Liberia: LFA Slaps Match-Fixing Bans on Urey, Swen as Both Cry Foul
According to the association, the sanctions stem from investigations into two league fixtures Paynesville FC vs. Freeport FC and Shaita Angels FC vs. Paynesville FC in which the committee said evidence established deliberate attempts to influence match outcomes. Eugene Swen, a registered Paynesville FC player, received a two-year ban from all football-related activities and stadium access, inclusive of a previous suspension already served. The LFA described the sanctions as a demonstration of its zero-tolerance policy toward match manipulation and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity and credibility of domestic football competitions. “Despite this politically driven ruling, Shaita Angels will stand firm,” Urey said. Both Urey and Swen are expected to pursue appeals through the appropriate channels as the controversy continues to unfold.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:45 UTC
Liberia: County Meet Quarterfinals: Grand Kru, Montserrado Share Points as Grand Bassa Girls Thrash Bong County
Dominant and energetic, Grand Kru kept Montserrado under pressure throughout the first half, controlling large spells of possession. Grand Bassa Bounce Back in StyleIn late Group Stage kickball clash, Grand Bassa bounced back emphatically after an opening defeat to Grand Kru, thrashing Bong County 8–0 home run at the Samuel K Doe sports complex. The spotlight now shifts to the decisive clash between Nimba and Grand Bassa, which will determine who advances to the semifinals. Meanwhile, Bong County will host Grand Kru, knowing only a win can keep their semifinal hopes alive. With the quarterfinal group stage wide open, all teams remain in the hunt, promising an exciting climax to this year’s County Meet.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:45 UTC
Minister Bangalu Hails Security, Rule of Law as Major Successes of 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet
J. Cole Bangalu, has described the preliminary and quarterfinal stages of the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet as “excellent and successful,” citing enhanced security measures, strict adherence to the rule of law, and improvements in sports infrastructure as key contributors to the milestone achievement. Minister Bangalu expressed gratitude to President Joseph N. Boakai for supporting the project, describing it as a “milestone achievement.”“We are playing night games today because of the installation of the new digital LED floodlights,” Minister Bangalu said. Addressing criticism, Minister Bangalu cautioned against the spread of misinformation and irresponsible commentary, describing such acts as “strategic negativity” that could undermine national unity. The Minister further called on participants, county officials, team managers, supporters, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the rules governing the National County Sports Meet. “The success of the National County Sports Meet belongs to all of us,” Minister Bangalu
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:39 UTC
Liberia: Gov’t’s Flagship Development Program Under Scrutiny as IMF Warns of Implementation Risks After USAID Shutdown
The warning comes amid growing concern over the feasibility of the AAID’s ambitious financing envelope. The IMF said that pressing ahead with the plan in its current form, without adjusting to declining partner support, could expose the economy to severe risks. Strengthening public investment management and improving implementation capacity were also highlighted as critical steps to ensure value for money and rebuild confidence among development partners. A significant portion of this projected financing was expected to come from international partners, including USAID and other bilateral donors. According to Harleyson, the IMF has not stated that the AAID is unachievable or advised that it be abandoned.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:30 UTC
Liberia: War Crimes Court Office Submits Long-Awaited Bills to Justice Minister Amid Dispute With Civil Society
Jallah Barbu, executive director of the Office of War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia, presenting draft bills for a war and economic crimes court and a national anti-corruption court to Oswald Tweh, Liberia’s justice Minister. Credit: War Crimes Court Office. Summary:The Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia has submitted draft bills for a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court to the justice minister, following weeks of public dispute with leading civil society advocates. The submission comes after a coalition of advocates independently presented their own war crimes court bill to a Senate committee in December. “Liberian laws do not address questions of war crimes.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:30 UTC
Liberia: Ex-Defense Minister Samukai Calls for Fiscal Discipline, Eyes 2029 Political Comeback
Monrovia — Liberia’s former Minister of National Defense, Brownie Jeffrey Samukai, says sustained economic growth depends largely on the government’s ability to minimize revenue leakages that continue to undermine national development. Samukai, a veteran security and economic policy figure, served as Defense Minister for 12 consecutive years under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Speaking on Thursday on the Truth Breakfast Show, Samukai said the government must take the lead in holding itself accountable. Service Over CreditAddressing ongoing debates over which administration initiated certain development projects, Samukai dismissed the argument as unnecessary and counterproductive. The reason the people took their decision in 2020 has not changed, and I am very convinced and determined,” Samukai added.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:25 UTC
Liberia: House To Open 2026 Legislative Session At Providence Baptist Church In Historic Return
Following the flag-raising and parade ceremonies at the Capitol Building grounds, members of the House of Representatives will proceed to the Providence Baptist Church for the official opening sitting. Richard Nagbe Koon, will deliver his official opening statement, outlining the legislative agenda for the Third Session. The Providence Baptist Church holds deep historical significance, having served as the meeting place for Liberia’s earliest lawmakers long before the construction of the Capitol Building. The unprecedented opening session at Providence Baptist Church is expected to signal a renewed focus on accountability, national reflection, and people-centered governance as the 2026 legislative calendar officially begins. The House has clarified that its presence at Providence Baptist Church on Monday is solely for the official opening ceremony and does not constitute a venue for regular legislative sittings, which will continue at the Capitol Building.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 18:20 UTC
Liberian-Born U.S. Citizen Hospitalized After Alleged Rough Encounter With ICE Agents in Minnesota
MINNESOTA, U.S. – A Liberian-born, naturalized United States citizen, Emmanuel Sackie, says he was injured and hospitalized following an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, an incident that has raised fresh concerns about the treatment of citizens during immigration enforcement operations. Sackie said he was inside the store when his fiancée, Amanda Tuonyon, called to inform him that immigration agents were surrounding their vehicle. Tuonyon told reporters that the agents claimed the vehicle was registered to someone named Joseph. “I am a legal citizen, and this is my first time being in handcuffs in my whole life,” Sackie said. He told WCCO News that he was taken to an undisclosed location and later released.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 17:30 UTC
Liberia: ERU Sergeant Arrested After Parking Dispute Turns Violent, Leaves Two Injured in River Gee
The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 7, when Sergeant Beweh, who was en route to Maryland County, made a brief stop in Kanweaken. Local motorcyclists reportedly attempted to explain the restriction, but Sergeant Beweh allegedly insisted that the vehicle remain there, leading to a heated argument. Upon his return, Sergeant Beweh reportedly renewed his demand to park in the restricted area, while the motorcyclists maintained that doing so would violate police instructions. In an attempt to assert control, Sergeant Beweh allegedly discharged his firearm several times—first into the air and then into the ground. Confirming the incident, Assistant Commander of Police (ACP) Theophilus Toe Togba said Sergeant Beweh has been arrested and is undergoing investigation.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 17:25 UTC
LDEA Dismisses Officers After Viral Assault Video
By James T. BrooksMONROVIA – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has summarily dismissed two officers following the circulation of a disturbing social media video showing them assaulting a female suspect in custody. The dismissals were announced on Thursday, January 8, 2026, by LDEA Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald T. M. Biago. During a press conference in Monrovia, Biago characterized the officers’ actions as a grave breach of public trust and a direct violation of the agency’s code of conduct. Internal Probe and ConfessionIn a swift response to the public backlash, the LDEA identified the involved personnel as Solomon Gbondo and Faith Willie. According to the LDEA, both Gbondo and Willie admitted to the misconduct, acknowledging that their physical assault of the suspect violated agency regulations.
Source:GNN Liberia
January 09, 2026 16:31 UTC
Liberia: NSA Director’s Special Assistant Suspended Amid Alleged Gang Sodomy of 15-Year-Old; Authorities Remain Silent
Monrovia — The National Security Agency (NSA) has suspended Peter Bon Jallah, Special Assistant to NSA Director Maj. Gen. By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]The allegation has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of misconduct within Liberia’s security establishment. Jallah was arrested and placed in custody at Liberia National Police (LNP) headquarters on Tuesday after the victim’s family reported the alleged assault, prompting a criminal investigation. Jallah is among the longest-serving employees at the NSA, having served the institution for over 20 years. Editorial Note: This report has been updated to clarify that Jallah was suspended, not dismissed, as was initially reported.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 09, 2026 16:26 UTC
Chigbo, Realnews Publisher, Loses Elder Sister to Kidnappers in Abuja
The Chigbo family has announced the death of Princess Nwamaka Mediatrix Chigbo, an Abuja-based lawyer at the hands of still-to-be-identified kidnappers in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory on Monday, 5th January 2026. Barrister Nwamaka was the elder sister of Dr Maureen Chigbo, Editor/Publisher of Nigeria’s pioneer online Realnews Magazine. According to a statement by the family, Nwamaka, before her abduction, was on the phone with Anthonia, another sister who briefly interrupted the call to attend to a client. Nwamaka was a former Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja, a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, and the Global Association of Female Lawyers, GAFA. She had also served as President of the Catholic Lawyers Association, Abuja Branch.
Source:GNN Liberia
January 09, 2026 16:21 UTC
TCL Displays the Future of Visual Technologies and Intelligent Living with Groundbreaking Products and Solutions at CES 2026
1 Mini LED and ultra-large TV brand, today unveils a new generation of visual technology breakthroughs and AI-powered products at CES 2026. At its CES 2026 showcase, TCL marks the global debut of its SQD-Mini LED Technology, representing a revolutionary leap in Mini LED performance. Powering the Next Era of Intelligent LivingBeyond display technology, TCL presents a wide range of AI-powered smart home solutions designed to bring greater intelligence to everyday living. TCL’s commitment to innovation in display technology, AI, and sustainability is shaping a smarter, more efficient future for all. To discover the latest TCL products and innovations, visit TCL at CES 2026:TCL CES 2026 Booth:Date: January 6 to 9, 2026January 6 to 9, 2026 Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, Booth #18604Visited 11 times, 2 visit(s) today
Source:GNN Liberia
January 09, 2026 08:46 UTC
Abu Dhabi’s TII Launches Falcon-H1 Arabic, Establishing the World’s Leading Arabic AI Model
This milestone sets Falcon-H1 Arabic as the leading Arabic AI model currently available, outperforming models several times larger while delivering state-of-the-art accuracy, context handling, and linguistic representation. Falcon-H1 Arabic introduces improvements in data quality, dialect coverage, long-context stability, and mathematical reasoning, enabling more accurate, reliable, and contextually aware Arabic understanding across real-world applications. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII said, “The development of Falcon-H1 Arabic builds on years of foundational work in Arabic AI and responds directly to the needs of our communities, including developer and businesses. This establishes Falcon-H1 Arabic as the most capable and versatile Arabic language models developed to date. TII’s Falcon AI models have ranked number one across regional and global benchmarks since 2023, with Falcon-H1 Arabic now leading the Open Arabic LLM Leaderboard across model sizes.
Source:GNN Liberia
January 09, 2026 08:41 UTC
Arzan Wealth Launches UK Industrial Portfolio
Arzan Wealth (DIFC) Limited (“Arzan Wealth”), a Dubai-based advisory firm regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, is pleased to announce the launch of its UK industrial portfolio, marking a strategic expansion of its advisory activities into the British industrial real estate market. The portfolio has been seeded with industrial assets in established regional locations, including Stuart Close Industrial Estate in Cardiff and Baird Court at Park Farm Industrial Estate in Wellingborough, a core Midlands location within the UK’s “Golden Triangle.”The strategy focuses on well-located light industrial and multi-let assets, targeting resilient income and value creation through active asset management. Arzan Wealth provided advisory services in connection with the establishment of the portfolio and will continue to advise throughout the holding period. Muhannad Abulhasan, CEO of Arzan Wealth, commented:“The launch of our UK industrial portfolio reflects our disciplined approach to advising on high-quality, income-generating assets in mature international markets. The UK industrial sector offers strong fundamentals and defensive characteristics, supporting sustainable income and long-term value creation for our clients”Visited 13 times, 1 visit(s) today
Source:GNN Liberia
January 09, 2026 08:36 UTC