AGP Executive Report

Local Economy & Jobs: Liberia’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has backed the proposed Local Content Policy, saying it could unlock more opportunities for Liberian-owned businesses and keep more investment benefits inside the country, following a Monrovia validation workshop. National Security: President Joseph Boakai launched Liberia’s 10-Year National Security Strategy (2026–2036), shifting from a military-heavy model to a whole-of-society, people-centered approach focused on rights, jobs, climate resilience, and better coordination across government. Regional Integration: Liberia’s Ambassador John Ballout presented his letter of credence to ECOWAS, reaffirming support for ECOWAS and raising concerns about regional air transport tariff regulation. Roads & Connectivity: The Salayea to Konia road project in Lofa will rehabilitate 50 km with all-weather asphalt, cutting travel time from 160 to 45 minutes, with a $73.8m budget. Sports Development: The Lonestar Mobilization Team urged lawmakers to revive Liberia’s national football program through a grassroots pipeline linking youth and senior teams. Governance & Accountability: The House of Representatives passed a unanimous vote of no confidence in Ambassador Sheikh Moustapha Kouyateh after he refused to apologize for remarks alleging corruption in the Legislature. Justice & Rights: Liberia’s Ministry of Justice rejected claims of interference in the Hans Armstrong case, saying court records and a presidential directive guide its actions. Diplomacy & Trade: Liberia-China ties got a boost after Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti’s Beijing visit, including progress on mediation cooperation and a planned consulate presence in Hong Kong.

Human Trafficking Trial: Liberia’s biggest alleged human trafficking case—57 victims, extortion and promises of jobs abroad—moves to trial as 10 of 11 defendants are set to appear, after months of claims about delays, bribery, and interference. Party Politics: The Partido Nashonal di Pueblo (PNP) receives a preliminary “Commission for Progress” reform report, aiming to reset party operations and prepare for future elections. Security & Governance: President Boakai launches Liberia’s National Security Strategy 2026–2036, shifting focus toward jobs, rights, climate resilience, and public trust, while the Senate moves to avert an oil-sector crisis tied to a dispute between LPRA and NOCAL. Mining Crackdown: Boakai orders joint security forces to act against illegal miners in Gbarpolu County, citing environmental damage and growing lawlessness. Ebola Preparedness: Liberia’s public health leadership defends a US$4.2 million Ebola preparedness budget amid public scrutiny. Trade & Economy: Liberia’s exports to China surge more than 30-fold under China’s zero-tariff policy, boosting hopes for mining and agriculture. Telecom Controversy: A growing controversy surrounds Numtel JV Numbase LLC and alleged regulatory maneuvering involving the LTA. Education Access: Salvation Army Polytechnic University cuts tuition by 50% to widen higher education access.

Hospital Leadership: Ganta’s Esther and Jereline Medical Centre has a new administrator, Ruthine N. Saye Bentuo, who says she will push for transparency and upgrades like renewed beds, a prenatal ward, and incubators. Youth Policy Watch: Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah’s 100-day report flags deteriorating youth infrastructure, weak systems, and transport gaps, while promising work to renovate youth centers and TVET facilities. UN Diplomacy: Liberia remains on the UN Security Council through 2027 as Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe were elected for the 2027–28 term. Regional Energy: The World Bank says West Africa’s power integration is expanding electricity access, including in Liberia, through new transmission lines and cross-border trade. Maritime Cooperation: NIMASA says it will deepen Nigeria–Liberia maritime ties and youth capacity-building for the blue economy. Offshore Survey in Liberia: TDI-Brooks’ R/V Gyre has arrived in Monrovia for a seep detection campaign supporting offshore exploration work.

Local Governance: Liberia’s House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon warns absentee lawmakers of direct salary deductions after lawmakers failed to secure quorum, halting legislative business. Decentralization Funding: A new study says Liberia’s decentralization agenda faces a US$179.4m funding gap by 2029, threatening county service delivery unless transfers and capacity improve. Security & Justice: The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency reports 233 arrests and 422.08kg of narcotics seized in Q1 2026, with suspects forwarded to court. U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. plans to cut Africa visa-processing hubs from nearly 50 to 20, with Monrovia listed as a remaining hub—meaning some applicants may need to travel. Regional/Global Watch: A deadly New Delhi hotel fire killed at least 21 people, including Liberians and other foreign nationals; investigations focus on licensing and operating beyond approved room limits. Health/Travel: Nigeria tightens Ebola screening at airports, borders and ports, saying there are no confirmed cases in the country yet.

Local Governance: A new Naymote Partners study warns Liberia’s decentralization push is at risk, citing funding gaps, weak coordination, and procurement bottlenecks that could leave counties short by about US$179.4 million by 2029. Tax Modernization: The Liberia Revenue Authority is in South Korea to learn from the National Tax Service on digital tax systems and better taxpayer services, including talks with tech and consultancy firms. U.S. Visa Access: The U.S. plans to cut Africa visa-processing sites from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with Monrovia, Liberia listed among the remaining locations—meaning some applicants may face new travel and delays. Ebola Preparedness: Health authorities across the region are tightening Ebola readiness as outbreaks continue, with reports highlighting emergency response steps and surveillance upgrades. Regional Maritime Ties: Nigeria and Liberia are deepening maritime cooperation to boost the West African blue economy, capacity building, and youth opportunities at sea.

US Visa Overhaul for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 “hub” locations, with Monrovia (Liberia) named among the hubs—meaning applicants from non-hub countries may have to travel farther for services. Ebola Watch in the Region: Uganda confirmed six new Ebola cases, bringing infections to 15, while Nigeria’s readiness was put at 59% as health authorities warn land borders could fuel importation risks. Liberia’s Politics Under the Microscope: Debate is heating up over Liberia’s “2% rule,” with stakeholders warning Section 5(A)(1) of the Elections Law could bar parties from future elections—raising constitutional and democratic concerns. Human Rights Support: OHCHR and the EU handed INCHR operational equipment to strengthen monitoring and response in hard-to-reach counties. Local Governance Tensions: Residents of NASSCORP Village accuse the National Housing Authority of selling land meant for public facilities, sparking disputes and court cases. Energy & Jobs: Liberia’s first solar farm is now producing power, part of efforts to reduce diesel dependence and boost electricity supply.

Opposition Under Scrutiny: Political analyst Abdullah Kiatamba says Liberia’s opposition under President Joseph Boakai is weak and passive, arguing it has failed to push hard on major issues like the Presidential Villa renovation and the removal of former House Speaker Fonati Kofa. Tobacco Control Watch: A WHO warning ahead of World No Tobacco Day spotlights gaps in Liberia’s tobacco control enforcement, with children and adolescents increasingly using tobacco and nicotine products worldwide. Customs Leader Dies: Former NCBAL president Ivan I. F. Tumbey has died in Monrovia after reportedly collapsing, with no official details yet on the cause. Democracy Debate: A new discussion challenges Liberia’s “2% rule” in the Elections Law, warning it could limit political choice by barring parties from future elections after poor presidential performance. Health Systems Leadership: Liberia’s Civil Service Agency DG Josiah F. Joekai Jr. chairs a continental meeting on strengthening health and public service systems, aiming to integrate health workers into civil service frameworks. Regional Mobility Pressure: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing embassies across Africa from nearly 50 to 20, with Monrovia listed as a remaining hub—potentially affecting Liberians’ travel plans.

Visa Crunch for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut the number of embassies and consulates that process visas across Africa from nearly 50 to just 20, with changes expected in June—part of a wider push to tighten immigrant and non-immigrant travel. Ebola Watch in the Region: With Ebola resurging in the DRC, Lagos intensified surveillance at MMIA to block imported cases, while global health officials warn the outbreak could worsen before it improves. Education and Credentials: Ghana’s GTEC flagged 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, including several linked to Liberia, warning students and employers to verify certificates. Liberia’s Governance and Courts: The Supreme Court will hear MONCO’s $2.5m judgment case against Global Bank on June 2, and LACRA says the suspension of Deputy DG Alpha Gongolee remains in force. Local Development: Liberia launched the SARTLA climate-resilience project ($103.9m) and moved toward ICAO certification for Roberts International Airport. Politics and Elections: The EU urged Liberia to act urgently on electoral reforms ahead of 2029.

Extractives Transparency: LEITI and its Multi-Stakeholder Group renewed their push for stronger extractive sector transparency after a mid-year retreat in Ganta, focusing on Liberia’s response to the EITI validation process. Tax Modernization: The Liberia Revenue Authority sent a delegation to South Korea to learn from advanced digital tax administration and improve domestic revenue collection. Ebola Preparedness: NCCRM says it has started strengthening Liberia’s national response system, including early warning, public awareness, and better coordination as Ebola spreads in parts of East Africa. Roads & Jobs: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan urged the AfDB to speed up support for the Buchanan–Cestos corridor and better linkages with the SAPZ initiative to boost trade and agriculture. EU on Elections: The EU urged Liberia to accelerate electoral reforms ahead of the 2029 polls, warning delays could weaken public trust. Youth & Skills: YPLS Africa marks its 10th anniversary with a June 8–13 leadership cohort, while Liberia also sees renewed calls for entrepreneurship and digital skills for job security. Child Protection: Gender Ministry, UNICEF and partners launched a child protection curriculum package, training 60 social workers to improve frontline case management. Education Support: LMFI launched a WASSCE support program in Montserrado #1 to help students with revision and exam readiness. Sports (Liberia in focus): Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Liberia 2-0 in Monrovia for an 8-0 aggregate win, setting up a final qualifier against Senegal.

Education Support: The Leo Mulbah Foundation (LMFI) has launched a week-long WASSCE support program in Montserrado County Electoral District #1, offering intensive revision lessons in math, English, science and social studies to help students with limited access to materials. Child Protection: Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with UNICEF and Mother Pattern College of Health Science, has started a child protection curriculum package, including specialized training for 60 social workers to strengthen case management and frontline services. Climate Resilience: Government and UNDP are set to convene an inception workshop for the five-year SARTLA project (2026–2030), aimed at helping vulnerable communities adapt to climate impacts on agriculture and livelihoods. Agriculture Training: A 21-day intensive workshop for Liberian agriculture officials has begun in Beijing, focusing on reducing post-harvest losses through storage, processing and preservation skills. Youth & Jobs: PYAC is urging African youth to shift from relying on remittances to making sustainable investments, highlighting tech-driven and green entrepreneurship. Sports (U-17): Ghana’s Black Maidens crushed Liberia 8-0 on aggregate and will face Senegal in the final qualifying round for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Regional Health Watch: Nigeria’s Lagos state stepped up Ebola surveillance at MMIA, including measures to reduce contact between inbound travellers from high-risk countries and others.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Bunia as the rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak spreads faster than the response, with officials reporting 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths; he urged community trust, safe burials, and warned travel bans and border closures can discourage transparency. Sports (Liberia vs Ghana U-17): Ghana’s Black Maidens arrived in Monrovia for the second leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier after a 6-0 first-leg win; goalkeeper Rahima Abubakari appealed for support as the match kicks off 16:00 GMT. Football (Leone Stars friendlies): Sierra Leone’s SLFA opened media accreditation for coverage of the Liberia friendly and the FA Cup final in Bo, with applications closing June 4. Maritime (Karachi port): Pakistan authorities submitted a preliminary report into a collision near Karachi Port involving a Liberia-flagged cable-laying vessel, with ships barred from leaving pending a joint investigation. Peacekeeping (UN): UN mourned the death of Nigeria’s Lt Gen Chikadibia Obiakor, the first African UN Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations, who previously served as Force Commander in Liberia. Trade (China coffee access): China will admit eligible coffee beans from all 53 African countries starting July 20, including Liberia, under unified phytosanitary rules.

Ebola Watch: The Congo Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with reports of related cases in Uganda, while global aid groups like Samaritan’s Purse move to expand field capacity and the U.S. faces legal pushback over plans to quarantine Americans in Kenya. Local Governance: President Joseph Boakai tightens cabinet travel rules, requiring prior approval for foreign trips and pushing virtual participation first. Business & Jobs: Liberia’s Governance Commission convenes partners to validate a Draft Local Content Policy and Supplier Development Portal under the LIFT-P program. Transport & Trust: Liberia’s Ministry of Transport rejects social media claims that LTMI tried to forcibly remove vehicle license plates, calling the allegations false and misleading. Regional Spotlight: The World Bank backs Ghana with a $500m rural roads push—an investment model Liberia can watch as it seeks better market access. Sports: Sierra Leone’s John Keister is reportedly set to lead Leone Stars as caretaker for friendlies vs Liberia, while Ghana’s Black Maidens prepare for their decisive qualifier against Liberia.

Ebola Alert, Liberia Hotline: Liberia reactivated emergency hotline 4455 to report suspected Ebola symptoms, as officials say the country has no active cases but wants faster detection and response. Public Health Surveillance Clarified: The Ministry of Information says 16 travelers under monitoring are not Ebola patients—just precautionary surveillance after border screening. Cabinet Travel Clampdown: President Boakai issued a directive restricting foreign travel for Cabinet and senior officials, pushing “Virtual Participation First” for international meetings. Local Governance & Jobs: Liberia’s Governance Commission validated a Draft Local Content Policy and Supplier Development Portal with partners, aiming to boost Liberian business participation. Energy Deal to Power Liberia: Boakai submitted a US$57m concessional financing request to lawmakers to expand renewable generation and strengthen electricity infrastructure. Anti-Trafficking Conviction: Liberia secured a conviction in a case involving three Nigerian minors trafficked for sexual exploitation at an illegal mining site. Transport Integrity: Liberia’s Transport Ministry denied social media claims that LTMI tried to forcibly remove license plates. Elections Watch: NEC chair-designate Jonathan Weedor told senators the commission will stay nonpartisan and independent. Education Support: Liberia Muslim Forum launched a WASSCE revision support program in Montserrado #1. Women’s Health: PAYOWI marked Menstrual Hygiene Day in Todee with 40 women and girls on hygiene, cycle tracking, and stigma-free dialogue. Freeport Probe: House lawmakers formed a committee to investigate alleged unlawful charges and delays at Monrovia’s Freeport.

Ebola Response: The U.S. says Americans exposed to Ebola will be quarantined in a new 50-bed facility at Kenya’s Laikipia Air Base starting Friday, with plans for isolation/biocontainment beds as needed—while officials insist infected people won’t be treated back in the U.S. Public Health Watch: Nigeria is weighing tougher travel steps, including possible flight restrictions and isolation for arrivals, as NCDC places Lagos, FCT and other states on high alert over the Bundibugyo strain. Liberia Governance: CENTAL renews pressure on lawmakers to pass a draft law establishing a specialized National Anti-Corruption Court, arguing impunity is still blocking accountability. National ID Update: Liberia has agreed a concession arrangement with Austrian identity firm OSD International to restart national ID card issuance after nearly a year of delays. Business & Trade: China will accept coffee bean shipments from 53 African countries starting July 20, with Liberia among applicants. Local Development: A US$187,000 restoration project has launched for the long-abandoned John Hilary Elementary School in Harper City. Sports & Culture: Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars will host Liberia in June friendlies, while Liberia’s film community announces selections for the 2026 Journey Home Film Festival and Liberia Film Awards.

Digital Identity Restart: Liberia has agreed a concession arrangement with Austrian identity firm OSD International, clearing the way to resume national ID card issuance after nearly a year of delays, following controversy and a multi-sector steering committee review. Anti-Corruption Push: CENTAL is urging lawmakers to quickly pass a draft law to create a specialized National Anti-Corruption Court, warning corruption and impunity are eroding public trust. Health & Safety Boost: The government handed over 25 new ambulances to the Ministry of Health to strengthen emergency response and maternal care nationwide. Counternarcotics Support: The U.S. handed Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) 15 motorcycles and internet communications equipment to improve operations against drug trafficking. Gender Policy Dialogue: MFA and UN Women convened stakeholders to review Liberia’s draft gender-responsive foreign policy strategy. Ebola Watch: International coverage highlights a fast-growing Ebola crisis in the DRC and Uganda, with WHO declaring a global health emergency and new containment efforts underway. Sports & Culture: Tim Weah visited Rosedale Rockets youths; Liberia’s Journey Home Film Festival and Liberia Film Awards 2026 released official selections and nominees.

Rail Safety & Governance: Another ArcelorMittal Liberia train collision near Gbadin Camp #3 in Nimba has derailed wagons, with poor communication blamed and workers tight-lipped—raising fresh calls for independent rail governance. Health Surveillance & Ebola Fears: Liberia’s NPHIL says 16 foreign nationals are under active surveillance after Ebola alerts in East and Central Africa, while officials insist there are no confirmed cases—after a fake Ebola audio sparked panic and a nurse was suspended. Community Health: The community health assistants program, launched after the 2014 Ebola crisis, continues malaria and malnutrition screening across hard-to-reach Nimba communities. Diaspora Policy Clarification: ULAA says it did not endorse the proposed Diaspora Development Fund Act, calling reports “false” amid debate over remittance-linked deductions. Governance & Justice: The Law Reform Commission begins a three-day validation of its Five-Year Strategic Plan in Ganta, while a U.S. judge dismissed charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia as “vindictive.” Security & Drugs: The U.S. handed Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency motorcycles and internet equipment to boost anti-narcotics operations. Youth Sports: Ghana’s Black Maidens arrive in Monrovia for the second leg of the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier vs Liberia.