AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Mobility: A U.S. court temporarily lifted key Diversity Visa restrictions, reopening a legal path for DV-2026 applicants as the Sept. 30 deadline nears; Liberia is among the affected African countries with 1,593 registered prospective applicants. Deportation Shockwaves: Reports say the U.S. expanded “third-country” deportations, with Guyana receiving deportees from the U.S. under a one-year arrangement while detainees await immigration outcomes. Local Business & Jobs: BYU’s BUILD Conference in Johannesburg backed African entrepreneurs; Liberia’s Soku Laundry Soap Enterprise won a business plan award aimed at expanding markets and hiring more young people. Education & Skills: STRIVE’s electricity curriculum at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center is helping trainees like Faith Wilson learn practical, job-ready electrical installation skills. Women’s Health & Safety: UNFPA urged Liberia to speed up action on women and girls’ health and to tackle unmet family planning needs, maternal deaths, and gender-based violence amid shrinking assistance. GBV Reporting Tech: CHI and My Watchman launched confidential digital GBV reporting in New Kru Town to improve referrals and survivor support access. Community Unity: Lofa’s Mandingo Cultural Festival renewed calls for Mandingo and other residents to set aside differences and work together for development. Justice & Governance: A survey found Liberians overwhelmingly want a War and Economic Crimes Court, with most respondents saying they won’t vote for lawmakers who oppose it.

Justice & Rights: Liberia’s Justice Ministry leadership was reshuffled as President Boakai replaced Justice Minister Oswald Tweh and Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah, appointing Betty Lamin-Blamo and Abrahim Boimah Sillah Sr. amid scrutiny tied to the $336M cocaine bust probe. Women’s Health & Safety: UNFPA urged faster action for women and girls’ health as global aid declines, while CHI and My Watchman launched confidential digital GBV reporting in New Kru Town to improve referrals and survivor support. Transitional Justice Push: War crimes court advocates say time is running out, urging Boakai to recall lawmakers for a special session to pass the court bill before the UN General Assembly. Education & Skills: STRIVE strengthened Liberia’s TVET electricity training at MVTC with a structured curriculum, helping trainees become job-ready. Local Development: Liberia Agricultural Company commissioned new school buses and a truck to cut students’ travel time and support schooling across its plantation. Community Unity: Lofa’s Mandingo Cultural Festival renewed calls for unity and peaceful coexistence across ethnic and political lines. Science & Learning: NUL Professor George Mosotho was elected a Fellow of the Liberia Academy of Sciences. Infrastructure & Inclusion: The Central Bank and Banking Institute of Liberia expanded training on movable asset financing to widen access to credit beyond traditional land-and-house collateral. Public Services: LTA plans a consumer support center in Buchanan as it decentralizes telecom help for everyday users. Culture & Faith: WONGOSOL welcomed women’s leadership in justice, and Liberia’s faith calendar includes major church events like the Eucharistic Congress.

Justice & Accountability: War Crimes Court office chief Jallah Barbu urged President Boakai to recall lawmakers for a special session before the U.N. General Assembly, as survivors push for urgent action and reparations. Rule of Law Shake-Up: Boakai replaced Justice Minister/AG Oswald Tweh and Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah, appointing Betty Lamin-Blamo and Abrahim Boimah Sillah amid scrutiny tied to the $336M cocaine bust and charges including Jewel Howard Taylor. Women’s Rights & Health: UNFPA called for faster action on women and girls’ health and ending preventable deaths and GBV as aid pressures grow. Digital GBV Support: CHI and My Watchman launched confidential digital reporting and referral for sexual and gender-based violence in New Kru Town. Education & Skills: STRIVE strengthened Liberia’s TVET electricity curriculum at MVTC to build job-ready electrical skills. Local Development & Culture: Lofa’s Mandingo Cultural Festival renewed calls for unity across ethnic and political lines. Community Safety & Services: CRS dedicated new WASH facilities in Massatine, improving sanitation for school, church and clinic. Economy & Jobs: A survey found most Liberians want a War and Economic Crimes Court and oppose lawmakers who don’t back it. Infrastructure: Liberia Agricultural Company expanded school transport with new buses for thousands of students. Public Finance: LRA reported $954.7M collected for FY2026, targeting $1B soon. Tech & Connectivity: LTA plans a consumer support center in Buchanan as it decentralizes telecom regulation.

GBV Support in New Kru Town: CHI and My Watchman™ are launching digital, confidential reporting and referral for sexual and gender-based violence, aiming to connect survivors to help faster. Justice & Accountability Push: A survey says most Liberians want a War and Economic Crimes Court—and won’t back lawmakers who oppose it—while War Crimes Court office chief Jallah Barbu urges President Boakai to recall lawmakers for a special session. Justice Ministry Shake-Up: Boakai has replaced the Justice Minister and Solicitor General amid scrutiny tied to major cocaine cases, with Betty M. Lamin-Blamo set to lead pending Senate confirmation. Women’s Health Focus: UNFPA calls for faster action on women and girls’ health as aid pressures grow. Education-to-Jobs Skills: STRIVE is strengthening Liberia’s TVET electricity training with a structured curriculum at MVTC. Rural Power Progress: Senator James Biney broke ground for Gedetarbo electrification after a century-long wait. Women in Leadership: WONGOSOL welcomes moves to boost women’s representation, highlighting the Justice appointment. Community Health & Water: CRS dedicated new WASH facilities in Massatine, improving sanitation and water access. Governance & Elections: NEC launched its 2026–2030 strategic plan for credible, modern elections. Culture & Faith: Liberia’s Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah elected bishop in the Global Methodist Church, expanding the church’s cross-border leadership network.

Ebola Response in Focus: DRC’s Ebola outbreak has hit a grim milestone—over 6,186 cases and 3,007 deaths—while WHO says vaccine trials for the Bundibugyo strain could begin next month or in November, as insecurity and cross-border spread keep pressure on the region. Public Health & Daily Life: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Liberia dedicated new WASH facilities in Massatine, Grand Cape Mount—latrines for school, church and clinic plus a rehabilitated water source—aimed at cutting recurring diarrhea linked to open defecation. Education That Moves People: Mary’s Meals reports school feeding is helping children attend, concentrate and progress, with Liberia among countries expanding reach; Luminos also marks 10 years in Liberia, reaching 63,785 out-of-school children with accelerated learning and daily meals. Youth, Climate & Community Voice: LCOY Liberia 2026 ended with a National Youth Statement pushing accountability and a seat at the table for NDC 3.0 implementation. Governance & Institutions: NEC launched a 2026–2030 strategic plan for electoral reform and public confidence, while Liberia’s Justice leadership was reshuffled after the $336M cocaine bust probe. Faith & Culture: Liberian Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah was elected Bishop in the Global Methodist Church, and the Eastern Star marked Rob Morris Day with a service centered on faith, service and unity. Safety & Rights: Liberia’s Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) begins nationwide action against illegal mining, and Liberia Agricultural Company expands sexual-harassment awareness beyond workplaces into camps and schools.

Road Safety & Public Health: WoGeS Holding Liberia, Inc. thanks Liberia’s government and major donors for supporting road safety reform, while CRS Liberia dedicates new WASH facilities in Massatine, Grand Cape Mount—four latrines plus a rehabilitated water source to cut diarrhea-linked sanitation problems. Justice & Governance: President Boakai sacks Justice Minister/Attorney General N. Oswald Tweh and Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah amid the $336M cocaine bust probe, appointing Betty M. Lamin-Blamo and Abrahim Boimah Sillah. Democracy & Electoral Readiness: NEC launches a 2026–2030 Strategic Plan with over US$75M for reform, digital transformation, and public confidence ahead of 2029 elections. Security & Resources: Liberia activates the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) for a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, warning of seizures and prosecutions. Faith & Community Life: Rev. Dr. Jerry Kulah is elected Global Methodist Bishop for Episcopal Area 5, and the Global Methodist Church’s leadership network spans Africa, Europe, and the U.S. Education & Youth: Luminos marks 10 years in Liberia, reaching 63,785 out-of-school children with accelerated learning and meals. Culture & Events: KanKouran brings African dance and drum workshops plus a major concert to Washington, DC (Sept 4–6, Sept 5). Immigration Pressure: U.S. expands “Worst of the Worst” deportation listings affecting West Africa, with Liberia named among the highest counts.

Justice Shake-Up: President Boakai removes Justice Minister/Attorney General N. Oswald Tweh, appointing Betty M. Lamin-Blamo, with Augustine Fayiah reassigned and Abrahim Boimah Sillah named Solicitor General—an abrupt turn amid Liberia’s drug-trafficking probes. Rule of Law & Accountability: Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay orders Judiciary staff to surrender unauthorized use of JUD plates on private vehicles, calling it criminal. Peace & Memory: Liberia wraps a Rwanda study mission for the proposed National Peace, Reconciliation and Memorial Museum, with South Africa pledging a fully funded technical and cultural delegation to help build credible systems. Education & Youth: Luminos marks 10 years, reaching 63,785 out-of-school children with accelerated learning; PYPP reshapes operations and may decentralize recruitment to Bong and Grand Bassa. Community Safety: Liberia Agricultural Company expands sexual-harassment awareness beyond workplaces into camps and schools. Culture & Community: KanKouran brings African dance and drum workshops plus a Sept. 5 concert to Washington, DC. Health Crisis Watch: Congo’s Ebola outbreak tops 6,100 cases and 3,000 deaths as response struggles with insecurity and weak surveillance.

Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola crisis has crossed 3,000 deaths and 6,100 confirmed cases, with experts warning weak surveillance, insecurity, and community resistance are slowing containment. Peace & Memory (Liberia): Liberia wraps a Rwanda study mission for the proposed Peace, Reconciliation and Memorial Museum, aiming to turn reconciliation into lasting institutions. Youth & Climate: LCOY 2026 ends with a National Youth Statement pushing accountability, green financing, and a seat at the table for NDC 3.0 implementation. Education & Literacy: NAEAL trains 10 adult literacy monitors in Bong to expand community adult education beyond pilots. Workplace Safety (LAC): Liberia Agricultural Company expands sexual harassment prevention into concession communities, schools, and camps. Governance & Integrity: Chief Justice orders a crackdown on unauthorized use of Judiciary (JUD) plates on private vehicles. Culture & Craft: A new feature traces how fannuh baskets connect Liberia to the US Lowcountry through shared basketry roots. Community Events: “Singing on the Rock” gospel concert is set for Sept. 26 in Pickens.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran-linked attacks hit two Saudi and Liberia-flagged tankers near Khasab, while the U.S. says it has begun striking IRGC targets—fresh pressure on global shipping and oil markets. Child Health Crisis: Liberia’s malnutrition problem is worsening as misinformation, fees at public facilities, and aid cuts leave health workers short of first-line tools to treat sick babies. Education & Opportunity: Bassa students in Rwanda honored Grand Bassa Superintendent Karyou Johnson for a US$1,200 donation, urging graduates to return home and build. Women & Justice: Charlyne Brumskine becomes the first Liberian woman appointed as an ECOWAS Community Court of Justice judge, aiming to expand access across West Africa. Culture & Heritage: A feature traces how Gullah Geechee fannuh baskets connect Liberia’s Windward Coast craft traditions to the U.S. Lowcountry. Diaspora & Scholarships: The British Embassy announces five Liberian Chevening Scholars selected for fully funded UK master’s studies. Healthcare Support: Partners In Health Liberia donates US$71,000 in medical equipment to Maryland County’s health system. Governance & Rights: Liberia’s Justice Ministry urges media leadership in the death-penalty abolition campaign, framing it as a human rights and dignity issue. ECOWAS Focus: ECOWAS unveils strategic publications to strengthen peace support lessons across the region. Immigration Shockwaves: The U.S. lifts its immigrant visa suspension for citizens of 75 countries, including The Gambia—after a court ruling.

ECOWAS Justice Milestone: Charlyne Brumskine has become the first Liberian woman appointed as a judge on the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, aiming to make the court more accessible across West Africa. Health & Child Welfare: Health workers warn Liberia is seeing a rise in severely malnourished babies, blaming misinformation, fees at public facilities, and aid cuts—while many infants never get registered or treated. Education & Community Support: The First Family dedicated a newly renovated public school in Bomi, adding facilities like a computer lab and mini clinic, with President Boakai stressing that better use of resources matters as much as renovations. Anti-Corruption Focus: Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission marks 18 years, calling for stronger prevention, prosecution, and recovery—urging citizens to report corruption. Youth, Gender & Opportunity: LIFE Girls Empowerment Camp uses football to tackle period poverty, human rights, and barriers facing girls, spotlighting how support must continue after camp. Economy vs Daily Life: Despite projected growth and rising domestic revenue, critics say Liberia’s budget and development results still don’t match what ordinary people feel. Drug War Push: Youth groups back intensified action against drug trafficking, citing major seizures and urging justice that reaches networks and protect communities. Faith & Leadership: Liberia hosts the Africa College of Bishops, with church leaders calling for ecumenical growth and stronger institutional sustainability.

UNICEF Support: Pritt (Henkel) donates €100,000 to UNICEF’s “Let us Learn” work, backing education for children in crises, including Liberia. Women in Security: Liberia’s Ministry of National Defense and AFL launch a Grand Bassa campaign to boost women’s inclusion in the armed forces, aiming for at least 30% women in ranks. Forests & Livelihoods: Grand Gedeh’s near-total forest cover (99% until 2020) is shrinking fast as cacao farms expand, with cross-border pressure from Côte d’Ivoire driving rapid land conversion. Peace & Justice: Liberia marks 23 years of peace with survivors calling for prosecutions, reparations, and protection of massacre sites, while pressure grows for a war and economic crimes court. Drug Crisis as National Emergency: A new push argues Liberia’s drug fight must be everyone’s responsibility, not just government and security institutions. US Deportations to Africa: Reports describe expanded “third-country” deportations, including flights to Liberia, alongside a new US list naming 427 West Africans for deportation. Education Access: Bong County’s planned transfer of a ready-made campus to Bong County University (valued around US$700k–US$800k) is still stuck in negotiations. Literacy Gains: Luminos Fund highlights major reading improvements across Liberia, reaching new high fluency levels in its latest cohort. Church Growth: A Monrovia Thanksgiving service urges the global church to “enlarge its tent,” calling Africa the new epicenter of faith. Sweden Ends Aid: Sweden closes its long-running Liberia development programme, raising fresh concerns for women’s rights and healthcare projects.

Faith & Community: A Thanksgiving Service in Monrovia kicked off the 2026 Africa College of Bishops Meeting, with Bishop L. Jonathan Holston urging the global church to “enlarge its tent” as he says Africa is becoming the new epicenter of Christianity. National Healing: Liberia’s delegation has concluded a Rwanda study mission on building a Peace, Reconciliation and Memorial Museum, aiming to move reconciliation from talk to lasting institutions. Women’s Rights Under Pressure: Sweden is ending its long-running aid presence in Liberia, a move that could hit gender equality and healthcare programmes already under strain. Diplomacy & Development: Liberia’s AEL president says Israel-Liberia ties are strengthening through faith-based diplomacy, agriculture and education after meetings in Accra. Justice & Memory: Victims and peace advocates mark 23 years of peace, renewing calls for prosecutions, reparations, and protection of massacre sites. Education & Youth: Luminos Fund reports major literacy gains across Liberia, while Youth Media Action graduates 22 young journalists from its Vacation Journalism School. Drugs & Accountability: Nimba elders back Boakai’s drug crackdown, urging “no fear or favor” in enforcement. Deportations & Human Impact: The U.S. released an updated West Africa deportation list naming 427 people, with Liberia listed among the highest numbers. Culture & History: The Historical Society of Liberia launches a 24-volume Presidents Biography Series, starting with Edwin Barclay.

Immigration Crackdown: US “third-country” deportations keep expanding, with reports of ICE sending deportees to African nations including Liberia—while officials like Tom Homan deny abuse claims tied to deportation flights. Court & Rights: Liberia’s Supreme Court corrected a damages ruling in the Wilmot Smith vs Ecobank case, cancelling US$50,000 awards against Martin K.N. Kollie and Alex Williams but keeping Ecobank’s US$250,000 special damages. Gender & Family Law: Liberia’s Gender Ministry sparked debate over spousal support under the Domestic Relations Law, with legal experts challenging how the provision is being applied. Women in Uniform: The AFL and Ministry of National Defense held a recruitment awareness push in Margibi to boost women’s participation in the military. Education & Skills: Liberia Dujar University College launched a three-year sustainable development plan, while Tubman University ran a faculty refresher workshop focused on teaching, integrity, and responsible use of emerging tech. Agriculture & Youth Climate: LUYCSD certified 50 women in organic fertilizer production, and youth climate negotiators formed a formal coalition to shape upcoming global talks. Culture & National Identity: Liberia marked National Flag Day with orations under “From Heritage to Hope: The Flag That Unites Us.”

Liberia Supreme Court Update: The Supreme Court recalled part of its Aug. 27 damages ruling, cancelling US$50,000 awards against activist Martin K.N. Kollie and Alex Williams over a LISGIS–Ecobank confidentiality dispute, while keeping Ecobank’s US$250,000 special damages award intact. Gender & Family Law: Gender Minister Gbemie Horace-Kollie urged unemployed married men to report cases where working wives allegedly fail to support them and children, sparking pushback from legal experts who say the law doesn’t create a general duty for employed wives to fund unemployed husbands. Women in Uniform: The AFL and Ministry of National Defense held a recruitment awareness drive in Bentol, encouraging eligible young women (18–35) to apply and warning against misinformation. Digital Finance for Traders: A feature highlights how digital payments and interoperability are helping Liberian women cross-border traders reduce risks of carrying cash. Maritime Education: Liberia’s Maritime Authority awarded a second Chinese scholarship for advanced studies, sending a Liberian student to Dalian University. Youth Climate Diplomacy: Young Liberian climate advocates launched a formal youth negotiation group after training to prepare for global forums. National Healing Plans: A government delegation studied Rwanda’s memorial approach for a proposed Liberia Peace, Reconciliation and Memorial Museum. Education & Skills: Liberia Dujar University College launched a three-year sustainable development plan, while Tubman University ran a faculty refresher workshop.

UN Peacekeeping & Women’s Empowerment: UN says Indian UNISFA peacekeepers in Abyei are still supporting internally displaced people with basic services, education and community engagement, echoing India’s push for more women peacekeepers. Higher Education Watch: Ghana’s GTEC lists 100 “unrecognised” universities as of Aug 28, warning the public to do due diligence—one entry includes “Christian University College Monrovia, Liberia,” a reminder for students and families. Liberia Courts & Accountability: Liberia’s Supreme Court corrected a damages ruling, removing US$50,000 awards against Martin K.N. Kollie and Alex Williams while keeping Ecobank Liberia’s US$250,000 special damages award. Gender & Family Law Debate: Liberia’s Gender Ministry says unemployed married men whose working wives fail to support them should report to the ministry, sparking pushback from legal experts over how the Domestic Relations Law should be read. Digital Payments for Women Traders: A feature highlights how digital payment interoperability is helping Liberian women cross-border traders move money more safely and quickly. Education & Skills Building: Liberia Dujar University College launches a three-year sustainable development plan, while LUYCSD certifies 50 women in organic fertilizer and pest-control production. Youth Climate Diplomacy: Young Liberian climate advocates form a formal negotiation coalition to prepare for global talks like COY21 and COP31. Maritime Capacity: LiMA awards a second Chinese scholarship to a Liberian for advanced maritime studies, strengthening Liberia’s training pipeline. Drug War Caution: A commentary urges the public to avoid social media speculation in active drug investigations and let authorities handle cases properly.

Liberia Supreme Court Update: The Court recalled part of its Aug. 27 damages ruling, cancelling US$50,000 awards against activist Martin K.N. Kollie and Alex Williams, while keeping Ecobank Liberia’s US$250,000 special damages order in place. Gender & Family Law Debate: Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie urged unemployed married men to report cases where working wives allegedly fail to support them, citing the Domestic Relations Law—sparking pushback from legal experts over whether the law truly creates that obligation. Women’s Economic & Skills Boost: LUYCSD certified 50 women in organic fertilizer and pest-control production, aiming to cut farming costs and strengthen food security. Digital Payments for Traders: A spotlight on Liberia’s cross-border women traders shows how interoperable digital payments can reduce the risks of carrying cash and help small businesses move money more easily. Education & Capacity Building: Liberia Dujar University College launched a three-year sustainable development plan, while Tubman University ran a faculty refresher workshop to strengthen teaching and research. Armed Forces Recruitment Outreach: The AFL held public awareness in Bentol City to clarify recruitment rules and encourage eligible young women to apply. Maritime Training Links: Liberia’s Maritime Authority awarded a second Chinese scholarship for advanced maritime studies, reinforcing Liberia–China cooperation. Diaspora Engagement: A Maryland County senator met Liberia’s embassy officials in Paris and community leaders in France. National Healing Project: Liberia’s delegation studied Rwanda’s peace and memorial museum model as it moves toward a proposed Liberia Peace, Reconciliation and Memorial Museum. Flag Day Oratory: Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan delivered the National Flag Day message under “From Heritage to Hope,” urging unity and action.