AGP Executive Report

Immunization Push: Liberia’s House is reviewing a proposal to create a Legislative Caucus on Immunization and Primary Health Care, led by Rep. Julie Wiah, to boost domestic funding advocacy and strengthen parliamentary oversight as donor support is expected to decline. Ebola Alert, Not Cases: Liberia’s health authorities say there are no confirmed Ebola cases, but 16 travelers returning from Uganda and the DRC are under surveillance; meanwhile JFK suspended nurse Paola Bedell over a viral audio that sparked panic. Health Misinformation Watch: Officials and lawmakers are urging calm and vigilance as rumors spread faster than facts. Energy for Growth: LEC signed a deal for a 200MW solar plant plus 100MWh battery storage in Grand Cape Mount, while LIBENERGY warns of rising transformer cable theft in Harper. Trade & Regulation: Liberia’s Senate halted hearings on the EU Deforestation Regulation after the Agriculture Ministry criticized it as colonial-style rules; LSEZA also held talks on SEZ incentives and tariff exemptions. Agriculture Inputs: LISA began work on certifying biofertilizer and biopesticide importers. Public Health in Schools: Liberia launched the SAFE school-based drug prevention program in Monrovia.

LTA Accountability: Liberia’s telecom regulator has hit Orange Liberia with a L$4 million fine after ruling the company unlawfully reissued a customer’s SIM to an unauthorized third party—sparking fresh debate over data privacy and subscriber protection. Political-Conflict Watch: At the same time, questions are mounting over whether LTA chair Clarence Massaquoi is positioning for a return to national politics, raising fears of blurred lines between regulation and power. Justice in Court: In Nimba, a grandmother, Mary Giah, was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing her three grandchildren, while a notorious motorcyclist, Lee Menyean, received 30 years for a separate violent attack. Mining Pressure: A diaspora group from Grand Gedeh is urging the government to restart the long-stalled Putu Mountain iron ore concession, warning delays are deepening unemployment. Ebola Context: Across the region, health authorities are again warning against panic and misinformation as Ebola fears rise, including new international updates on vaccines and outbreak alerts.

Ebola Watch: Liberia has issued a new Ebola travel advisory and activated enhanced screening at airports, land crossings, and seaports after outbreaks in DR Congo and Uganda, requiring travelers to complete surveillance forms and undergo health checks. Maritime Safety & Trade: A Liberia-flagged LPG tanker, Arrhenius, was reportedly targeted in Russia’s Ust-Luga port after magnetic mines were found on its hull—raising fresh concerns about shipping security. Governance & Accountability: The Liberia Telecommunications Authority fined Orange Liberia L$4m and ordered disclosure after a SIM-swap fraud case, while the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce warned former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. and his lawyer to follow procedures in a rice-subsidy probe. Infrastructure Push: President Boakai broke ground for the US$85m Voinjama–Mendikorma road and an 86km asphalt highway in Lofa, betting on better connectivity for trade. Sports & Youth: Ghana’s Black Maidens thrashed Liberia 6-0 in the U-17 qualifier first leg, setting up the return match with a big advantage.

Education Boost: Liberia’s WASSCE tutorial push is underway in Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Lofa, with 2,283 students taking a one-month intensive programme led by recruited subject specialists in Maths, English, Geography, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Tax Justice Training: TJNA is set to run the 2026 International Tax Justice Academy (May 25–June 19) for media and CSOs across Africa, including Liberia, to sharpen skills on tax justice and domestic resource mobilisation. Rubber Investment: Liberia secured a US$36M commitment to expand rubber processing and link smallholder farmers to buyers through an out-grower scheme after talks with Cambodia’s Mainland Group. Corruption Watch: A U.S.-based Liberian journalist warns Boakai’s anti-corruption drive could lose credibility unless top officials act “above reproach” and respect due process. Ebola Pressure in the Region: WHO says DRC has identified 900+ suspected Ebola cases as insecurity hampers response—while Liberia continues to face heightened preparedness chatter. Maritime Security: Russia claims magnetic mines were found on a Liberian-flagged LPG tanker at Ust-Luga, with devices later defused.

Ebola Alarm, Liberia Reassured: Liberia’s health authorities insist there is no Ebola in the country, even as WHO warns of a fast-moving Ebola return in the DRC and Uganda—with 900+ suspected cases flagged as insecurity and weak systems slow tracing. Public Health Pressure: Liberia is also battling a measles surge—NPHIL links 112 deaths since 2021 and says 20,000+ cases have been recorded, with fears of underreporting. Politics Turns Violent: In Montserrado’s District #17, Rep. DJ Blue’s annual district sitting reportedly turned chaotic, leaving students seriously injured. Governance & Integrity: Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay warns courts against extortion and urges professionalism. Energy & Justice: LERC wraps a media workshop on the electricity regulatory framework, while the Bar Association gets ICT support for legal clinics. Sports Spotlight: Ghana’s Black Maidens crush Liberia 6-0 in U17 qualifiers, setting up the return leg in Monrovia.

Mental Health Upgrade: St. Benedict Menni Mental Health Center inaugurated the Maria Augusta Center, a modern rehabilitation and reintegration facility meant to help patients transition from intensive care back into community life. Anti-Drug Push: Liberia’s LDEA received a major boost—15 motorcycles and 23 SIM cards with one-year internet—backed by the US and UNODC to speed up patrols and reach remote communities. Ebola Anxiety, Again: Even with officials insisting there is no Ebola in Liberia, a false alarm over the weekend exposed how fast fear spreads and how deeply the 2014 trauma still lingers. Trade and Business Links: More than 40 American firms met at the US Embassy and agreed to form the American Business Association in Liberia (ABAIL) to strengthen investment ties. Climate Justice Row: Liberia faced backlash after voting against a UN resolution endorsing the ICJ climate advisory opinion—standing alone among African countries. Community Safety: Residents in Bong’s Yala Town warn illegal mining is polluting their main drinking water source, raising fears of waterborne disease outbreaks. Ebola Abroad: WHO says conflict in DR Congo is hampering response as suspected cases cross 900, while Nigeria steps up preparedness despite no confirmed cases.

Drug Interdiction: US authorities seized about 227kg of cocaine worth $6.4m from the Liberian-flagged tanker Aquatravesia after a detection dog alert at the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach; a Filipino crewmember, Ceasar Tubay Gelacio Jr., was charged and faces at least 10 years if convicted, with prosecutors alleging cartel-linked smuggling and hidden packages found in the ship’s garbage room. Anti-Drug Crackdown (Nigeria): Lagos Zone 2 police say they recovered 425 bags of “Canadian Loud” from a warehouse apartment in Mende, arresting a suspected kingpin after months of surveillance. Sports (Ghana/Liberia): Ghana’s Black Maidens crushed Liberia 6-0 in the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier first leg in Accra, taking a huge advantage ahead of the return in Monrovia. Ebola (Liberia/DRC): Liberia’s health authorities reiterated there are no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases in the country amid social media panic, while in the DRC an Ebola Treatment Center tent was set ablaze again and 18 suspected cases escaped. Agriculture (Cambodia/Liberia): Liberia’s agriculture minister met Cambodia to strengthen rice production links and farmer-to-farmer exchange.

Ebola Update: Liberia’s health authorities moved fast to shut down panic, saying there are currently no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases in the country after false social media reports spread fear in Sierra Leone. DRC Response: Across the region, aid groups are ramping up as the DRC outbreak worsens—Samaritan’s Purse says it will airlift an Ebola Treatment Center and 34+ tons of supplies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while Doctors Without Borders’ treatment tents have been burned and suspected cases escaped in Mongbwalu. Sports: On the pitch, Ghana’s Black Maidens crushed Liberia 6-0 in the first leg of the U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier in Accra, taking a huge advantage ahead of the return in Monrovia. Justice & Crime (context): Separately, a U.S. judge dismissed a human smuggling case tied to a mistaken deportation, underscoring how legal battles can drag on across borders.

Ebola Response in DRC: Samaritan’s Purse says it will airlift an Ebola Treatment Center and PPE to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with supplies landing in Uganda first before moving to the outbreak zone. DRC Outbreak Escalates: In Mongbwalu, a treatment tent set on fire again this week led to 18 suspected cases escaping into the community, while aid groups warn the outbreak is hard to contain amid movement and insecurity. Sports—U17 Qualifier: Ghana’s Black Maidens host Liberia today in the first leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier in Accra, with coach Joe Nana Adarkwah pushing for a decisive home result before the return in Monrovia; Ghana’s First Lady Lordina Mahama also donated supplies to boost morale. Liberia-Linked Security: U.S. agents arrested a Filipino mariner after seizing 500 pounds of cocaine from a Liberian-flagged tanker bound for a Mexican cartel. Environment—Liberia: Liberia’s EPA shut down Green Forest Mining Camps 1–3 in Montserrado over “massive environmental degradation” and permit violations. Digital Governance: Liberia’s Legislative Information Service praised President Boakai’s Executive Order No. 163 for driving national digital transformation.

US Courtroom Shock: A federal judge in Tennessee dismissed the human-smuggling case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, saying the prosecution was “vindictive” and meant to punish him after his wrongful deportation fight—casting doubt on any push to deepen Liberia’s role in the wider Trump deportation agenda. Ebola Alarm, Not Panic: The WHO says a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has driven deaths past 170 and suspected cases near 750, with insecurity and violence slowing containment, while US experts stress the risk to the US remains low. Drug Bust at Sea: US authorities seized about 227kg of cocaine and arrested a Filipino crewman after the Liberian-flagged tanker Aquatravesia was boarded at Los Angeles/Long Beach, with the drugs allegedly bound for a Mexican cartel. Liberia Watch: EPA and police arrested 15 Chinese nationals over alleged illegal mining and environmental violations; meanwhile, Liberia’s education system faces fresh pressure as senators warn thousands of volunteer teachers are unpaid. Agriculture Push: Bong County’s BBBFCO is expanding rice production with support aimed at boosting Liberia’s self-sufficiency.

Climate Law Breakthrough: The UN General Assembly backed a landmark ICJ advisory opinion, voting 141-8 that countries have a legal duty to protect the climate system from greenhouse-gas harm—Liberia was among the eight nations that opposed. Ebola Watch: Liberia’s House summoned NPHIL and the Ministry of Health for a preparedness briefing after the DRC and Uganda outbreaks, as lawmakers worry about surveillance, labs, border screening, and rapid response. Justice Push: President Boakai submitted two bills to set up a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court, sending them to Senate committees for scrutiny. Energy & Finance: UBA pledged new investments to back Liberia’s development agenda, while a rural electrification project in Carbadae communities rolled out solar lights. Food & Trade: Liberia’s cocoa exports jumped 54% (2024–2025), and Liberia is set to benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy for African partners. SRHR Debate: Rights groups urged senators to pass Liberia’s stalled public health law, warning misinformation is delaying safe abortion access up to 18 weeks.

Maritime Security Boost: Nigeria’s President Tinubu will flag off the AU Combined Maritime Task Force to tackle piracy and illegal fishing across the Gulf of Guinea, with Liberia listed among participating countries. Ebola Preparedness Pressure: Liberia is on alert as Ebola outbreaks in DRC and Uganda renew worries over surveillance, labs, border screening, and emergency readiness—while US aid cuts are blamed for slowing response capacity. Justice & Anti-Corruption Push: President Boakai has submitted bills to create a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court, as lawmakers move to scrutinize governance reforms. Courtroom Due Process Clash: A procedural error over how a Supreme Court stay order was served has complicated ex-Rep. Kolubah’s case, raising fresh due-process questions. Education Alarm: New reporting highlights a grim shift from “children in school” to “children not learning,” with foundational reading failures flagged as a national risk. Politics & Loss: Liberia mourns veteran activist and former lawmaker Dusty L. Wolokolie.

Education Crisis: Human Rights Watch says Liberia’s school fees and hidden costs are pushing children out of class, with only 38% finishing grade 6 and 17% reaching grade 9—while the government faces a “hidden crisis” of weak early learning. Accountability Push: At the AFROSAI-E conference in Monrovia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Auditor General P. Garswa Jackson urged auditors to resist political interference as the GAC prepares a sweeping extractives audit. Justice & Rule of Law: The Supreme Court threw out Yekeh Kolubah’s bid to overturn his expulsion over improper service, while the House welcomed the ruling and Speaker Koon reiterated support for the War and Economic Crimes Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Oil Governance: LPRA clarified it is the legally mandated petroleum licensing authority, addressing confusion over upstream roles. Youth & Tech: Liberia Cyber Warriors qualified for the ECOWAS cybersecurity finals in Accra, and Boakai increased the school feeding budget to expand meals to more schools.

Climate Accountability Push: The UN General Assembly backed a world court climate ruling, voting 141-8 to affirm countries’ legal duty to cut emissions—though the US, Israel and Liberia were among the eight voting no. Ebola Alarm in the Region: Britain pledged £20m to help contain the fast-moving Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo and Uganda as WHO warns it may have been spreading for weeks. Liberia Courts Under Strain: Samuel Tweah’s lawyers won a temporary Supreme Court stay tied to a juror-tampering probe, with legal experts decrying the process. New Justice Architecture: President Boakai submitted bills to create a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court, drawing support from campaigners. Oil Sector Clarity: LPRA moved to clarify petroleum licensing rules and NOCAL’s role amid industry questions. Local Governance & Health: Sienneh Charity Care donated over US$2,500 in food and hygiene supplies to mental health rehabilitation centers.

Ebola Alarm in the Region: WHO says the fast-moving Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is worsening, with hundreds of suspected cases and deaths and no vaccine or targeted treatment—prompting fresh global travel and border caution as Liberia keeps watching for any spillover. Youth Against Sexual Violence: Liberia launched its first national youth gender-based violence taskforce, giving young people a direct channel to report cases and push for action—now the hard part is funding and real enforcement. Courtroom Shake-Up: Liberia’s criminal court ordered an investigation into alleged jury tampering in the US$6.2m Tweah corruption case, suspending a new trial motion and adding uncertainty to a major prosecution. Revenue Reform Push: Government acknowledged major weaknesses flagged by the GAC audit and says corrective steps are underway to tighten revenue collection and reconciliation. Football & National Team: Liberia appointed Moroccan coach Mohammed Adil Erradi for Lone Star revival and confirmed AFCON 2027 Group K opponents: Mali, Cape Verde, and Rwanda. Sports & Community: Jeety Rubber drew praise from the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires for blending investment with community development in Margibi.

Ebola Alarm: WHO says the Congo outbreak may already be spreading beyond borders and into other provinces, with deaths rising to 131 and hundreds of suspected cases—prompting tighter regional readiness. Liberia Health & Oversight: Liberia’s Minister of Health Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto was honored by WHO for tobacco control leadership, while lawmakers push for stronger accountability on public health data. Water Access Clash: Rep. Musa Hassan Bility is moving to summon LWSC’s boss over claims that 76% of Liberians have safe water, after the House failed to meet quorum. Legislative Integrity: Jurors who acquitted former Finance Minister Tweah face a misconduct review after allegations of phone use during sequestered deliberations. Diaspora Push: Sen. Abraham Darius Dillon filed a Diaspora Development Fund Act proposing a US$1 contribution on every remittance transaction. Education Tech: School feeding is going “high-tech” with WFP’s School Connect digital monitoring platform. Diplomacy & Trade: China and Liberia vow closer ties after a meeting between foreign ministers.