By Amos Harris

The Government of Liberia’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process remains firmly on display as proceedings continue in the high-profile US$6.2 million economic sabotage case involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. and four other former officials. Testifying on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, before Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, Tweah categorically rejected all allegations of corruption, including charges of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and the misuse of public funds. His testimony forms part of a broader judicial process that underscores Liberia’s growing institutional strength in addressing complex financial cases through the court system.

The case, brought forward by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), centers on the transfer of over L$1 billion and US$500,000 into accounts associated with the Financial Intelligence Agency. Government officials have consistently maintained that such proceedings demonstrate the independence of oversight institutions and their mandate to investigate and prosecute allegations without fear or favor. During his testimony, Tweah emphasized that the prosecution had not presented credible evidence linking him or his co-defendants to any wrongdoing. He maintained that no proof was submitted to show personal gain, lack of authorization, or any coordinated effort suggesting a conspiracy. According to Tweah, the absence of key documentation—including specific bank records and direct witness testimony—fundamentally weakens the case against the accused.

Importantly, these proceedings have provided a platform for legal scrutiny of public financial management practices, particularly regarding matters of national security. Tweah argued that, as Finance Minister, he operated within a framework that allows for discretionary decision-making in urgent and sensitive situations. He contended that this includes the movement of funds without standard documentation under exceptional circumstances. The Government views this aspect of the case as a critical opportunity to clarify the boundaries of executive authority, especially in relation to emergency spending and national security considerations. Legal experts note that such discussions are essential for strengthening Liberia’s governance systems while ensuring that accountability mechanisms remain robust.

Addressing allegations involving former Acting Justice Minister Nyanti Tuan, Tweah reiterated that actions taken by public officials in the course of their duties should not be construed as criminal without clear evidence of intent. He also rejected money laundering claims, noting that the transactions in question involved established government accounts rather than private or illicit financial channels. While the prosecution has raised concerns about the absence of documented authorization and the traceability of funds, the ongoing trial highlights the judiciary’s role as the ultimate arbiter in determining the facts. The court has actively managed proceedings, ruling on objections and ensuring that questioning remains relevant and within legal bounds.

The Government has reaffirmed its confidence in the judicial process, emphasizing that all parties will be given a fair hearing in accordance with the law. Officials stress that the case reflects Liberia’s continued progress in strengthening democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law. As the trial adjourns to a later date, public interest remains high. Beyond the individuals involved, the case is widely seen as a significant moment for Liberia’s governance landscape—one that reinforces the importance of transparency, institutional accountability, and the careful balancing of national security considerations with public financial oversight. Proceedings are expected to resume with further testimonies and legal arguments as the court continues its work to ensure justice is served in a manner consistent with Liberia’s laws and democratic principles.

The post Former Finance Minister Tweah Rejects Corruption Claims In Ongoing US$6.2 million  appeared first on Liberia News Network.

By Ekena Wesley Darby, contributing writer

That law clearly organized the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) into an Army, Air Force, and Navy under the authority of the Ministry of National Defense (Liberia), a structure that would provide the House of Representatives of Liberia and the Liberian Senate with clearer institutional visibility into defense headquarters operations, thereby strengthening transparency in budgeting, funding allocation, and expenditure oversight. At the ministerial level, firm civilian control should remain central while enhancing coordination with military leadership, particularly through an empowered engineering battalion capable of executing civil–military projects such as national road construction, estate housing initiatives in areas like Cabra and SKD Boulevard, and broader infrastructure development across rural regions.

Recruitment into the AFL should be standardized, merit-based, and restricted to verified Liberian citizens with at least a high school diploma or associate degree, while also integrating skilled professionals in health, engineering, law, and the liberal arts to build a balanced and capable force. Expanding personnel strength to approximately 8,000 would require a structured training pipeline progressing from Basic Training to Advanced Individual Training (AIT), followed by Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) development, Officer Candidate School (OCS), and advanced officer education aligned with Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

Simultaneously, the government should prioritize the construction of modern barracks situated outside densely populated civilian areas to enhance operational security and professionalism, while introducing a nationwide ROTC program under the Ministry of Education (Liberia) to cultivate discipline, leadership, and a sustainable pipeline of future officers.

Ekena Wesley
Darby
Delaware County, PA
+16107650305
Email: [email protected]

The post Rebuilding Liberia’s Defense: Reviving the 1986 Framework to Strengthen Civilian Oversight, Professionalize the AFL, and Drive National Development appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has completed the training of 75 out of 300 Community Based Agents (CBAs) of its Liberia women empowerment project, across six project counties of Bomi, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Montserrado and River Cess.

Facilitated by ActionAid Liberia, the Service Provider for Component 1b of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), which focuses on Community Mobilization and Citizen Engagement, the training brought together 75 Community-Based Agents (CBAs) to strengthen their knowledge, build their social skills, and deepen their understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the project.

The expected outcomes are clear and impactful: to learn, to lead, and to serve In Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, a total of seven Community-Based Agents (CBAs) successfully completed the two-day training. The participants were selected from Konobo, B’hai, Gbao, and Cavalla Administrative Districts.

Although small in number, their role carries significant weight. They serve as a critical bridge between national programs and the everyday realities of rural communities, ensuring effective information flow, service delivery, and community feedback.

At the start of the training, participants commended the Ministry of Gender, ActionAid, and the World Bank for including them in the LWEP project. They described their roles as Community- Based Advocates (CBAs) as essential to achieving the objectives of their duties.

“I want to thank ActionAid and the LWEP team for this opportunity. What makes this training especially valuable is the introduction of new ideas and policies that will help us, as CBAs, carry out our roles more effectively,” said Aaron Zweh, a CBA from Gbao Administrative District in Pouh Town.

Zweh noted that the sessions, led by ActionAid and its partners, significantly broadened his understanding of Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse (SHEA), safeguarding principles, the various components of the LWEP project, and key human rights and women’s rights issues.

He added that the training has strengthened the knowledge and skills he already possessed.

He further explained that the training has not only increased his knowledge but also better equipped him to continue advocating for women’s rights and their protection. As an example, he recounted a personal experience involving his family, where he stood up for his female siblings’ right to inherit property.

“During the sharing of our father’s property, my brothers argued that the women should not receive a share,” Zweh said. “But I insisted that the women had the right to their portion, and in the end, they received their fair share.”

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of equality, noting that the LWEP project and ActionAid promote equal treatment for all. He called for the abandonment of traditional practices that discriminate against women and girls.

“MGCSP and ActionAid are advocating that everyone should be treated equally, and that harmful traditional practices that victimize women and girls must be abolished,” he said.

Supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, through Plan International Liberia the Lead Service Provider and a consortium of service provider organizations including Actionaid Liberia, the training goes beyond theory.

It focuses on practical tools how to safeguard vulnerable groups, manage environmental and social risks, document community issues, and respond effectively through established grievance redress systems.

For many of the participants, this training became an opportunity to better serve their communities. It equipped them not only with knowledge, but with confidence and clarity of purpose.

The training strengthened participants’ understanding of their roles as Community-Based Agents (CBAs), particularly in community engagement and grievance redress. Arretha Blawou of Pokor Town noted that her responsibility is to actively listen to community members, document their concerns, and channel complaints to project management for resolution.

This reflects the training’s effectiveness in reinforcing CBAs as key links between communities and the MGCSP-LWEP ’s service delivery organizations, ensuring accountability and responsive service delivery.

ActionAid Liberia’s service provision also reflects its broader mission: to stand alongside women, young people, and marginalized groups as they claim their rights and improve their livelihoods.

This aligns with its Country Strategy Paper III, which places women’s rights and economic empowerment at the center of its work.

As the training concludes, Community-Based Agents (CBAs) return to their communities not only with new knowledge, but with a stronger sense of responsibility and an enhanced ability to lead positive change.

 In many underserved and marginalized areas, lasting transformation often begins with a small group of committed individuals. CBAs are now better prepared to take on that role—serving as trusted leaders and effective agents of change within their communities.

MGCSP, as implementing partner of LWEP, continues its commitment towards capacity-building efforts in order to ensure that stakeholders are able to engage effectively within communities and participate in the implementation of the projects.

Capacity building efforts are carried out across national, county, district, and community levels to ensure that systems and leadership capacities are built up in all of the six counties covered under the project.

The MGCSP-LWEP training activities will progress into the SASA! Together Leadership Training from April 27th – April 30th, 2026. The training will take place at the same time in all six counties and the ActionAid Liberia team members will conduct the trainings.

The post Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Empowers 75 Community Agents to Drive LWEP Impact Across Six Counties appeared first on Liberia News Network.

The framers identified 26 business activities meant to be Liberian-only, including transportation (taxi and trucking services); retail (the sale of rice, cement, timber, planks, ice, and pharmaceuticals); services (travel and advertising agencies, commercial printing, tire repair, and shoe repair); as well as the operation of gas stations and block-making businesses.

Yet, decades after its passage and amendments, the Act remains poorly enforced. Too often, the very officials and institutions responsible for upholding the law are among those who disregard it—and when they do engage Liberian businesses, the treatment can be dismissive and condescending.

Government actors frequently point to “low capacity” as a justification for awarding contracts or opportunities to foreign nationals who are legally barred from operating in these reserved sectors. In doing so, they violate the laws, and the Constitution, they swore to defend.

Earlier this month, Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh drew attention to the plight of Liberian-owned businesses—hardworking entrepreneurs operating without adequate legal protection, clear structure, or fair access to the opportunities the law promises them.

As Senator Konneh put it, Liberia is steadily losing control of sectors explicitly reserved for its citizens because the government has failed to enforce the Act and provide meaningful support to Liberian businesses.

Day after day, Liberians are marginalized in their own economy by institutions that should be protecting them. Ministries and agencies, for example, routinely award commercial printing and related contracts to foreign nationals—Lebanese, Indians, Ghanaians, and Nigerians—while Liberians in the same sectors look on. In many of those countries, such a practice would not be tolerated.

Concerns about enforcement resurfaced earlier this year after a deal involving Firestone Liberia and APM Terminals that reportedly permitted foreign-owned trucks to operate at the Freeport of Monrovia—an arrangement that displaced Liberian truckers.

That is why the moment to end these injustices is now. Liberia can learn from countries such as Ghana, where regulators have acted against foreign retail operations that violate local rules, creating space for citizens to participate meaningfully in their own economy.

The era in which foreign investors enter Liberia with as little as US\$15,000 and immediately move into retail and other reserved activities must come to an end. Financial institutions also have a role to play: when banks provide large loans that enable illegal participation in protected sectors, they deepen Liberians’ exclusion and accelerate the transfer of opportunity away from citizens.

We therefore urge civil society organizations, the media, and all well-meaning Liberians to press for full enforcement of the Liberianization Act. Foreign nationals operating in sectors reserved for Liberians must regularize their activities where the law permits—or exit those spaces where it does not.

Government ministries and agencies that collaborate in these violations should be investigated, held accountable, and—where evidence supports it—prosecuted under the law.

Liberians should not be spectators in an economy that is meant to serve them. Enforcing the Liberianization Act is not optional, it is a national duty. The time to reclaim protected opportunities, strengthen local enterprise, and restore fairness is now.

The post Editorial: Enforcing the Liberianization Act appeared first on Liberia News Network.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]

In Liberia, the recent expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah, the six-month imprisonment of social media influencer Justine Oldpa Yeazeahn, widely known as Prophet Key, and the sentencing of entertainer and political activist Zainab Sheriff to four years and two months in prison in Sierra Leone have intensified criticism over both governments’ commitment to protecting free speech and political dissent.

On April 17, Representative Kolubah of Montserrado County District #10 was expelled by Liberia’s House of Representatives following remarks he made concerning the longstanding border dispute between Liberia and Guinea. Kolubah publicly suggested that available evidence appeared to support Guinea’s territorial claim, comments that sparked fierce backlash from fellow lawmakers and ultimately resulted in his removal.

Earlier, on February 13, Prophet Key was sentenced to six months in prison after Liberia’s Supreme Court found him guilty of criminal contempt over social media remarks deemed insulting to Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, his mother, and the full bench of the Court. The ruling followed a show-cause hearing centered on statements in which Yeazeahn criticized the Chief Justice, used offensive language, and accused the Supreme Court of corruption.

He was ordered to serve 180 days at Monrovia Central Prison. In addition to the prison term, the Court required him to issue a formal written apology to the Supreme Court and Liberian women for five consecutive days and sign a behavior bond committing to refrain from vulgar public attacks.

Critics contend that the punishment against Kolubah was disproportionate and intended to silence an outspoken independent voice. Prophet Key’s sentencing has similarly fueled debate over whether Liberia’s judiciary is legitimately safeguarding its institutional integrity or overstepping into the suppression of personal expression. For many observers, both cases have become flashpoints in growing concerns about restrictions on free speech.

One of the most vocal critics has been the Press Union of Liberia (PUL). In a sharply worded statement issued last week under the theme “No Rescue Without Freedom,” the PUL expressed deep concern over what it described as the gradual erosion of democratic norms—particularly freedom of speech and expression—under the administration of President Joseph Boakai.

“Democracy is not tested in moments of agreement, but in how a society treats dissent,” the union stated. “Today, many Liberians—journalists, students, activists, and ordinary citizens—are increasingly anxious about whether they can speak freely without fear of intimidation, arrest, or reprisal. This growing sense of unease should concern all who believe in the promise of Liberia’s democratic future.”

The PUL further argued that an administration elected on a “Rescue” platform must remain firmly committed to the principles that sustain democracy, including respect for fundamental rights, adherence to the rule of law, and unwavering confidence in judicial independence.

“These are not optional values,” the union stressed. “They are the foundation of legitimate governance.”

The Press Union directly criticized the administration of President Joseph Boakai, noting that a government elected on a “Rescue” agenda must uphold the fundamental principles of democracy, including respect for human rights, the rule of law, and judicial independence.

Key Concerns Raised

The union outlined several developments it believes signal shrinking civic space and weakening adherence to due process. Among them include the controversial removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, the continued detention of Justin Oldpa Yeazehn for criminal contempt by the Supreme Court of Liberia, the violent suppression of peaceful protests, including demonstrations by students of the University of Liberia on April 14, the expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah by a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, efforts to undermine the Freedom of Information Act through proposed non-disclosure agreements for government employees, legislative moves to amend the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom to potentially reintroduce criminal penalties for speech.
According to the PUL, these actions collectively risk reversing hard-won gains in press freedom, including the repeal of laws criminalizing libel and sedition.

The union stressed that freedom of expression is a constitutional right protected under Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution and cautioned against any actions that bypass legal procedures or undermine judicial authority.

“The judiciary must remain the final arbiter of disputes,” the statement noted, warning that disregard for legal processes could weaken public trust in governance.
The PUL also condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters, stating that citizens must be allowed to assemble and express grievances without fear.

Call to Action

The PUL called on the government to uphold freedom of expression in both principle and practice, respect the independence of the judiciary, ensure due process in all actions affecting citizens, end intimidation and violence against peaceful protesters, avoid legislative rollbacks that criminalize speech.

‘Freedom as the Foundation’

The union concluded by underscoring that Liberia’s democratic progress has been built through sacrifice and must be protected. “At a time of economic hardship and uncertainty, silencing voices only deepens frustration,” Kanubah said. “There can be no rescue without freedom.”
The PUL reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and supporting efforts to safeguard Liberia’s democracy.

‘Unjustifiably Excessive’

Across the border in Sierra Leone, a more severe case has intensified concerns about the limits of free expression. Entertainer-turned-politician Zainab Sheriff, a member of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), was sentenced to four years and two months in prison after being convicted on charges of incitement and using threatening language on April 14, 2026.

The conviction stems from statements she allegedly made during a political rally in Freetown, where prosecutors say she described election rigging as treason and suggested that those responsible should be killed. She also reportedly referred to the president as a “rigger.” The court, relying on video and transcript evidence, ruled that her remarks violated public order laws and posed a threat to national stability.

Sheriff, who pleaded not guilty throughout the proceedings, was denied bail and remained in detention until sentencing. Her case drew widespread attention, including reports that a large team of lawyers rallied in her defense at various stages of the trial. While government supporters have defended the verdict as necessary to deter inflammatory rhetoric, critics say it reflects a pattern of selective justice aimed at opposition figures.

The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone strongly condemned the sentence handed down to Zainab Sheriff, describing both the judgment and punishment as unjustifiably excessive and a violation of fundamental rights.

In a formal statement, the Society expressed “profound concern” over Sheriff’s conviction and four-year, two-month sentence delivered by Magistrate Brima Jah in the case of The Inspector General of Police v. Zainab Sheriff.

“We firmly believe that the comments made by Ms. Sheriff, in the exercise of her right to expression and opinion, should not have resulted in criminal prosecution,” the statement said, noting that the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) had already imposed a fine, which was paid by the opposition party.

The organization also criticized the court’s refusal to grant Sheriff bail throughout the summary trial, arguing that this contradicted both the presumption of innocence and protections outlined under Sierra Leone’s Criminal Procedure Act of 2024.

According to the Lawyers’ Society, freedom of expression—including unpopular or controversial opinions—is an essential pillar of democracy.

“The sentence imposed on Ms. Sheriff appears unnecessarily severe and risks discouraging citizens from voicing diverse perspectives,” the Society noted, warning that such punitive measures may signal limited tolerance for free and open political dialogue.

In light of these concerns, the group urged Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice to exercise his summary review powers under Cap 17 of the Laws of Sierra Leone to review the case, overturn the conviction, and discharge Sheriff, consistent with previous interventions in cases involving disproportionate sentencing.

The developments in both countries have triggered public outcry and renewed scrutiny from human rights advocates, who warn that restricting dissent could undermine democratic gains achieved since the end of their respective civil wars.

“These are not isolated incidents,” said a regional political analyst based in West Africa. “They point to a broader tension between maintaining public order and respecting fundamental freedoms, and are signs of creeping dictorship. The danger is that governments, in trying to prevent instability, may adopt measures that stifle legitimate criticism.”

Both Liberia and Sierra Leone experienced devastating civil wars fueled in part by governance failures, political exclusion, and suppression of dissent. Observers caution that while today’s circumstances are far removed from those periods of conflict, the erosion of civic space—if left unchecked—could weaken public trust in democratic institutions.

For many citizens, the issue is not whether governments should act against harmful or inflammatory speech, but how far such actions should go. Civil society organizations in both countries are calling for clearer legal standards, proportional penalties, and greater safeguards to ensure that laws meant to preserve order are not used to silence opposition.

As the debate intensifies, the actions of both governments are likely to remain under close watch—not only domestically, but across a region where democratic resilience continues to be tested.

The post Liberia, Sierra Leone Face Renewed Scrutiny Over ‘Crackdowns on Dissent’ Following Lawmaker’s Expulsion, Activist Sentencing appeared first on Liberia News Network.

• Young Liberians met with former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other senior leaders in Monrovia recently for a rare intergenerational dialogue on the country’s past and future.
• Speakers shared lessons from prison, exile, and years of struggle, telling young people that leadership takes sacrifice, patience, and service — not shortcuts.
• The event highlighted a growing national challenge: how to pass on Liberia’s political history and leadership from one generation to the next.

By Joyclyn Wea and Tetee Gebro, gender correspondents with New Narratives

Young Liberians sat face-to-face with some of the country’s most powerful political figures last week in Monrovia, listening to stories of prison, exile, and hard-won leadership. But as they absorbed lessons from the past, many also made a quiet demand: they want a real role in shaping the country’s future.

The Intergenerational Political Dialogue, organized by the Movement for One Liberia, a political party, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, brought together former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, senior women leaders, students, and civil society actors under the theme: “Bridging Generations: Preserving the Past, Empowering the Present, Shaping the Future.”

The Movement for One Liberia, founded in 2019 by MacDella Cooper, now political adviser to President Boakai, was created to push for more inclusive representation in government, especially for women, young people, and people with disabilities. The party was one of two just political parties that met a 30 percent gender threshold that all parties had committed to ahead of the 2023 elections.

The message from many of the older speakers was clear: young people must understand the country’s painful political history — including prison, exile, coups, and war — before they can fully lead it.

“We need to know from where we have come, so we understand where we are going,” said Madam Cooper, leader of the Movement for One Liberia, the party that organized the event.

But some young people also used the event to press their own message: it is not the time for history lessons. They want a real place in national decision-making,” Ansumana F. Munya said.