AGP Executive Report

Drug Trial Watch: Liberia’s former vice president Jewel Howard-Taylor was placed in pre-trial detention at Monrovia Central Prison after a court denied her request to stay in hospital, as she faces charges tied to an alleged transnational cocaine network linked to a $317m cocaine seizure. Immigration Fallout: Liberia received fewer U.S. deportees than planned after five passengers refused to disembark and were sent to Equatorial Guinea instead, highlighting the uncertainty around “third-country” deportations. Maritime Security: The UN’s IMO says six months of war near the Strait of Hormuz saw 68 incidents and at least 20 deaths, with Liberia-flagged vessels among the most affected. Rule of Law Debate: Human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized the Nigerian Bar Association for inviting former Liberian President George Weah, alleging attacks on judicial independence. Public Health: A malaria workplace survey across 10 West African countries found 62% of respondents get no malaria prevention support from employers, including in Liberia. Environment & Trade: The EU’s deforestation rules could disrupt Liberia’s cocoa trade, as producers must prove beans weren’t grown on forest land cleared after Dec. 31, 2020.

Drug War, Due Process Debate: Human rights groups and religious leaders are urging Liberia’s government to keep the drug crackdown impartial and evidence-led as former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor faces charges, with calls for independent review panels and warnings against “selective justice.” Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor Case: Howard-Taylor denies the allegations and remains in custody amid growing public pressure for medical access and constitutional protections. Revenue Push to “Move to Billion”: The Central Bank backs the Liberia Revenue Authority’s push to modernize the tax system and raise domestic revenue, while a Senate lawmaker says the proposed 5% revenue share for LRA needs deeper legislative scrutiny. Local Governance & Decentralization: The Ministry of Local Government will host a high-level dialogue on decentralization, aiming to reduce bottlenecks that keep approvals centralized in Monrovia. Forestry Devolution: The Forestry Development Authority signs community forest management agreements, shifting more forest protection and use responsibilities to local communities. Youth & Education: UNFPA calls for national action to keep adolescent girls in school, and the First Lady launches school clubs on reproductive health. Regional Trade at Bo-Waterside: ECOWAS hands over a renovated NTA building and opens a temporary joint border post to support the Liberia–Sierra Leone border works. Maritime Security: Reports say Hormuz attacks have killed at least 20 seafarers/port workers in 68 incidents over six months, with Liberia-flagged vessels among the most affected.

Deportation Dispute: Six people deported from the U.S. to Liberia resisted leaving a flight and were instead sent onward to Equatorial Guinea, with rights groups calling it a “third-country” loophole that can bypass protections. Justice Update: Liberia’s Ministry of Justice says former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been formally charged over an alleged transnational narcotics network, including controlled-drug violations, conspiracy and money laundering. Rule of Law: Ex-President George Weah warned at the NBA conference that “a tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant,” urging stronger, independent courts. Maritime Training: Ghana’s Maritime Authority opened a regional programme training seafarer examiners and assessors, with Liberia among participating countries. Youth & Democracy: A Mo Ibrahim/Afrobarometer report says Liberia saw a rise in demand for democracy over the past decade. Flag Day Feature: A reflective piece revisits how Liberian women helped stitch the national flag at the republic’s founding.

Judiciary & Democracy: Former President George Weah told the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt that democracy can be undermined when judicial institutions are weakened or pressured, warning that “a tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant.” U.S.-Liberia Deportations: Liberia received the first 20 U.S. deportees under a deal for up to 1,200, but only 15 stayed after five refused to disembark and were sent to Equatorial Guinea; reports say the payment terms and agreement details remain murky. Ebola in DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo reported Ebola cases rising past 5,500 with 2,642 deaths, as new positives continue in Ituri, North Kivu and Haut-Uele. University Pressure: Carlos E. Tingban Sr. urged President Boakai to urgently intervene in the University of Liberia stalemate, saying recurring disruptions are threatening students’ education. Maritime Safety: A Liberian-flagged ship incident injured a port pilot after a rope snapped during disembarkation, prompting an investigation.

Third-Country Deportations: Liberia received its first group of 20 U.S. deportees under a deal that could eventually bring up to 1,200 people, with reports that some transfers involved migrants being sent to places they never lived in and facing uncertain futures. Anti-Narcotics & Due Process: Former Liberian VP Jewel Howard-Taylor was charged over a $317m cocaine probe; her office denies wrongdoing and alleges the government may fabricate AI-linked “evidence,” while public attention also grows around the wider drug investigation. Police Leadership Under Fire: Calls are mounting for LNP Inspector General Gregory Coleman to step aside or resign amid allegations tied to a $336m narcotics scandal and questions about police vehicle procurement and fleet management. Maritime Security: Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced a “Non-Compliant Vessels” list, warning of fines, detention, seizure or confiscation, as shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz surges and attacks on vessels continue. Justice & Democracy: George Weah urged lawyers and judges to protect an independent judiciary, saying democracy is threatened when courts are weakened or justice is manipulated. Public Safety: A port pilot was injured after a rope snapped while disembarking from a Liberian-flagged container ship, prompting an investigation.

Third-Country Deportations: The first 20 people deported from the U.S. arrived in Liberia on Aug. 21 under a deal that could transfer up to 1,200 deportees over 12 months, with tight security at Roberts International Airport and officials saying arrivals may include nationals from Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean. Human Rights Concerns: Reports say some deportees who resisted disembarking were diverted to Equatorial Guinea, where at least one Cuban man is reportedly hospitalized without documents or legal help. Legal Fight in the U.S.: A U.S. judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s blanket immigrant visa suspension covering 75 countries, including Liberia, calling it “patently unlawful.” Drug Case Fallout: Liberia’s former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor denies drug-trafficking allegations, saying the case is politically motivated and that her team learned of the probe only after she was stopped at Roberts International Airport. Maritime Safety: A port pilot was injured after a rope snapped while disembarking from a Liberian-flagged container ship, halting the vessel’s departure pending investigation.

Third-Country Deportations: Liberia has received its first group of 20 U.S.-deported migrants under a deal to accept up to 1,200 people over 12 months, with tight security at Roberts International Airport and reports that some deportees resisted and were moved onward to Equatorial Guinea. U.S. Payment Controversy: The New York Times reports Washington approved a US$5 million payment to Liberia, contradicting Liberia’s earlier claim of “no compensation,” with funds said to support migration management and vulnerable migrants. Jewel Howard-Taylor Case: Liberia has charged former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering tied to a transnational narcotics probe; her team denies the charges and alleges the government may fabricate AI-generated evidence. Police Procurement Questions: Calls are growing for LNP Inspector General Gregory Coleman to step aside amid allegations over police fleet purchases and procurement irregularities in the wider narcotics scandal. Maritime Security: Ghana’s GNS Achimota was flagged off to join Operation Anouanze with patrols alongside the Liberian Coast Guard in the Gulf of Guinea. Health Preparedness (Ghana): Ghana launched a new Public Health Emergency Operations Centre framework to improve outbreak response coordination.

US Court Ruling: A federal judge in New York struck down a Trump administration policy that froze immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and saying it wrongly exceeded the State Department’s authority. Third-Country Deportees: Liberia received its first 20 US deportees under the new third-country deal, landing at Roberts International Airport under tight security; reports say some resisted deplaning and were later flown onward to Equatorial Guinea. US Payment to Liberia: The New York Times reports the US approved a $5 million payment to Liberia to support migration management, including accommodation, food and vocational training. Local Accountability: Liberia National Police denied using Starlink and clarified that internet services come via LIBTELCO/LTC Mobile, while it said operational vehicles were procured from a US-based supplier. Drug Probe Fallout: Bong County native David Flomo urged the Justice Ministry to release former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor to her lawyers for proper legal and medical care. Health Worker Strain: In DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak, frontline health workers say they’re living in fear and not being paid.

Deportation Deal Watch: Liberia received its first group of 20 “third-country” deportees from the U.S. under a deal to accept up to 1,200 people over a year, with reports that some detainees refused to deplane and were restrained by U.S. agents; Drug Probe: Liberia charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering linked to a US$317m cocaine seizure, after she was stopped at Roberts International Airport; Local Governance & Oversight: Health authorities revoked licenses for group homes linked to Sekou Dukuly, Liberia’s National Port Authority executive director, and actions are underway to shut down the facilities; Public Health: The DRC Ebola outbreak is worsening fast, with UN warnings that funds may run dry soon—an urgent reminder for Liberia’s own preparedness; Agriculture Support: Women farmers under LUYCDE appealed for tools and financing to expand vegetable and rice production and make organic fertilizers locally.

Deportations to Liberia: The first 20 third-country deportees arrived at Roberts International Airport under a US-Liberia deal that could transfer up to 1,200 people, but the process sparked confusion after five reportedly refused to leave the aircraft and were restrained by US agents before being sent onward. Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor: Howard-Taylor was rushed to GIMS after a medical emergency in police custody, as her drug-trafficking and money-laundering case continues amid political pushback and calls for fair treatment. Revenue push: The Liberia Revenue Authority launched a 2025–2029 Corporate Strategic Plan aimed at boosting domestic revenue toward a historic US$1 billion mark, with more automation and taxpayer-focused reforms. Education updates: WAEC released Liberia’s 2026 national exam results (60.37% pass under new graduation criteria), while CAN University transferred to Lofa County University to create an annex expanding access in Lofa. Public finance & governance: The Civil Service Agency warned consultants that weak performance could cost contract renewals, and the Finance Ministry urged tighter UN coordination so development funds match national priorities. Port reforms: Liberia granted autonomy to seaports and inland ports to improve efficiency, as Monrovia’s port performance shows some gains despite persistent logistics and cost challenges. Anti-trafficking crackdown: NAPTIP sealed a suspected illegal maternity facility in Rivers tied to alleged baby trafficking and arrested suspects. Sports & civic life: Civic Champions Barsee and Com Cruz were signed to help reintroduce civics in schools, while Liberia’s drug case coverage also continued with Bucky Raw’s court appearance.

Third-Country Deportations: The U.S. carried out its first deportation flight under a deal for Liberia to accept up to 1,200 non-Liberians, with 20 arrivals landing at Roberts International Airport near Monrovia before being taken away by bus; Liberian officials say the wider group will include people from Africa as well as North and South America and the Caribbean, and that deportees can seek asylum in Liberia. Drug Probe: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking and money laundering linked to a major cocaine case after authorities detained her at Roberts International Airport while she tried to leave; she was later rushed to GIMS Hospital after a reported medical emergency in police custody. Child Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s NAPTIP sealed a suspected illegal maternity facility in Port Harcourt and arrested three people over an alleged ₦13.5 million baby-sale scheme involving a Liberian national resident in Belgium, with investigators now tracing the children’s identities and welfare. Public Health Watch: WHO and Africa CDC reports warn the Ebola outbreak in the DRC is worsening, with a fatality rate above 46% and growing pressure on health services.

Deportation Deal Update: Liberia will receive the first batch of 20 of up to 1,200 “third-country” migrants deported from the U.S. on Thursday, with most coming from Latin America—especially Venezuela and Cuba—after U.S. immigration judges cleared them as facing risks at home; the UN refugee agency and IOM will support services at Roberts International Airport. Drug Probe Escalates: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been charged with cocaine trafficking, money laundering and related offences after being stopped at the airport and taken into police custody, as authorities say the case links to Liberia’s reported US$317m cocaine seizure and also names three foreign nationals charged in absentia. Political Fallout: Opposition leaders and the governing Unity Party traded accusations over whether the arrest is lawful and professional, while questions grow over due process. Revenue Push: Liberia’s tax authority says it is nearing a historic US$1b domestic revenue milestone. Church-Led Cleanliness Drive: AEL launched a Gospel Solar Lights initiative for 2,000 church leaders, paired with calls for a cleaner, greener Liberia.

Drug Probe Escalates: Liberia has charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor with drug trafficking, money laundering and related offenses after authorities stopped her at Roberts International Airport and questioned her at police headquarters, as the government pushes a “no sacred cows” stance following a massive cocaine seizure. Deportation Deal: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 “third-country” deportees from the U.S. over the next year; the first 20 are expected to arrive Thursday and will be treated as “guests,” allowed to leave or apply for asylum, with U.S. support to manage the program. Migration System & Trust: The National Elections Commission validated a new communications strategy aimed at boosting transparency and reducing misinformation ahead of elections. Health & Community Support: A free sanitary pad distribution drive reached rural women in Margibi’s Quela District, pairing supplies with menstrual hygiene education. Regional Context: The DRC Ebola outbreak continues to worsen, with reports saying it has surpassed 2,300 deaths, underscoring the strain on health systems across Central Africa.

US Deportees Deal: Liberia says it will accept up to 1,200 third-country nationals transferred from the United States within a year, with the first 20 expected to arrive Thursday; officials insist they are “guests,” not criminals, and some may seek asylum, but Liberians are raising security and transparency concerns. Cocaine Probe Politics: Former VP Jewel Howard Taylor has been taken into custody as a person of interest in the US$19M cocaine investigation, while lawmakers and security officials trade accusations over accountability and evidence in the widening probe. Courtroom Developments: Judge Gbeneweleh urged courts to reclaim their constitutional role in justice and due process, while Judge Peabody warned against retaliatory leadership that turns personal disputes into institutional harm. Drug Case Fallout: Ex-GSA boss Mary Broh walks free as the court drops Saudi rice charges, and former LDEA chiefs face replacement and suspension amid questions about who is investigating drug enforcement. Local Governance & Services: The Civil Service Agency breaks ground for a southeastern regional HR hub in Zwedru for five counties, and the CSA’s decentralization push aims to cut Monrovia travel for payroll and records. Energy & Cost of Living: LERC rejects LIBENERGY’s tariff reconsideration but delays implementation to Nov. 1, keeping the US$0.22/kWh rate. Health & Education: MOH expands urban vaccination hours in Montserrado, and WFP and Liberia extend school feeding support to 2028. Ebola Watch: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is reported as the deadliest ever, with deaths now above 2,300.

Third-Country Deportations: Liberia says it will accept up to 1,200 deportees from the U.S. within a year, with the first 20 expected to arrive Thursday, as officials say the arrivals will be screened and may seek asylum in Liberia. Maritime Security in the Gulf: A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, Minoan Dignity, was hit near the Strait of Hormuz, killing a crew member; the incident comes amid renewed U.S.-Iran tensions and claims about whether the strait is open. Ebola in DR Congo: WHO chief Tedros warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” citing insecurity, displacement, and rapid spread that could threaten further countries. Digital ID Push: Liberia’s national biometric ID rollout advances after consultations on a concession with Austria’s OSD, with Parliament next for approval ahead of nationwide enrollment. Justice Department Case: In the U.S., prosecutors seek to revive criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia after a judge said the case was driven by retaliation. Aid for Health: Catholic Relief Services receives $50 million from the U.S. State Department to support health work in Liberia and other countries.

Drug War & Accountability: Liberia’s police chief Gregory O.W. Coleman fired back at Sen. Amara Konneh over cocaine-crisis claims, saying the senator must be accurate in an active national-security probe, as Konneh argues junior officers are being scapegoated while senior officials escape scrutiny. Domestic Revenue Push: Liberia is on track to cross US$1 billion in domestic revenue for the first time, with the Liberia Revenue Authority citing stronger collections and warning that spending outcomes matter next. Ports & Governance: Scrutiny is rising around National Port Authority boss Sekou Dukuly after an investigation linked his Minnesota group-home businesses to alleged neglect and questioned use of resources. Aviation Safety: LCAA launched a 10-day Safety Management Systems training with EU support to shift Liberia’s aviation safety culture from reactive to predictive. Digital & Youth Skills: Heritage Liberia graduated 20+ children from an AI and digital arts summer camp, while LTA advanced plans to redelegate Liberia’s .lr domain to strengthen digital identity governance. Sports Funding: The National Sports Fund Authority Act was hailed after being signed into law, promising more sustainable financing for athletes. Environment: “Cocoa fever” in Grand Gedeh is wiping out native forests as cacao expands into protected areas.