Liberia

The actions of a faction of lawmakers, dubbed the "majority bloc," are now under significant scrutiny within the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court. A highly anticipated hearing has unfolded, focusing on the persistent stalemate in the National Legislature. While the court has yet to issue a ruling, legal analysts are already drawing meaningful conclusions from the probing questions posed during the session. “How can a legitimately elected Speaker simply be disregarded?” Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh remarked,…

A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has recently arrived in Liberia, aiming to mediate a protracted conflict among lawmakers surrounding the potential removal of Speaker Fonati Koffa. This mission follows a previous attempt by ECOWAS that yielded minimal progress, leaving many to ponder: can diplomacy still prevail in such a charged political landscape? The current delegation is set to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including President Joseph Boakai and members of the National…

The landscape of global migration is continually evolving, and recent developments have stirred a considerable discussion regarding U.S. entry policies. Reports indicate that the federal government is contemplating new restrictions aimed at citizens from over 40 countries, with a significant emphasis on nations within Africa. What does this mean for international relations and the individuals impacted? This proposal delineates countries into three distinct categories based on perceived security risks and governmental…

On February 26, an unsettling clash erupted between the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia and police officers, sending shockwaves through the streets of Monrovia. The incident unfolded at a checkpoint when a group of soldiers reportedly retaliated against police officers after several of their comrades, dressed in civilian clothing, were arrested and roughly handled. Panic ensued, casting a shadow over the day as bystanders watched the turmoil unfold. Both factions quickly summoned reinforcements, escalating tensions…

Recent findings emerging from a survey spearheaded by Afrobarometer in collaboration with local partners present compelling insights into public sentiment toward the judicial system in Liberia. The data reveals a notable rise in support for the court system, especially since the establishment of the Office for War and Economic Crimes by President Joseph Boakai. This favorable shift is particularly striking when juxtaposed with sentiments recorded in 2022. What might be driving this renewed faith in the judiciary? As we…

The Liberian government finds itself grappling with a troubling fiscal landscape. Recent cancellations of key initiatives backed by USAID, the U.S. agency renowned for its global development efforts, have exacerbated an already precarious situation. With the current U.S. administration opting for a 90-day hiatus to reevaluate the agency’s initiatives, the ripple effects are being keenly felt in Liberia. Finance Minister Augustine Ngafua has been vocal about the ramifications of these funding cuts. He noted with palpable…

In a bold move to combat corruption in Liberia, President Joseph Boakai has escalated his administration's efforts by suspending over 400 officials who neglected to declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. This significant action encompasses a broad array of individuals, including ministers, heads of state-owned enterprises, and ambassadors. These officials will not only lose a month's salary but are also required to relinquish control of government assets until they fulfill the mandatory declaration…

The Liberian Electricity Corporation (LEC) has recently announced a substantial reduction in electricity supply across the nation. This situation arises from a decision by its Ivorian energy supplier, Compagnie Ivoirienne d'Électricité (CIE), to slash its energy provision to Liberia by a staggering "85 percent." Under a power purchase agreement, CIE has historically supplied a vital share of Liberia's electricity demands, making this cut particularly consequential. According to the Liberian authorities, this latest…

On Monday, January 27, the Supreme Court of Liberia found itself noticeably absent from a pivotal moment in the political arena: President Joseph Boakai's constitutionally mandated annual address. As he spoke, the seats reserved for the five justices sat barren, a striking tableau that raised eyebrows and sparked a whirlwind of speculation. Did they choose to stay away to avoid giving a nod of legitimacy to the executive branch's recognition of Richard Nagbe Koon, the ruling Unity Party's pick for Speaker of the House of…

In a surprising twist that’s stirred the political waters in Liberia, the leadership of the Liberian National Police has identified several lawmakers, including the embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, as "persons of interest" in the troubling investigation surrounding the recent fire at the Capitol Building—home to the nation’s legislative activities. The Capitol, once a proud symbol of democracy, now bears the scars of controversy that threaten to engulf its inhabitants. In a formal communication directed to the House of…