdown: Liberian authorities burned about 4.2 metric tons of cocaine worth roughly US$336 million, including the US$317 million Duazon haul, as police said senior officers were implicated and charges were filed. Due Process Debate: Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor and others urged the government to complete all legal and forensic steps before destroying seized drugs, while EPS Director Sam Gaye defended the incineration as properly authorized. Security Support: Police IG Gregory Coleman says the U.S. is already assisting Liberia’s joint investigation into the Duazon case, with Rwanda also preparing investigators. Local Governance: In Harper, Maryland County, a reinforced concrete culvert has reopened road access to six communities after years of rainy-season disruption. Infrastructure Push: The House pledged “10G” legislative support for President Boakai’s road agenda, highlighting the Gbarnga–Salayea highway dedication. Education Message: Transformer Christian Academy urged graduates to treat education as a lifelong responsibility, not just classroom learning. Community Health: Ma Juah Health Center brought free screenings and treatment to rural Lower Margibi communities. Politics: George Weah announced a 2029 presidential run, reigniting opposition debate.

War Crimes Justice Push: OWECC-L renewed calls for a War and Economic Crimes Court as Liberia marked the 36th anniversary of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church massacre, stressing accountability, reparations, and reconciliation. Land Disputes: A clergyman warned that rising land ownership conflicts and evictions could destabilize peace and reconciliation, urging stronger implementation of the Land Rights Act. Judicial Integrity: Legal voices highlighted the need to respect court authority while demanding transparency and accountability to curb corruption in the justice system. Drug Crackdown: Authorities burned 4.2 metric tons of cocaine worth about US$336 million, charging senior police officials linked to the trafficking operation. Anti-Corruption Oversight: Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed it is assessing a complaint involving the Liberia Telecommunications Authority and a proposed traffic monitoring arrangement. Infrastructure & Connectivity: President Boakai and the Saudi Fund for Development inaugurated the 81-km Gbarnga–Salayea Road, backed by concessional financing from Arab partners. Women’s Finance: The World Bank warned that women’s financial exclusion is costing Liberia billions, even as a national conference on women’s financial inclusion opened in Monrovia. Institutional Reform: The Liberia Revenue Authority launched a nationwide Change Readiness Tour to roll out reforms across tax and customs operations. Court Date: The Civil Law Court in Montserrado is set to hear motions over the Seaview Golf Course dispute.

Harvard Spotlight: Young Liberian scholar Wantoe Teah Wantoe was named a 2026–2027 Student Ambassador for Harvard’s Center for International Development, after an “extremely competitive” selection. Anti-Corruption Probe: Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission says it is assessing a complaint against officials of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority over a proposed traffic monitoring arrangement with NUMTEL. Justice Watch: The Sixth Judicial Circuit in Montserrado will hear consolidated motions today in the Seaview Golf Course dispute involving the Government and Dr. C. Nelson Oniyama. Roads & Development: President Boakai and Saudi Fund for Development officials inaugurated the 81-km Gbarnga–Salayea Road, with co-financing from Arab partners, boosting access to schools, healthcare and markets. Women’s Finance: AWLN Liberia and the Central Bank launched a two-day conference on women’s financial inclusion. Drugs & Governance: Former House Speaker Bhofal Chambers renewed calls to enforce Liberia’s death penalty law for drug traffickers as debate intensifies after major cocaine seizures. Water Crisis: Over 2,000 residents in Zuotuo Town, Nimba, have lacked safe drinking water for nearly three years after hand pumps broke down. LRA Reform: The Liberia Revenue Authority began a nationwide Change Readiness Tour to roll out modernization across tax and customs operations.

Roads & Connectivity: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) backed Liberia’s Banga–Salayea road inauguration and laid the foundation for the Salayea–Konia road, with KD 5m and KD 4m loans respectively, aimed at cutting travel costs and boosting trade. National Identity & History: President Joseph Boakai launched a National Historical Recovery and Repatriation Initiative to reclaim Liberia’s documentary heritage and strengthen national identity ahead of the bicentennial. Independence Outreach: JFK Medical Center marked its 55th Founders’ Day with rehabilitation services and assistive device support for Persons with Disabilities in Buchanan. Digital Future: UNDP urged Liberia to put technology and innovation at the center of development, focusing on digital skills and young people as solution-builders. Public Safety Support: Crime Watch Liberia appealed for duty-free privileges and direct budget support to sustain its Night Birds emergency response work. Governance Call: Liberia Council of Churches urged righteous leadership, unity, and accountable stewardship in an Independence Day open letter to the President.

Digital Transformation Push: UNDP urged Liberia to make technology and innovation central to development, focusing on digital skills and young people as solution-creators, not just tool users. Public Safety Funding Gap: Crime Watch Liberia appealed to President Boakai and lawmakers for duty-free privileges and direct budget support to keep its Night Birds emergency patrols running. Payments Literacy Drive: AfricaNenda launched a campaign to train journalists to explain inclusive instant digital payments across Africa, aiming to boost trust and adoption. Roads & Infrastructure: President Boakai dedicated the completed Gbarnga–Salayea Road and signed financing for Salayea–Konia and Zorzor–Yeala projects, citing wider access for farmers and businesses. Prison Rehabilitation Partnership: The Ministry of Justice renewed calls for private sector backing for inmate rehabilitation, urging philanthropist Jeety to go beyond food donations. Corruption Probe Watch: The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission is reviewing a complaint alleging corruption at the LTA involving payments tied to a possible traffic monitoring partner. Independence Day Friction: In Buchanan, overcrowding shut out some traditional leaders and residents from the main Independence Day venue. Education Expansion: AME University broke ground on a 25-classroom annex to expand capacity for over 7,000 students. Gender Justice in WECC: Women’s rights groups urged senators to strengthen gender provisions in the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court.

Liberia’s Drug Fight: Liberia police say they seized about US$317m worth of cocaine in Duazon, arresting two men and stopping a major shipment headed for Europe. Justice Under Strain: A new report highlights how a rape case in Todee District has stalled for months, with the Ministry of Justice citing limited resources and victims facing pressure to drop charges. Independence Push for Nation-Building: President Joseph Boakai used Liberia’s 179th Independence Day in Buchanan to urge Liberians to confront adversity with resilience and build a confident, capable nation—while the National Archives welcomed his pledge to modernize records and improve public access. Roads for Lofa County: Boakai is set to dedicate the Gbarnga–Salayea Road and break ground for more road projects under the ARREST Agenda, aiming to boost connectivity and trade. Digital Economy Plan: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan says government will move Liberia toward a 24-hour digital economy, including payment system reforms to help young creatives earn from their work. Environment Watch: A Mongabay investigation warns that cocoa-driven deforestation in southeastern Liberia could trigger an EU import ban unless Liberia builds costly tracking systems. Correctional Reform: The Justice Ministry renewed calls for private sector support for inmate rehabilitation, urging businessman “Jeety” to expand beyond feeding programs.

Independence & Identity: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai used Liberia’s 179th Independence Day in Buchanan to press a deeper question—“Who are we as Liberians?”—and announced a National Historical Recovery and Repatriation Initiative to retrieve and repatriate historical records held abroad, alongside plans to review the Kendeja Cultural Center. Nation-Building Message: National Orator Dr. Herbert C. Brewer urged Liberians to reclaim confidence in their history as the basis for unity and national purpose, while faith leaders and youth voices echoed calls for hope, integrity, and shared responsibility. Roads & Connectivity: Boakai is set to dedicate the completed 81-kilometer Gbarnga–Salayea Road and break ground for two more Lofa projects, including Salayea–Konia and Zorzor–Yeala, funded with support from Arab development partners. Justice & Corrections: The Ministry of Justice renewed its appeal for private-sector backing for inmate rehabilitation, urging philanthropist Jeety to expand beyond food support into skills and reintegration. Security & Accountability: Liberia’s police intelligence chief Johnny Bolar Dean was dismissed over an alleged US$10,000 bribe tied to a narcotics case, renewing concerns about corruption risks in security institutions. Drugs & Reform: Authorities said they will burn 4.2 tons of seized cocaine this week, after an unverified online video claimed larger quantities and demanded release of arrested foreign nationals. Digital Economy: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan told youth in Buchanan that government plans to move the digital economy toward a 24-hour system, supported by payment reforms via the National Switch. Ports Modernization: The National Port Authority’s automated gate system at the Freeport of Monrovia is nearing completion to improve security and speed up port operations.

Independence Day Focus: President Joseph Boakai used Liberia’s 179th Independence Day to urge stronger national identity, praising the National Archives for protecting public records and pledging more budget support for CNDRA. Roads & Connectivity: Government will dedicate the Gbarnga–Salayea road corridor and break ground for major Lofa road projects, including Salayea–Konia and Zorzor–Yeala, funded through OPEC Fund, BADEA and Kuwait Fund, with more financing expected for Konia–Voinjama. Public Health Alert: Weah Village residents in Maryland County say a contaminated creek is their only drinking water source, warning of rising risks from highway runoff and toxic contamination. Police Integrity Questions: The dismissal of Liberia National Police intelligence chief Johnny Bolar Dean over an alleged US$10,000 bribe has sparked concerns about whether a wider drug-money network is involved. Rubber Sector Tensions: The National Rubber Brokers and Farmers Union accuses the Agriculture Minister of staging a “welcome” for President Boakai and excluding genuine farmers from rubber meetings. Drug Bust: Authorities seized 3,971kg of cocaine worth about US$317 million in Duazon, arresting two foreign nationals linked to the shipment bound for Europe. International Mobility: South Africa’s eVisa list includes Liberia among selected African countries, while Guinea’s visa-free entry policy also covers Liberians.

Liberia’s Drug Bust: Liberian authorities seized about $317 million worth of cocaine bound for Europe in Duazon, east of Monrovia, arresting two suspects in one of the country’s biggest recorded hauls. Independence Message: As Liberia marks 179 years of Independence, Elias Shoniyin urged national reflection, unity, integrity, and healing—warning the country must not become a transit point for drug trafficking. Bilateral Diplomacy: President Joseph Boakai met Türkiye’s President Erdoğan in Istanbul, with talks focused on trade and cooperation in defense, security, education, and transport. Local Governance: Liberia’s Agriculture Ministry denied claims of a “staged farmers’ welcome” for Boakai’s Buchanan visit ahead of Independence celebrations. Regional Security: The AU condemned Houthi attacks on Red Sea oil tankers, warning they threaten maritime security and regional stability. Health Watch: Ebola deaths in DR Congo surged past 1,300, with officials warning the outbreak is spreading rapidly. Connectivity: Air Peace and Etihad signed an interline deal to expand travel links across Nigeria, West Africa, and the Middle East, including Monrovia. Education & Skills: JICA, Noguchi and WHO boosted lab capacity for infectious disease detection, training health professionals including Liberians.

Independence Message: Liberia’s 179th Independence Day was marked by calls from Elias Shoniyin for national reflection, unity, integrity, and healing—urging citizens to confront painful truths and renew commitment to the future. Drug Bust: Liberian authorities seized about US$317 million worth of cocaine bound for Europe in Duazon, east of Monrovia, arresting two suspects after finding 3,971 kg of cocaine in a house packed with “Coco” and “Poseidon” marked boxes. Governance & Unity: Elias Shoniyin also highlighted Liberia’s past contradictions—political exclusion, corruption, conflict, and institutional decay—saying reconciliation requires facing history. Local Response: Liberia’s Agriculture Ministry denied claims of a “staged farmers’ welcome” for President Joseph Boakai in Buchanan, saying the reception was organized by residents themselves. International Ties: Türkiye’s President Erdoğan met Boakai in Istanbul, pledging deeper cooperation in defense, security, education, and transport. Health & Security: A DRC Ebola outbreak report says deaths have surged past 1,309, with the virus described as spreading “like a wildfire.”

DRC Ebola: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola death toll has surged past 1,354, with confirmed cases now at 3,075—up 27% in five days—while healthcare workers at a Bunia treatment centre reportedly went on strike over unpaid wages and unsafe conditions. Liberia Independence Day diplomacy: UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed and senior UAE officials sent congratulations to President Joseph Boakai, while the Amir also issued similar messages. Anti-drug push: Liberia’s police say they seized about US$317 million worth of cocaine bound for Europe in Duazon, arresting two suspects after finding nearly 3,971 kg of cocaine in a house packed with “Coco” and “Poseidon” marked boxes. Local governance & economy: Afriland Properties warns rising costs, financing rates, and regulatory bottlenecks are stalling affordable housing delivery. Trade & regional ties: Türkiye’s Erdoğan met Boakai in Istanbul, pledging deeper cooperation across defence, security, education and transport. Environment & trade: Liberia-linked concerns continue as authorities elsewhere block alleged US e-waste shipments, citing precaution under waste rules.

Drug Bust: Liberia seized about US$317m worth of cocaine bound for Europe in Duazon, east of Monrovia, arresting two suspects after officers found 3,971kg in a house packed with “Coco” and “Poseidon” marked boxes. Power & Development: President Boakai switched on lights in Buchanan under the EU-funded Light Up South-East Liberia programme, expanding streetlights and electricity connections for homes, schools, clinics and public institutions. Governance & Budgeting: Liberia’s Civil Service Agency says it will hold annual manpower hearings alongside the FY2027 budget to keep compensation orderly and prevent extra pay demands outside the process. Local Economy: A report highlights Liberia’s rubber boom but lack of new tire manufacturing, leaving drivers to rely on worn-out used tires. Health Capacity: JICA, Noguchi and WHO trained health professionals from six countries, including Liberia, to strengthen lab skills for infectious disease detection and response. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye’s Erdoğan met President Boakai in Istanbul, pledging deeper cooperation in defense, security, education and transport.

Liberia Drug Bust: Liberia seized about $317 million in cocaine bound for Europe in Duazon, arresting two suspects and saying further checks are needed to trace origin and route. Security & Accountability: Police also detained senior figures tied to the probe, as authorities move to explain how such a shipment entered undetected. Local Governance & Power: President Boakai switched on Buchanan lights, marking progress under the EU-funded Light Up South-East Liberia programme to expand electricity access. Independence Politics in Buchanan: Liberia’s Agriculture Ministry rejected claims of a “staged farmers” welcome for Boakai, saying communities welcomed him on their own. International Partnerships: Türkiye’s Erdoğan met Boakai in Istanbul, pledging cooperation across defense industry, security, education and transport. Health & Capacity: JICA, Noguchi and WHO boosted laboratory capacity for infectious disease detection across six African countries. Education Support: A Montgomery County student’s scholarship project is helping 50+ Liberian students attend school. Travel & Health Alerts: CDC issued a Level 2 travel notice for Costa Rica’s Guanacaste after chikungunya spread locally. Air Connectivity: Air Peace and Etihad signed an interline deal to expand routes into Monrovia and other West African cities.

Cocaine Bust: Liberia seized about $317 million worth of cocaine—3,971kg—in Duazon, Margibi County, arresting two foreign nationals as police say the haul points to a “sophisticated” trafficking network. Anti-Drug Accountability: Police also detained top intelligence and highway officials in connection with the massive cartel probe, raising fresh questions about internal protection of drug shipments. Electricity for Buchanan: President Boakai switched on lights in Buchanan under the EU-funded Light Up South-East Liberia programme, expanding streetlights and power connections ahead of Independence Day. Government Planning: The Civil Service Agency says it will hold regular annual manpower hearings alongside the FY2027 budget process to curb extra compensation demands. Humanitarian Relief: Liberia’s Red Cross wrapped up cash and relief support for 531 fire and storm-affected families, warning more flood risks are emerging. Connectivity Deal: Air Peace and Etihad signed an interline agreement linking Lagos and Accra to Etihad’s global network, including onward access to Monrovia. Local Water Crisis: Residents of Weah Village in Maryland County are pleading for safe drinking water, saying they still rely on a creek near the highway.

Drug Bust: Liberia seized nearly four metric tons of cocaine worth about US$317 million in Duazon, Margibi County, arresting two foreign nationals (Serbian and Colombian/Spanish) and saying the haul points to an “organized, sophisticated” trafficking network operating for over six years. Police Accountability: Liberia’s police relieved Deputy Commissioner Johnny Bolar Dean after he admitted receiving US$10,000 tied to the cocaine case, sending him to the Professional Standards Division. Budget & Governance: The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning launched the FY2027 budget formulation, urging ministries to end unplanned spending and align proposals with the ARREST Agenda. Humanitarian Response: The Liberia National Red Cross Society closed relief support for 531 fire and storm-affected families, warning a growing flood emergency is putting thousands more at risk. Local Development: President Boakai commissioned electrification and community projects in Grand Bassa ahead of Independence Day, while Buchanan corridors and streets are being lit under an EU-funded power push. Justice System: UNDP joined magistrates’ graduation to strengthen Liberia’s rule of law and access to justice.

Drug Bust: Liberia seized nearly four tonnes of cocaine in Duazon, Margibi County—valued at about US$317.7m—arresting two foreign nationals and several others, as officials say the haul points to an “organised, sophisticated, complex and well-funded” trafficking network. Justice & Accountability: A separate cocaine case tied to Roberts International Airport appears procedurally stuck after a City Court preliminary ruling, raising fears the defendant may not be indicted in the coming term. Telecom & Governance: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority says it is pushing cheaper data and digital growth while denying corruption allegations linked to the International Gateway Monitoring System. Judiciary Reform: Liberia’s Chief Justice announced annual performance-based awards for judges and magistrates to improve speed, integrity, and discipline. Housing Tensions: National Housing Authority workers protested demanding the removal of Managing Director Florence Geegbae over alleged civil service violations and stalled housing delivery. Tech & Education: NASSCORP commissioned an Innovation Lab at Margibi University, and Liberia’s Tech Summit crowned Lantern to represent the country at the Startup World Cup. Politics: Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung warned that hatred, misinformation, and division are weakening Liberia. Regional Health Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,000 deaths, spreading far faster than the 2014–2016 epidemic. Travel Deal: Etihad and Air Peace signed an interline agreement connecting 20 destinations, including Monrovia.