Liberia

In a pivotal moment for Liberian politics, a coalition of opposition parties has emphatically called for the appointment of a special prosecutor. This comes in light of serious allegations regarding witness tampering and claims of "torture" linked to the investigation of a devastating fire that ravaged parts of the building housing the national legislature. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. This coalition, comprising several significant political entities, issued a robust joint statement accusing the…

President Joseph Boakai has taken a firm stance in defense of his choice to travel via private jet for international engagements, asserting that this decision is not rooted in an ostentatious lifestyle. Yet, the controversy surrounding his travel habits continues to swirl, especially among opposition figures who are quick to spotlight what they deem a disconnect between his earlier critiques of luxury travel by his predecessor and his current practices. In a candid interview with the BBC, President Boakai remarked, “I can…

The administration of President Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating a travel ban affecting nationals from an additional 36 countries. Alarmingly, 25 of these nations are located in Africa, as detailed in recent communications from the State Department. These outlines enumerate a multitude of concerns, urging the involved countries to implement corrective measures within a stipulated timeframe. Earlier this month, the president enacted a proclamation that barred citizens from 12 specific countries from entering the…

In a recent pivot of policy, President Joseph Boakai’s choice to transfer complete ownership of four oil blocks to the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has ignited a firestorm of criticism from industry experts. The decision, made without consulting the National Legislature, raises significant concerns about transparency and could potentially diminish investor confidence in Liberia's oil sector. This contentious move invites scrutiny. Critics question the implications of bypassing legislative input, suggesting that…

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has recently issued a stark warning: mpox remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This designation underlines the potential global threat posed by the disease, prompting urgent attention and action across nations. Dr. Ghebreyesus highlighted a troubling trend: an increase in mpox cases, particularly alarming is the recent spike in West Africa. “There is likely undetected transmission in countries beyond the…

The Liberia National Police has taken a significant step in the investigation surrounding the devastating fire that engulfed the Capitol Building—the heart of the Liberian Legislature—in December 2024. Several members of the House of Representatives have been summoned as persons of interest, raising eyebrows and questions about the implications of this inquiry. A communication sent directly to Speaker of the House Richard Koon outlines the police's request for a meeting with specific lawmakers. This unexpected development…

Liberia has once again claimed its place on the international stage, securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council after a lengthy hiatus of sixty-two years. In a decisive show of support, member states rallied behind the West African nation, granting it an impressive 181 votes in favor. This significant milestone not only marks a return to global diplomacy but also reflects Liberia's evolving role in the international community. The aftermath of the historic vote saw President Joseph Boakai addressing the…

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has recently raised concerns over the sharp uptick in mpox cases across the nation. With 69 "active cases" reported, the situation demands attention. This surge isn't just a local phenomenon; NPHIL has confirmed that these viral strains are highly infectious and have crossed borders into neighboring countries. In response, authorities are urging schools, places of worship, and businesses to take precautionary measures. Imagine entering a bustling market and noticing…

In an unsettling turn of events, the authorities at Roberts International Airport in Liberia were compelled to suspend all inbound flights after a private jet, tasked with transporting President Joseph Boakai, faced a frightening near-crash-landing situation. During its landing sequence, one of the jet’s tires reportedly blew out, forcing the aircraft to screech to an abrupt halt mid-runway. The Liberian airport authorities were swift to issue a statement regarding this alarming incident. They confirmed the details but…

The Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) have urgently appealed to lawmakers for increased funding to tackle the ongoing mpox outbreak. Currently, four active cases have been confirmed. This request emerged during a recent public hearing, where the House of Representatives invited health officials to shed light on the troubling resurgence of the disease. Dugbeh Chris Nyan, the head of NPHIL, emphasized the critical need for resources to enhance the institute's operations and…