AGP Executive Report

Regional Justice: Liberian Justice Charlyne Brumskine has been elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, becoming the first Liberian woman to lead the regional court. Economy: The IMF approved a US$50.16 million disbursement to Liberia after completing program reviews. The mining sector contributed about US$432 million to the country’s US$1 billion in revenue collections, while Liberia has opened 15 offshore oil blocks to investors. National ID: Lawmakers are reviewing a proposed US$52 million digital identity and civil registration deal; Naymote is urging close scrutiny, data protections and independent oversight. Health: At Liberia’s national scientific conference, Africa CDC executive Tolbert Nyenswah urged the government to boost domestic funding for healthcare, research and disease preparedness. Trafficking: The Labour Ministry is seeking more funding to investigate trafficking cases, support prosecutions and protect vulnerable people. War Crimes Case: The U.S. trial of former Liberian army commander Moses Wright, accused in connection with the 1990 Lutheran Church massacre, has been postponed until February.

Maritime: A Liberian-flagged tanker, Banda, ran aground near Istanbul during a storm. Its six crew members were reported safe, with plans to refloat the vessel once conditions improve. Energy and Investment: Liberia has opened direct negotiations on 29 offshore oil and gas blocks to attract investors. Separately, President Boakai received an update on Millennium Challenge Corporation compact talks focused on electricity and mining reforms, including power transmission and private investment. Agriculture: At a Rome forum, Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah pitched a US$370 million investment portfolio for rice, cocoa, cassava and maize, as Liberia seeks to cut food imports. Regional Justice: Liberian judge Charlyne Brumskine has been elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, a landmark appointment for the country. Judiciary: Chief Justice Gbeisay’s proposal to abolish jury trials has drawn strong opposition and calls for his resignation, intensifying debate over judicial reform.

Regional Justice: Liberia’s Charlyne Brumskine was elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, becoming the first Liberian woman to lead the regional court. She pledged to strengthen judicial independence and timely justice. Food and Farming: Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah pitched a US$370 million investment portfolio in Rome, including US$243 million for rice, as Liberia seeks to cut food imports and boost local production. Rural Women: A national forum in Buchanan put women’s land rights and livelihoods in focus, with advocates stressing that the Land Rights Act must translate into secure ownership in practice. Judicial Debate: Senators Snowe and Konneh rejected the Chief Justice’s call to abolish jury trials, arguing that reforms—not removing a constitutional right—should address jury tampering. Oil Prospects: Liberia opened negotiations on 29 offshore oil and gas blocks to attract exploration companies, despite having no oil production yet. U.S. Ties: President Boakai met new U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Kristin Gilmore and discussed cooperation on investment, trade, public health and security.

Regional Justice: Liberian Justice Charlyne Brumskine has been elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, pledging to defend judicial independence and deliver timely justice. She is the first Liberian woman to lead the court. Justice and Accountability: An investigation says rape survivors in Liberia face delays and weak enforcement, leaving many cases unresolved. Meanwhile, the Council of Churches has urged political leaders to keep politics out of the Saudi rice trial, in which former ministers Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and Varney Sirleaf were found guilty. Legislative Tensions: Sixty-two lawmakers attended the House as Speaker Richard Koon resumed business, but the dispute over lawmakers’ benefits and district support remains unresolved. Public Health: The government has launched a monthly exercise and wellness day amid rising hypertension and obesity, urging people to be more active and seek regular health checks. War Crimes Court: Sweden says it will continue supporting Liberia’s post-war justice effort through international partners, as the country pushes to establish a war and economic crimes court.

Regional Justice: Liberian Justice Charlyne Brumskine was elected president of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, pledging to defend judicial independence and deliver timely justice. Development Finance: The African Development Bank pledged continued support for Liberia’s roads, energy and agriculture; Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan said Liberia had contributed US$3 million to the bank’s fund. Public Assets: NICOL is seeking US$2 million in budget support to modernize and expand insurance for government property, saying coverage could protect public funds from repair and replacement costs. Political Tensions: The House resumed business with 62 lawmakers after a boycott over benefits and district support, but the dispute remains unresolved as budget talks approach. Saudi Rice Trial: The Liberia Council of Churches urged that the case against former officials be decided free of political pressure, while defendant Rosetta Gbassay Bowah reaffirmed her innocence and said she would not give false testimony. Agriculture: Liberia is pitching more than US$300 million in farm investments, including support for coffee, processing and mechanization.

Judiciary: Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay’s call to abolish jury trials has sparked a constitutional dispute, with Senator Abraham Darius Dillon insisting the right cannot be removed without a referendum. Gbeisay also says his family has received threats over a land ruling in Nimba County. Legislature: Speaker Richard Koon says lawmakers’ grievances are legitimate as a revolt over benefits and House administration deepens, with dozens reportedly boycotting proceedings and seeking leadership changes. Mining and Rail: Ivanhoe Atlantic has lobbied in the United States on the Nimba iron ore project and rail access through Liberia, putting the country’s role in a strategic mineral supply route in focus. Accountability: Former officials have been convicted in Liberia’s US$425,000 Saudi rice diversion case, while one defendant has rejected the verdict and alleged pressure to testify. Human Trafficking: Police are investigating a suspected trafficking and scam operation after rescuing a Ghanaian woman in Paynesville and detaining seven people for questioning. Education: More than 3,000 students in Maryland County received school supplies through the Presidential Special Initiative.

Judicial Showdown: Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay’s call to abolish jury trials has drawn strong opposition. Senator Abraham Darius Dillon says the constitutional right cannot be removed without a referendum; Gbeisay also says he and his family face death threats over a disputed Nimba land ruling. Legislative Turmoil: Speaker Richard Koon says reformist lawmakers’ grievances are legitimate, as a boycott and reported calls to remove House leaders deepen the dispute. Accountability: Former Weah administration officials, including ex-Foreign Minister Gbehzohngar Findley? Wait source says Kemayah, Sirleaf. Need correct. Former Weah cabinet ministers incl Kemayah and Sirleaf convicted in Saudi rice diversion case.** Need not invent names. Continue. Accountability: Former Weah cabinet ministers, including former Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah? text says Kemayah, Sirleaf; possibly Sirleaf is former minister. safer say Kemayah and Sirleaf.Police detained 70 foreign nationals in a cybercrime probe, while a separate investigation followed the rescue of a Ghanaian woman in a suspected trafficking operation. **Business & Resources: Liberia’s central bank is seeking Nigeria’s insurance-regulation expertise; Australian explorer Bounty has begun technical checks on offshore Block LB-32. Diplomacy: Liberia backed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara at the UN.

Oil and Mining: Bounty Oil & Gas has begun technical due diligence on offshore Block LB-32 as it considers acquiring PetroQuest Liberia Deep Water. Separately, an investigation alleges ArcelorMittal’s iron-ore operations have displaced farmers and polluted water; the company’s claims and local impacts warrant close scrutiny. Legislative Crisis: At least 47 lawmakers reportedly back efforts to remove Speaker Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, deepening a standoff in the House. Crime and Accountability: Police arrested 70 foreign nationals in a cybercrime and counterfeiting probe, seizing computers, phones and suspected counterfeit cash. In the Saudi rice diversion trial, a jury convicted eight defendants, including former ministers Dee-Maxwell Kemayah and Varney Sirleaf; appeals may follow. Children’s Welfare: A report says the government’s street-child program is behind its targets, with only US$1.3 million of a projected US$15 million budget provided so far. Trafficking: A U.S. report upgraded Liberia to Tier 2 but cited gaps in victim services, enforcement capacity and oversight of labor recruiters.

Cybercrime Probe: Police arrested 70 foreign nationals, including several Chinese citizens, in raids targeting alleged cybercrime and counterfeiting. Officers seized more than 200 phones, computers and suspected counterfeit cash. Legislative Crisis: Forty-one lawmakers are demanding the removal of Speaker Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, accusing them of financial misconduct and administrative failures. The dispute threatens to disrupt work on the proposed 2027 national budget; the allegations remain unverified. Accountability: Former officials were convicted in the Saudi-donated rice case over the diversion of more than 25,000 bags. Appeals may follow. Education: FAWE Liberia received 1,447 applications for 650 university and vocational education opportunities for marginalized young people. Child Welfare: A government street-children program is falling behind its targets, with only US$1.3 million of a projected US$15 million budget provided so far and limited public information on progress.

Education: FAWE Liberia plans to fund university and vocational training for 650 marginalized young people, including women, refugees and people with disabilities; 1,447 applied. Morocco’s embassy also offered to support scholarship opportunities for Liberian journalists, subject to government approval. Public Spending: Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan challenged Commerce officials to show how their budget delivers economic results, while Ghana’s ambassador urged Liberia to digitize procurement to curb abuse of public funds. Trade and Shipping: The Liberia Revenue Authority chief called Freeport modernization vital to growth and trade. Liberia and India, co-leading a new maritime safety group, condemned attacks on commercial vessels; 10 Filipino seafarers have returned home after their Liberia-flagged tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz. Accountability: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and 19 others face arrest warrants in the US$317 million cocaine case, as the government faces scrutiny over the prosecution. Politics: Former lawmaker Yekeh Kolubah declared an independent bid for president in 2029. Regional Role: Liberian jurist Charlyne Brumskine was sworn in as one of five new ECOWAS Court judges.

Regional Justice: Liberian jurist Charlyne Brumskine was sworn in as one of five new ECOWAS Court judges. The bloc’s chair urged them to decide cases impartially and resist pressure. Scrabble Championship: Monrovia will host the African Scrabble Championship from October 22–25. Nigeria’s federation chief expects his country to defend its title, with Uganda and Kenya the main challengers, and praised Liberia’s preparations. Legislative Tensions: About 41 lawmakers boycotted the House reopening amid grievances over resources and allegations of financial and administrative irregularities, deepening pressure on Speaker Richard Koon. Cocaine Case: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is among 19 people indicted in the US$317 million drug case; six defendants are reportedly in custody as the prosecution faces scrutiny.

Regional Cooperation: Liberia joined seven other ECOWAS countries at a Banjul meeting to strengthen border management and cooperation, with talks focused on boundary demarcation and resolving disputes. House Turmoil: About 41 lawmakers boycotted the legislature’s reopening and met separately amid complaints about leadership, funds and alleged administrative irregularities. Saudi Rice Trial: A jury returned guilty, acquittal, mixed and inconclusive verdicts; former ministers Dee-Maxwell Kemayah and Varney Sirleaf were among those found guilty on principal charges. International Opportunities: The ICC is inviting Liberians to apply for jobs in legal, communications, administration, security and translation roles as part of a drive to broaden its workforce. Maritime Safety: Liberia and India, co-chairs of a shipping-safety group, condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf and Black Sea and called for an immediate halt. Theological Education: Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary marked 50 years with calls to strengthen academic standards, spiritual formation and practical training for Christian leaders.

Legislative Turmoil: About 41 lawmakers boycotted the House reopening and met separately, intensifying pressure on Speaker Richard Koon amid complaints about finances and administration. Major Court Cases: Five more suspects have been arrested in the US$317 million cocaine case, in which former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is among those indicted. A jury in the Saudi-donated rice trial returned mixed verdicts, finding former ministers Dee-Maxwell Kemayah and Varney Sirleaf guilty on principal charges, while other defendants were acquitted or received mixed outcomes. Maritime Security: Liberia and India, co-chairs of a shipping-safety group, condemned attacks on commercial vessels; a drone strike hit a Panama-flagged tanker near Sharjah, but all 22 Indian crew members were reported safe. Regional Cooperation: Liberia joined ECOWAS border officials in The Gambia to discuss border management and peaceful cooperation. Mental Health: A regional report highlights severe shortages of specialists and services, noting Liberia has only one tertiary psychiatric hospital.

Saudi Rice Trial: A Monrovia jury returned mixed verdicts, finding former ministers Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and Varney Sirleaf, along with two other defendants, guilty on principal charges over the handling of donated rice; others were acquitted or received mixed results. Cocaine Case: Five more suspects were arrested in the US$317 million drug case, in which former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is among 19 indicted. Public Safety: Police arrested more than 67 foreign nationals in a cybercrime and counterfeiting probe, seizing computers, phones and suspected counterfeit cash. Schools: Monrovia public-school teachers say they will continue their go-slow until the government addresses payroll, staffing and salary demands. Accountability: Opposition leader Tiawan Gongloe wants President Boakai to disclose the cost, delegation size and results of his 23-day U.S. trip. Maritime Security: Liberia and India condemned attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf and Black Sea and called for an immediate halt. Economic Debate: Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf urged Liberia to move beyond raw-material exports and build more domestic value from its natural resources.

Cybercrime Probe: Police arrested more than 67 foreign nationals in raids targeting suspected cybercrime and counterfeiting networks, seizing over 200 phones, 50 computers and more than US$1.3 million in suspected fake currency. Drug Case: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is among 19 people named in a US$317 million drug and money-laundering indictment; several defendants have been jailed as they await proceedings. War Crimes Court: Liberia’s Witness Protection Agency says it lacks funding, trained officers and a safe house as efforts to establish war-crimes and anti-corruption courts gain momentum. The human rights commission is also seeking US$250,000 to launch a victims’ trust fund. Schools: Monrovia public-school teachers are defying a return-to-class call and continuing their go-slow over pay, staffing and payroll demands. Maritime Security: Liberia and India are jointly pressing for an end to attacks on commercial ships and seafarers, and plan to put maritime safety at the center of global discussions. Economy: The Central Bank held its key rate at 16% and raised reserve requirements on U.S.-dollar deposits as inflation eased to 4.5%. Public Services: The water corporation says six towns and communities could gain piped water by December or mid-2027, while Agriculture is seeking US$69 million to boost food production and address a shortage of extension workers.

Drug Case: A grand jury indictment has triggered arrest warrants for former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and 19 others in an alleged US$317 million cocaine trafficking and money-laundering case. Several defendants are in custody; the allegations have not been proven in court. Cash Seizure: Police intercepted US$400,000 in undeclared cash at a Cape Mount checkpoint. The driver said it came from his cocoa business, and the investigation is ongoing. Court: Monrovia City Court ordered the arrest of two men accused of falsely claiming senior roles at GTMS Liberia and threatening a company representative. Maritime Security: Liberia and India called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial ships and seafarers in the Gulf and Black Sea, amid strikes on Liberia-flagged vessels. Flooding: A worsening rainy season has affected nearly 20,000 families in Monrovia and surrounding communities, disrupting homes, schooling and livelihoods. Accountability: Naymote reports that only 12 of 385 commitments in President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda have been fully completed.