Liberia

Trial of Capitol Fire Accused Questions U.S. Experts' Findings A team of U.S. fire experts may return to the stand as the trial intensifies over the blaze that severely damaged parts of the Capitol Building, the heart of the Liberian Legislature, on December 18, 2024. During Tuesday's hearing, sharp divisions emerged between the prosecution and defense regarding the interpretation of the investigation findings. This discord prompted the judge to approve the request for the three retired U.S. fire chiefs to testify. The…

Resurgence of Female Genital Mutilation in Liberia Raises Alarm Liberia is witnessing a troubling resurgence of female genital mutilation (FGM). Recent footage has unveiled that 502 girls and young women were initiated during a combined Sande ceremony across Lofa, Maryland, and Sinoe counties. This alarming trend affects half of Liberia's rural women aged 15 to 49, according to data from UN Women. Health advocates are raising urgent concerns that this latest mass initiation indicates a deteriorating situation amidst…

Political Accusations Against George Weah: A Closer Look A prominent Liberian broadcaster has come forward to address serious allegations against former President George Weah, describing them as politically motivated fabrications. Stanton Witherspoon, a veteran broadcaster based in the U.S., emphasized that various political commentators have tied Weah to deaths and disappearances during his presidency, but he argues that these claims lack credible evidence. Witherspoon asserted that the accusations form a coordinated…

Lawmakers Warn of Risks to Draft 2026 National Budget Targets Lawmakers are raising alarms about the ambitious US$1.2 billion target of the Draft 2026 National Budget, insisting that without key reforms, these goals remain at risk of being unmet. This budget, the largest proposed under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's administration, signifies a bold expansion in government spending. It emphasizes funding for social projects, civil service restructuring, infrastructure investment, and governance reforms. However, lawmakers…

PUL Rebukes House Speaker Over Threats to Journalists The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has issued a strongly worded rebuke of House Speaker Richard Nage Koon, who recently threatened to "jail" journalists recording proceedings prior to reaching a quorum in the legislative body. Such remarks have raised significant concerns over the treatment of press freedom in Liberia, with the PUL stating the Speaker's comments exhibit a "dangerous" mindset among some public officials and an attempt to "weaponize state power." The union…

Speculations and Political Morality: The Case of George Weah In the era of instant information, where social media platforms act as both news outlets and rumor mills, the case of former Liberian President George Weah has ignited a firestorm of debate. With murmurs circulating about his health and even rumors of his death, the incident raises profound questions about the ethical landscape of Liberian politics and, by extension, the global political arena. Is the political discourse in Liberia suffering from a loss of moral…

Struggling with Identity: The Complex Case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia In a world increasingly divided by borders and policies, the story of Kilmar Abrego Garcia reflects themes of migration, humanity, and the intersection of law and compassion. As the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to deport Garcia, complexities deepen—not only regarding his physical journey but also with regard to the lives that are often caught in the gears of governmental machinery. A Troubling Journey At the heart of Garcia's case is a…

A Nation on Edge: Liberia's Controversial Decision to Accept a Deportee In a move that has ignited public outcry, Liberia is poised to welcome Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national recently deported from the United States under contentious circumstances. The announcement has not only raised eyebrows but also sparked a flurry of emotions across the West African nation, where citizens grapple with questions of security, national pride, and the complexities of international relations. The Venezuelan Connection The…

Unlocking Potential: U.S.-Liberia Relations and the Minerals Frontier In the muted halls of Washington, a significant dialogue unfolded last week that highlights the intricate dance of geopolitics and resource diplomacy. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, discussing the expansion of American interests in Liberia's critical minerals sector. This meeting is more than just a diplomatic handshake; it symbolizes a burgeoning relationship that could redefine not just…

FIFA's Bold Commitment: Investing Over $1 Billion in African Football The world of football is changing, particularly in Africa, where the sport has become a powerful catalyst for unity, culture, and hope. This transformation was underscored recently by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his address at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) meeting in Kinshasa. Infantino proudly announced that since the initiation of the FIFA Forward Program in 2016, FIFA has poured over $1 billion into the development of African…