Liberia: Trial of former RUF Commander Set to Begin before Finnish Court
The trial of Sierra Leonean national and Tampere resident, Gibril Massaquoi, will begin on 1st February 2021 before the Pirkanmaa District Court in Finland, and is expected to last for several months. Massaquoi’s indictment comes shortly after the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) concluded its pre-trial investigation of crimes allegedly committed by Massaquoi between 1999 and 2003. Concurrent to Massaquoi’s trial – for three weeks from 15th February – the trial of Alieu Kosiah will resume in Bellinzona, Switzerland, after it commenced in December 2020. This case has involved extensive investigations in Liberia and Sierra Leone since early 2019, with the cooperation and support of the Liberian and Sierra Leonean authorities. Taylor was convicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) in 2012 for aiding, abetting, and planning the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone by the RUF.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 26, 2021 05:15 UTC
MCC and the Government of Liberia Recognize Closeout of $257 million Compact, Boosting Access to Power and Economic Growth
MONROVIA – The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Millennium Challenge Account Liberia (MCA-L) marked the successful closeout of the $257 million MCC Liberia Compact which aimed to address limited access to reliable and affordable electricity in the country and poor-quality road infrastructure. MCC programs are designed with partner countries to reduce poverty by addressing the binding constraints to economic growth. Analysis by MCC and the Government of Liberia showed that reliable access to power is a critical element to reduce poverty, strengthen economic growth, and improve living standards. The MCC Liberia Compact was a critical step for the country’s economic growth and development. About MCCThe Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. Government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 26, 2021 05:03 UTC
Liberia: President George Weah’s Fourth Annual Message to the 54th Legislature
I appeal to the Honorable National Legislature to endorse these recommendations and act swiftly. Despite the printing and delivery of L$4billion Liberian dollars in July 2020, the economy was challenged by difficulty to access Liberian dollars in the financial sector, largely reflecting about forty (40%) percent rate of mutilation of the existing Liberian dollar banknotes in circulation. The General Auditing Commission is also auditing these indirect expenditures also as part of the total national COVID-19 response effort. This is an important component of our national development agenda, the Pro Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD). In order to do so, however, it will require that you rally to the cause, and make your own personal commitment to national development.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 25, 2021 19:18 UTC
Liberia: President Weah Seeks Legislature’s Approval to Print New Family of Banknotes in Annual Message
According to the President, the call for printing new family of banknotes was based on the advice of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), which has the power to print pending legislative approval. Monrovia – President George Manneh Weah has called on the 54th Legislature of Liberia to act swiftly in authorizing the printing of a new family of banknotes to address the current liquidity crisis grappling the Liberian economy. President Weah made the request in his fourth State of the Nation Address to the joint session of the Legislature moments ago. According to the President, the call for printing new family of banknotes was based on the advice of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), which has the power to print, pending legislative approval. President Weah is expected to officially inform the Legislature, with detail information concerning the printing of a new family of banknotes through a written communication shortly.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 25, 2021 18:19 UTC
Liberia Land Authority Receives Consignment of Deployment Kits
Monrovia – The Liberia Land Authority (LLA), has received a consignment of deployment kits which include equipment, office supplies and eight motorbikes worth over USD$50,000. The initiative is part of efforts to support the government deal with land issues and maintain peace, security and reconciliation. The project is managed by UNDP and funded by the Liberia Multi-Partner Trust Fund/Peace Building Support Office (LMPTF/PBSO). It is geared towards supporting the LLA implement programs designed to help settle land and boundary disputes across the Country. She encouraged the Land Authority to think seriously about ensuring that all government land and structural properties are deeded.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 25, 2021 17:26 UTC
Liberian Government Strongly Condemns Piracy Attacks in the Gulf of Guinea
MONROVIA – The Liberian Government, through the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), has strongly condemned the growing scourge of piracy and kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea. The vessel while underway from Lagos, Nigeria to Cape Town, South Africa was boarded by four armed pirates at sea. The Commissioner of Maritime Affairs of Liberia, Mr. Lenn Eugene Nagbe said: “We strongly condemn the attack against this Liberian vessel and her crew. Liberia, as flag State of the vessel, have initiated an investigation pursuant to Article 94 of the United Nations Law of the Sea. Commissioner Nagbe further calls for practical and urgent solutions: “This problem of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is only worsening.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 25, 2021 09:11 UTC
Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary Appoints Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Kemeyah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Mr. Kemayah, a deacon of the Baptist Church, said he was very pleased and humbled for his preferment as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He took over as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from Dr. Aaron G. Marshall. Kemeyah thanked Dr. Marshall and members of the Board for their leadership and contribution to the Convention through the Board. “If you came with a mind to work hard, study hard and get the result that you deserve, than you are on the right track of becoming competent,” he continued. He said this requires hard work with time consciousness, noting that you don’t have to be punished for coming to class late or late for activity before you become committed.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 25, 2021 09:00 UTC
The Costa Quagmire Vs. The Irony Of Professed Free Speech In Liberia
MR. COSTA, it may be recalled, fled the country in 2020 after a writ was issued for his arrest amid allegations from the government that the talk show host allegedly, fraudulently obtained a laissez passer travel document. SEVERAL CRITICS and media watchdogs wasted no time in slamming the administration for its position on the issue. THE PRESS UNION OF LIBERIA has already begun consulting its lawyers for legal opinion to inform its position on the government’s statement against Radio Bushrod (D-15) regarding the Costa saga. It appears that Mr. Weah is continuing the trend set by his predecessors regarding freedom of speech, reminiscent of the dictatorial tendencies that leave many unanswered questions about the President’s words vs. actions and promises versus implementation. THE LATEST SAGA involving the Weah government and Mr. Costa raises a lot of questions and contradicts every commendable declarations Mr. Weah has made both prior to his election and its aftermath.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 25, 2021 07:27 UTC
Liberia: An Analysis of The Issues Likely to Redefine, Reshape – or Alter the Outlook of the Ruling Coalition for Democratic Change-led Government’s Agenda
By Rodney D. Sieh, [email protected]Said President Weah: “As we open our doors to all foreign direct investments, we will not permit Liberian-owned businesses to be marginalized. The President himself acknowledged last January in his annual message that Liberia’s next-door neighbors are ahead of the curve. Over the past two years of the Weah administration, the economy faced uncertainty due to declining mining exports and rising inflation and currency depreciation. WATER & ELECTRICITYRocked by inconsistent supply of electricity to residents of Monrovia and its environs, President Weah, last March, demanded more efficiency and productivity. 2 of the government’s Pro-Poor agenda, road connectivity is one of the major aims of the Weah administration.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 25, 2021 07:15 UTC
Liberia to Become First Country to Power TRANSCO CLSG Transmission Lines As Weah-led Government Lauded for the Support
Liberia to Become First Country to Power TRANSCO CLSG Transmission Lines As Weah-led Government Lauded for the SupportMONROVIA – Liberia would be the first country among the TRANSCO CLSG nations to commission transmission lines from the Ivory Coast that would bring into the country 225kv volts to compliment the Mount Coffee Hydro for affordable and widespread electricity distribution in throughout Liberia. This, according to the TRANSCO CLSG General Manager Mr. Mohamed Sherif, would not have been possible without the commitment from the Government of Liberia, especially the Minister of Finance and Development Planning. He said at the inception of the government, the project was about 20 percent but it is currently at about 97 percent nearing completion from Mah in Ivory Coast to the Mount Coffee substation. There is a 225kv substation in Yekepa which the LEC would connect to to supply electricity in Nimba. “From Buchanan we come to Mount Coffee is the biggest among the CLSG substations in the four countries.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:56 UTC
Liberia: APM Terminals Concession Agreement Review Delays amid Tariff Increment, But Company Assures Win-win for All
We appreciate your partnership and look forward to even more positive engagements this year,” APM Terminals stated in its advisory. During the hearing, scores of lawmakers also recommended the revision of APM Terminals concession agreement signed with the Liberian government in a bid to reflect present day realities. “There was an agreement between the shareholders of APM Terminals and the GOL. He pointed out that APM Terminals believes that any revision of the concession agreement should be beneficiary to both the government and the company. “If for instance the government says APM Terminals is not allow to adjust tax for the next five years, then the government will have to propose certain terms that will ensure that APM Terminals will not be short-changed over the five years period.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:55 UTC
VP Jewel Howard Taylor Rallies Liberian Women to Capture 50 Percent Legislative Seat Come 2023
Monrovia – Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has pledged her unflinching support to the women of Liberia in ensuring they grab at least 50 percent of seats at the Liberian Legislature comes 2023. The Vice President made the aspiring statement when she serve as installation officer of the Women’s NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) Board members’ induction ceremony on Friday. “If we do not look forward to get women in position of trust, we will continue to be where we are. And that is incumbent Senator Nyonblee Karngar Lawrence of Grand Bassa County, currently the only female Senator at the 54th Legislature of Liberia. Meanwhile, other officials inducted include Facia B. Harris, First Vice President, Marayah Fyneah, Second Vice President, , Miatta D. Thomas, General Secretary, Laura Bee-Kiekpo, Treasure, Victoria T. Koiquah, member and Salome Tulay also member.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:45 UTC
Liberia: Weah @ Mid-term: The Achievements Thus Far
That historic ceremony came on the heels of an overwhelming victory where the legendary icon won 14 of the 15 political subdivisions (Counties) of the country. “I George Weah, Your New President, I Will Not Let You Down, I Will Not Make Liberians Spectators In Their Own Country, I Will Connect Liberia With Paved Roads,” the President said amid unceasing applauses. Within hours of taking over the presidency, Weah issued an ultimatum to outgoing government ministers and civil servants to return all government equipment, including cars, or face arrest. Such moves were applauded by the media and the public at large and raised hopes of a change in political culture. Foreign aid also began to decline in 2016 with the end of the Ebola crisis, creating foreign exchange and inflationary pressures.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:33 UTC
Liberia: What Went Wrong and Right in Lofa 2020 Senatorial Race?
With approximately 276,863 population, according to the 2008 national census, Lofa county comprises six tribes, including Lorma, Mandingo, Gbandi, Kissi, Kpelle, and Mende. In the just-ended mid-term senatorial election in the county, 11 candidates were cleared by the National Elections Commission to contest the lone senatorial seat. When things appeared to be falling apart against her ambitions, Madam Fofana finally defected and tried to resuscitated a dying political party – ALCOP of ailing Prof Alhaji G.V Kromah. On social media, one analyst known as Samuel K. Boy pointed out that Boakai has taken even more than he has given back to Lofa County. Jallah consistently the second place winner to the Lofa County Senatorial election in his third pursuit.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:33 UTC
Dr. Cassell Inspires Young Liberians; Donates Food And Cash To Vulnerable Youths, Others At “World Trade Center”, Pelhum Building In Monrovia
Dr. Cassell Inspires Young Liberians; Donates Food And Cash To Vulnerable Youths, Others At “World Trade Center”, Pelhum Building In MonroviaMONROVIA – Renowned Liberian humanitarian Dr. Daniel E. Cassell has inspired young Liberians to adequately utilize their skills and remain hopeful of a brighter future, despite the numerous challenges they are presently encountering in the country. He provided several bags of rice and gallons of cooking oil to the less fortunate Liberians and presented the amount of L$50,000 each to the two groups. Earlier on, the President of ALIPROSEC, Mustapha K. Metzger, commended Dr. Cassell for the gesture. He dispelled rumors that the “World Trade Center” serves as the epicenter for the falsifying of significant documents in Liberia. At the Pelhum Building in Monrovia, the less fortunate youths commended Dr. Cassell for extending help to them at the time they are in dire need.
Source:Front Page Africa
January 24, 2021 21:33 UTC