By Socrates Smythe Saywon | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Liberian Senate, under the leadership of Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, convened its 38th Day Sitting of the Third Session of the 55th Legislature on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, with an agenda dominated by the US$19 million cocaine investigation, a proposed overhaul of Liberia’s asset declaration regime, major international financing agreements, and other governance issues requiring legislative action.
The most politically sensitive item before Plenary was a communication from Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar, requesting the Senate’s attention to what he described as concerns over the handling of the US$19 million cocaine trafficking case.
Kogar’s request comes as public interest continues to grow following the seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport (RIA) and the subsequent charging of five suspects. The investigation has drawn national attention amid questions over how several individuals allegedly linked to the trafficking operation were able to leave Liberia before criminal charges were announced.
By placing the matter on its official agenda, the Senate signaled its intention to exercise legislative oversight over one of the country’s most closely watched criminal investigations.
Another major item before lawmakers was a communication from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai seeking the enactment of legislation to strengthen Liberia’s asset declaration system.
The proposed amendment to the National Code of Conduct would authorize the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to publish the asset declarations of public officials and employees of government, a measure intended to improve transparency and reinforce accountability in public service.
The Senate also received a communication from President Boakai informing lawmakers of his official working visit to Türkiye, where he is expected to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, government officials, business leaders, and investors to strengthen bilateral relations and promote investment opportunities for Liberia.
In addition, lawmakers are expected to consider several financing agreements submitted by the Executive, including the Second Resilient and Inclusive Growth Development Policy Financing with the International Development Association, as well as loan agreements with the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund to support fiscal sustainability and governance reforms in Liberia’s mining sector.
Plenary was also scheduled to receive the report of the Joint Committee on Post and Telecommunications and Ways, Means, Finance and Budget on the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program Series of Projects 2 (WARDIP-SOP2) financing agreement, a regional initiative aimed at expanding digital connectivity and infrastructure across West Africa.
Meanwhile, the Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget was expected to present its report on the confirmation hearing of Benedict Y. Harleyson, Deputy Minister for Administration-designate at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
The Senate’s agenda further included several engrossed bills transmitted by the House of Representatives, including legislation to restructure the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), establish the Liberia Insurance Commission, ratify the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation (Niamey Convention), and amend additional provisions of the National Code of Conduct.
Lawmakers were also expected to consider a bill seeking to establish the Carbadae Magisterial Area in Wacaba District, Sinoe County, while River Gee County Senator Jonathan Boycharles Sogbie requested Plenary’s attention to the prolonged acting status of officials at the Governance Commission, raising concerns about delays in appointing substantive leadership.
The breadth of the Senate’s agenda reflects the wide range of governance challenges confronting the Boakai administration, from combating transnational drug trafficking and strengthening anti-corruption measures to managing international borrowing, institutional reforms, and appointments to key public offices.
With the US$19 million cocaine investigation now formally before the Senate, lawmakers are expected to seek greater clarity on the government’s handling of the case, as public calls continue for transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive investigation into one of Liberia’s largest reported drug trafficking cases.
