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Paynesville, Liberia, April 23, 2026 – Forty-six years after the violent coup that ended over a century of Americo-Liberian dominance, the nation gathered in solemn reflection to honor the memory of President William R. Tolbert Jr. and 13 senior officials of his administration who were killed during the upheaval, in a memorial ceremony marking the historic tragedy.

The event, hosted at the April 22nd Memorial Park on the grounds of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary along ELWA Road in Paynesville City, brought together families, loved ones, and well-wishers. Distinguished guests included the Ambassador of France, Isabelle Le Guellec.

In a special statement, Sister Yvette Chesson Gibson said the day stands as proof that the families have chosen a higher path of forgiveness and transformed pain into purpose, noting that their fathers were patriots.

She cited the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which concluded that the events constituted gross violations of human rights and egregious abuses of power. The TRC further affirmed that the killings were acts of summary execution carried out without due process, and warned that such actions undermine the rule of law and the very foundation of a democratic society.

“These are not just words; they are a warning, they are a call to conscience, they are a national obligation,” she firmly stated.

She added that it was in that spirit of patriotism, unity, and reconciliation that the memorial site was built, not only to honor the lives of their fathers, but to remind every Liberian that what happened on April 22, 1980, was a grave injustice, an act of political violence that violated both the Liberian Constitution and international humanitarian principles, and must never happen again to anyone, no matter who they are.

Organized by the April 22nd Memorial Group, in partnership with Gee Bee Production, the program also featured a special screening of the documentary, The Assassination of President William R. Tolbert, Jr., at the RLJ Kendeja Resort and Villas.

The date carries profound historical significance. On April 22, 1980, ten days after the coup that killed Tolbert, 13 senior officials of his administration were executed by firing squad on a Monrovia beach. Their bodies, along with Tolbert’s, were initially dumped into a mass grave at Palm Grove Cemetery.

In the early hours of April 12, 1980, a group of 17 low-ranking soldiers led by Master Sergeant Samuel Doe stormed the Executive Mansion in Monrovia. Tolbert was reportedly shot three times in the head while in his bedroom.

Twenty-six supporters also died during the attack. The coup ended 133 years of uninterrupted rule by the True Whig Party, dominated by the Americo-Liberian elite—descendants of free and formerly enslaved Black Americans who founded Liberia in 1822. Power then shifted abruptly to the People’s Redemption Council, an indigenous military junta.

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At stake is not just the fate of a contract, but the credibility of revenue governance in a sector long considered a vital pillar of national income and fiscal stability.

The suspended agreement in question is the Telecom International Alliance (TIA) deal, which previously oversaw the monitoring of all international calls into and out of Liberia. Under TIA, telecom operators remitted mandated fees through the system, with the system retaining an agreed percentage before transferring the remainder to the Government of Liberia.

However, since the Executive Mansion halted the TIA arrangement over alleged “irregularities,” the central question has only intensified: where is the money now going, and under whose authority is it being managed?

Officials at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), the statutory regulator, confirm that telecom operators continue to make payments, but the destination of those funds has changed. Instead of passing through the TIA structure, revenues are reportedly being deposited into a so-called “consolidated account”—a term that, in itself, raises more questions than it answers.

“There is one consolidated account into which all payments are deposited,” a senior LTA official disclosed on condition of anonymity. “I do not have the details on that, but I have forwarded your concerns to the appropriate authority.”

That admission that payments continue without clear knowledge of their management has raised concerns among policy analysts, industry stakeholders, and fiscal accountability advocates. In a governance environment where transparency remains a recurring challenge, the lack of clarity in a high-revenue sector is viewed not as a minor administrative gap but as a potentially serious institutional lapse.

Recognizing the gravity of the issue, President Boakai has mandated both chambers of the National Legislature to review the TIA agreement and recommend a path forward. The Legislature’s position has been cautious: rather than terminating the agreement outright, lawmakers have recommended renegotiation. Yet, as this process unfolds, the situation on the ground appears to be evolving in ways that are raising fresh concerns.

The gap between policy deliberation and operational reality, between what is being discussed at the legislative level and what is happening within the sector, has become increasingly apparent.

Further complicating the picture is the emergence of a new entity, Numtel Liberia Inc., incorporated in mid-2024, with businessman James Sackie as a key representative. Documents reviewed show the company’s objectives span ICT services, telecom operations, software development, and even educational partnerships. Yet, for many observers, the timing of its arrival—coinciding with the TIA suspension—is difficult to ignore.

Industry analysts have flagged the company’s apparent lack of corporate sophistication. Notably, Numtel’s use of a generic Gmail address for official correspondence is seen as an anomaly in a sector typically characterized by high technical and institutional standards. “For a company positioning itself within a high-stakes regulatory and financial environment, that raises immediate red flags,” one analyst noted.

Beyond governance concerns, legal experts warn that Liberia may expose itself to significant international liability if the transition from the TIA arrangement is not handled strictly in accordance with contractual obligations. “If exclusivity provisions exist within the original agreement, then any parallel or substitute arrangement could constitute a material breach,” explained a legal analyst familiar with international arbitration. Such a breach could trigger costly proceedings, with tribunals focusing strictly on contractual terms rather than domestic political considerations. “In these cases, the country could be liable for expectation damages, compensation for the revenue the original concessionaire expected to earn. That could run into millions.”

What is emerging is not merely a contractual dispute or administrative adjustment, but a broader governance question that cuts to the heart of public finance management. With no publicly available accounting of revenues collected since the suspension of the TIA agreement—and with new actors appearing in the sector without clear explanation, the situation is increasingly being framed as a test of institutional credibility.

“This is not just about telecoms,” a Monrovia-based policy analyst observed. “It is about public trust, fiscal accountability, and whether state institutions are acting in the best interest of the Liberian people.”

The Bigger Picture: Revenue, Trust, and Stability

Liberia’s telecommunications sector is widely regarded as one of the most reliable non-traditional revenue streams for the government, especially amid fiscal constraints and competing development priorities. Any disruption, opacity, or perceived mismanagement within this sector carries implications far beyond telecommunications; it touches on national development planning, budgetary stability, and investor confidence.

As scrutiny intensifies and public concern deepens, the Boakai administration and the LTA now face a question that is both simple and profound:

Where are the millions—and who is accountable? By Staff writer

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Temple of Justice, Monrovia, April 23, 2026: Former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. has categorically denied all corruption allegations leveled against him and four other former senior officials in the ongoing US$6.2 million economic sabotage trial at Criminal Court ‘C’ in Monrovia.

Taking the witness stand on Wednesday, April 22, Tweah dismissed charges of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and misuse of public funds. He asserted that prosecutors had failed to present credible or convincing evidence linking him or his co-defendants to any wrongdoing.

The case, brought by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), focuses on the transfer of over L$1 billion and US$500,000 into accounts associated with the Financial Intelligence Agency.

During earlier testimony, LACC lead investigator Baba Mohammed Boika alleged that the funds were not properly authorized and could not be fully accounted for.

In his defense, Tweah argued that the prosecution relied on assumptions rather than concrete proof. He emphasized that no evidence had been produced showing any lack of approval from the National Security Council (NSC), personal gain on his part, or communications suggesting a conspiracy.

He also highlighted the absence of key documentation—such as bank statements, witness testimony, or video recordings—arguing that the trial lacked substantive evidence.

Tweah’s defense centers on his claim that, as finance minister, he possessed broad authority over government spending, particularly in urgent or security-related situations. He explained that not all financial transactions require formal documentation and that funds can sometimes be disbursed under exceptional circumstances without written authorization.

Using an analogy, he likened government finances to a shared pool from which he was empowered to allocate resources as needed.

Addressing accusations against former Acting Justice Minister Nyanti Tuan, Tweah maintained that lawful officials performing their official duties cannot be charged with conspiracy in the absence of clear evidence of criminal intent.

He also rejected the money laundering allegation, insisting that all transactions occurred strictly between government accounts and did not involve illicit funds.

Despite his denials, Tweah’s testimony raised potential inconsistencies. While he claimed that written authorization was not always required, his defense also suggested that approvals from the NSC existed, though none were presented in court. He further cited national security and confidentiality as reasons for withholding certain details, raising questions about the balance between secrecy and accountability.

Additionally, although Tweah criticized investigators for failing to track how the funds were ultimately used, he did not provide a detailed account of their final allocation. He acknowledged that, in urgent circumstances, funds could be spent outside standard public financial management laws, with records adjusted afterward—an argument that may influence how the jury interprets compliance with procedural requirements.

Prosecutors maintain that no documented authorization from the NSC or Joint Security has been produced and that the transactions in question were irregular and insufficiently accounted for. The indictment underscores the absence of formal instructions or requests supporting the transfers.

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By S. Matthew M. Quoi, Jr. in Nimba County

GBOTUO TOWN, Nimba County, April 23, 2028 — Two children are reported missing in Gbotuo Town, Electoral District #6, following an alleged April 16, 2026, attack linked to an ongoing land dispute between residents of Gbear Gblor and Kparblee Administrative District.

The children’s mother, Albertha Gramie, told reporters that she and her six children had gone to their farming village that morning for routine farm work.

She said the family left the village and walked about 8 minutes to a nearby waterside to wash their work clothes when she heard a loud noise from another nearby settlement.

Fearing trouble, she said she asked the children to return quickly to their main village.

When they returned, Gramie alleged they met a group she described as “Bokina-Bees” from Bahs Town in Kparblee Administrative District.

She claimed the group, led by Jesse Bah, chased them off the farmland, damaged crops, and threatened to set the farm ablaze, insisting the land belongs to Kparblee and not Gbear Gblor.

She said she and the children ran into the bush and became separated. In the process, two boys, Solomon Kollie, 6, and Josiah Korden, 9, were reported missing and have not been seen since.

Gramie also alleged that two power-saw operators who went to the village to cut wood were detained by the group, whom she said were armed with cutlasses and other weapons. She said she immediately reported the matter to town authorities.

Acting Gbotuo Town Chief Allen G. Karzon confirmed the report, adding that the town’s substantive chief was arrested around 5:00 a.m. on April 17 after state security forces were deployed in the area. Karzon said the chief had planned to convene a meeting with residents to address the situation.

He said he has been in contact with the clan chief, paramount chief, and the district statutory superintendent to help calm tensions and push for an investigation. Karzon said more than 10 young men searched nearby bushes for three days but found no trace of the children.

Paramount Chief Oksen N. Troh also confirmed the incident. He said he contacted Jesse Bah, who residents accused of leading the group, but did not receive what he described as a satisfactory response.

Troh said he reported the matter to the clan chief and the statutory superintendent, who advised residents to remain calm while investigations continue.

The dispute, residents say, stems from a longstanding boundary disagreement between Kparblee and Gbear Gblor dating back to 2021, when one person reportedly died. Following that incident, former County Inspector B. Mark Gblinwon reportedly placed a stay order on the disputed area, halting farming until the government could conduct demarcation.

Residents of Gbear Gblor claim they have complied with the stay order, while alleging that residents of Kparblee have continued farming in the area.

Authorities have arrested at least five people in connection with the incident, including three Gbotuo residents, among them the town chief and youth chairman, and the two power-saw operators, residents said.

Community members, however, questioned why Jesse Bah—repeatedly accused as the leader of the alleged attackers—has not been arrested, and urged authorities to take action.

Residents also accused Nimba County Inspector Daniel Zekpeh of bias and of failing to provide what they called a fair platform for dialogue. Some further alleged he received L$60,000 from individuals in Kparblee to support their position; The New Dawn could not independently verify the claim.

They also criticized the early-morning arrests carried out by state security, describing the operation as unfair and targeted at what they termed “peaceful citizens.”

As of press time, the two boys remained missing. Authorities said investigations are ongoing as residents continue to call for urgent efforts to locate the children and address the dispute.

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During the visit, President Boakai will receive the prestigious Peace Leadership Award and deliver the keynote address at the 34th Annual Africa Peace Awards, to be held at California State University, Sacramento. The award recognizes his  commitment to peacebuilding, democratic governance, and inclusive development in Liberia and across the African continent.

The President’s delegation comprises: Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio, Nathaniel Kwabo, Director General of the Cabinet, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, Minister of Information.

Others include Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, Inspector Gregory Coleman, Inspector General of Police, and Professor Robert Sherman, Chairman, Council of Liberian Experts in the Diaspora (COLED).

While in the United States, President Boakai and his delegation will engage in a series of high-level meetings with partners and stakeholders to strengthen s bilateral relations and advance cooperation in key sectors, including governance, investment, and human capacity development.

In the absence of the President, the Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, will chair the Cabinet in consultation with the President and the Vice President, ensuring continuity in the effective functioning of Government.

President Boakai is expected to return to Liberia on May 1, 2026.

This visit highlights Liberia’s continued efforts to engage internationally and its enduring pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development.

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MONROVIA, April 22, 2026 – The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has asked the Liberian Senate for authorization to print LD$79 billion over the period 2026 to 2030, while seeking an emergency approval of LD$14.7 billion for 2026 to respond to what it calls a growing demand for banknotes on the local market.

CBL Executive Governor Henry F. Saamoi made the disclosure on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, during a hearing at the Liberian Senate, where he said the request is intended to align currency supply with market demand.

“Our proposal is to bring LD$79 billion to cover the period 2026 to 2030, but we want to note that this represents less than 40% of the current money supply, with the U.S. dollar dominating transactions in the country. We are not printing new money; we are only printing additional banknotes,” Saamoi told senators.

However, the hearing turned tense as some senators challenged the CBL for not stating, with specificity, the exact quantity to be printed under the broader plan and the definitive cost of the exercise.

Senators also questioned what they described as the limited time being requested for an emergency approval of the LD$14.7 billion for 2026 and pressed the Bank to justify the urgency.

In response, Saamoi said issues relating to the timing of the request are “executive questions,” adding that he could not address them on the record but could discuss them with lawmakers in a closed-door engagement.

On cost, the CBL Governor said the estimated price, based on previous negotiations—stands at about US$11 million but maintained that the Bank cannot provide a final figure until the Legislature approves the amount to be printed and a formal quotation is obtained from the printer.

Providing an update on the emergency component of the plan, Saamoi said the CBL is seeking immediate legislative approval to print LD$14.7 billion in 2026 to meet what it sees as current transaction demand in the economy.

“So, for the emergency printing in 2026, it is LD$14.7 billion, based on the movements of the exchange rate that we saw back in 2024–2025, where we estimated that probably the exchange rate could be about 200. So, of the LD$14.7 billion projected for 2026, LD$10 billion is intended for reserves. So, the LD$4.7 billion, plus what we have now, is what we are projecting for meeting transaction demands in 2026,” he explained.

He said the Bank will then proceed with a competitive bidding process for the remaining LD$64.3 billion, while assuring Liberians that the CBL will not print and bring in money in 2029 because it is an election year.

“This will be an open and international competitive bidding process. And the objective is to ensure transparency on medium-term cost issues. So, for the emergency procurement, we are considering a single source for all the printers that printed the 100 Liberian dollar bills for us and the 500 Liberian dollar bills. So that’s what we intend for the year 2026, to go back to those two printers,” Saamoi said.

Meanwhile, justifying the proposed LD$79 billion printout, Saamoi cited what he called economic growth and higher transaction demand, noting that the economy continues to expand, with the Senate having approved a US$1.2 billion national budget.

He said Liberia recorded economic growth of 5.1% in 2025, an indicator, he argued, that the country should have sufficient currency in circulation to meet transaction needs.

Additionally, he pointed to what he described as changes in the approval and procurement timeline, now stretching from 12 months to 24 months for printing and arrival of banknotes, as another factor informing the request.

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Temple of Justice, Monrovia, April 21, 2026: Prosecutors in the ongoing corruption trial of former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah, Jr., and others say his testimony amounts to “reconstructing the law” to square it with alleged illegal acts.

The case centers on the transfer of about US$6.5 million to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), which the defendants maintained was executed in the interest of national security.

On Monday, April 20, 2026, Tweah took the witness stand in Criminal Court “C,” offering a lengthy, technical defense that prosecutors say was riddled with contradictions and inconsistencies.

Tweah, who served from January 2018 to January 2024, is on trial with four former officials over allegations they authorized the illegal use of more than L$1 billion and US$500,000 in public funds through the FIA.

His appearance, observers say, has raised fresh questions about the legality of the transactions and the accuracy of his explanations under oath.

Tweah sought to ground his authority in two instruments—the Public Financial Management (PFM) Law and the National Budget.

However, as he walked the court through his interpretation, prosecutors contend his narrative shifted repeatedly, prompting concerns he was redefining standard financial procedures to defend disputed transactions.

At one point, the former minister argued that agency requests are not required to trigger spending, insisting that passage of the national budget alone vests him with authority to expend funds.

Earlier, he had told the court: “The request for resources is the most sufficient trigger for expenditure.”

The contrasting explanations, prosecutors argue, show that Tweah was reconstructing the law to fit his actions, rather than stating the law as written.

Prosecution also pointed to what it called a major inconsistency in Tweah’s claim that emergency-related spending becomes legal once approved by the National Security Council (NSC).

He told the jury: “Once the NSC approves the intervention, the minister’s authority is complete.”

But prosecutors note the PFM Law is explicit that any spending beyond the budget must be reported to the Legislature under Section 26.

Tweah did not testify that the FIA-related transfers were ever reported to lawmakers, prosecutors emphasized.

They argue NSC approval cannot override statutory reporting requirements and that his failure to mention legislative notification points to a procedural breach.

Tweah also defended the use of the “direct debit” mechanism to move funds to the FIA, telling jurors it was lawful.

He said: “Direct debit is not outside the budget circle.”

But he later acknowledged: “It is not pre-allotted but may be allotted subsequently.”

The statement, courtroom observers say, raises a basic question: if a line item is neither pre-allotted nor later supported by documented allotment, where does it fall within the budget framework?

Prosecutors say the explanation effectively concedes their point—that the transfers operated outside the proper budgetary process, at least for a period.

When questioned about the absence of written requests or documentation authorizing the FIA transfers, Tweah brushed the gaps aside as immaterial.

He suggested investigators were too quick to treat missing documents as proof of wrongdoing, likening it to concluding money is stolen simply because it is no longer seen. The trial continues in Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice.

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MONROVIA, April 22, 2026 — The Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia (OWECC-L) has accused senior government officials of delaying review of draft bills needed to advance legislation for the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court.

OWECC-L Executive Director Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu made the allegation during a radio interview in Monrovia, claiming “non-cooperative attitudes” from offices expected to provide technical input on the drafts.

According to Barbu, OWECC-L submitted two draft laws to the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the President for review before they are transmitted to the Legislature.

He named Justice Minister Oswald N. Tweh, Presidential Legal Adviser Cllr. Busheben Keita and National Security Adviser Atty. Samuel Kofi Woods, as officials he believes have not acted on the documents.

He said continued delays could undermine accountability and reconciliation efforts after Liberia’s civil conflicts. “There are elements in this government that are stalling the War Crimes Court process because they want a failed process,” Barbu said.

Liberia’s civil wars (1989–2003) left an estimated 250,000 people dead and displaced many others. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended a special court to prosecute alleged gross human rights violations and economic crimes linked to the conflict, but implementation has remained slow over the years.

Barbu said he believes the President supports the court, but claimed progress is being “strangulated” by people he alleged may have participated in the war or are seeking to shield relatives and associates who could face prosecution if a court is set up.

OWECC-L called on the executive and legislative branches to show what it described as the political will to move the process forward, arguing that establishing the court is vital to lasting peace.

Civil society organizations and international partners have long urged Liberia to act on the TRC recommendations, warning that delays risk entrenching impunity and weakening the rule of law.

Barbu said OWECC-L will continue engagements with government institutions, civil society and international partners, but stressed that action by key offices is necessary for the draft bills to reach lawmakers.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.

Background

OWECC-L is a national body mandated to lead efforts toward the creation of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia. It works with government and civil society stakeholders to promote justice, accountability and reconciliation for crimes committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts.

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