Author: Staff Writer

The Coup That Failed? Monrovia, Liberia – [October 19, 2024] – Political instability gripped Capitol Hill today as the push to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from office disrupted regular legislative sessions. Reports indicate that 47 lawmakers, including several from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), have signed a resolution to oust Speaker Koffa. Notable signatories include Representative Clarence Garh of District 5, Margibi County, and Representative Ivar K. Jones of District 2, Margibi County, among others. Speaker Koffa, who was attending the World Food Forum organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Italy with President Boakai,…

Monrovia, Liberia – In response to rising rumors about the acceptance of homosexuality within the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Liberia, Bishop Samuel Quire has firmly stated that the church has not made any decisions to endorse same-sex marriage. His comments come amid speculation following claims that a same-sex marriage ceremony occurred in one of the church’s congregations. During a news conference on Monday, Bishop Quire addressed the situation, emphasizing that while the UMC’s United States chapter has allowed its global branches an 18-month period to make decisions regarding same-sex activities, the UMC in Liberia has no intention of accepting…

Rome, Italy – President Joseph Boakai of Liberia issued a rallying cry for the global community to take swift and decisive action to combat the escalating crisis of food insecurity, particularly in Africa, during his keynote address at the 2024 World Food Forum. The forum, held in Rome, brought together heads of state, development leaders, and representatives from international organizations, all focused on the urgent need to address hunger and malnutrition worldwide. In his address, President Boakai emphasized the alarming statistics that underline the severity of the crisis. “As we gather here today, millions of individuals are grappling with the…

MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has accepted the resignation of Mr. Christopher S. Peters, Sr., as Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), effective immediately. In his resignation letter, Mr. Peters expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation and the LDEA. President Boakai extended his thanks to Mr. Peters for his dedicated service during his tenure, highlighting his leadership in significant initiatives such as the seizure of illicit drugs valued at US$4 million and securing long-term prison sentences for convicted drug traffickers through the Liberian courts. In recognition of his contributions to Liberia’s fight…

MONROVIA – In a move that has sparked a heated debate about fairness and accountability in government, President Joseph Boakai recently asked his Minister of Commerce, Amin Modad, to resign. This request followed reports that Modad purchased a luxury SUV worth approximately $150,000. The resignation came after an emergency cabinet meeting where sources reported that Modad felt particularly unwelcome, receiving what were described as damning stares from the President. President Boakai, upon his return earlier this week, expressed strong disapproval of government officials indulging in luxuries at the expense of Liberian citizens. He stated publicly that he would be willing…

MONROVIA – The Supreme Court of Liberia has issued a stay order in the ongoing legal dispute involving the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and the families of two estates—the Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard and the Intestate Estate of William Thomas Bernard. This development has added a new layer of complexity to the CDC’s looming eviction from its long-time headquarters in Congo Town. Associate Justice Yamic Quiqui Gbeisay, presiding in Chambers, has mandated Judge Elliott to halt all proceedings in the case until further notice. This order comes amidst a heated battle over the ownership and occupancy of…

MONROVIA – The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) is facing an explosive internal crisis as Atty. Alexander V. S. Saylee, the party’s Montserrado County Chairman, publicly denounces the party’s support for Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa as Speaker of the House. In a stunning turn of events, Saylee claims that endorsing Koffa is a blatant betrayal of the CDC’s core values and objectives. Saylee’s incendiary remarks come in the wake of a town hall meeting where Koffa engaged with Liberians in the diaspora, showcasing his contributions to national development. Despite the event bolstering Koffa’s reputation, Saylee unleashed a vicious attack, branding…

Monrovia – Amin Modad, Liberia’s Minister of Commerce, has resigned following scrutiny over his recent acquisition of a luxury SUV. Sources indicate that Modad bid farewell to his staff on Wednesday morning as criticisms intensified regarding the purchase of a vehicle valued at over US$90,000. The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that Modad had approved the purchase of this luxury SUV for official use, funded by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) from its Customs Capacity Building Fund. The vehicle, meant for trade-related activities, became a point of contention when Senator Nathaniel F. McGill accused Modad of misusing his office for…

Monrovia—Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), a prominent civil society organization in Liberia, has made an urgent appeal for President Joseph Boakai to promptly reshuffle his cabinet and take decisive action against officials implicated in corruption. Increasing pressure from both within the Unity Party and external stakeholders has mounted on the Liberian leader to dismiss ministers who have either been inactive or are facing corruption allegations. STAND warns that a failure to act swiftly could worsen the government’s inability to fulfill its obligations, exacerbate the ongoing economic crisis, and deprive millions of struggling citizens of vital social services.…

Monrovia – U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, has highlighted significant concerns regarding the high rate of visa denials for Liberians, which currently stands at approximately 82%. This issue has garnered attention from President Joseph Boakai and other key officials within his administration, as well as the general public. Ambassador Toner clarified that this high refusal rate is not indicative of any personal bias against Liberia. He explained, “The refusal rate for visas has nothing to do with any vendetta. It’s a legal process that aims to manage immigration to the United States.” Overstay Rates and Visa Challenges Recent data…