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Insights Liberia, Brussels (2026)

10/09/2026

MCSS Boss Pushes Back at Teachers’ Go-Slow, Says Protest Won’t Solve Their Problems

By Emmanuel Mopolu

Monrovia, Liberia September 10, 2026: The Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), Dr. Auguries E. Stevens, has pushed back against teachers’ demands for her resignation, salary adjustments and implementation of a March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), saying industrial action will not resolve the challenges confronting the school system.

Speaking Thursday at the Ministry of Information press briefing, Dr. Stevens said the decision by teachers to engage in a go-slow and encourage students to boycott classes would not provide solutions to their concerns.

The MCSS Teachers’ Association has accused the government of failing to honor commitments contained in the March 27, 2025 MOU, while demanding the full employment of volunteers, salary adjustments for credentialed teachers and other reforms. The Association has also called for Dr. Stevens’ resignation or dismissal, citing alleged administrative ineptitude and corruption.

Responding to the action, Dr. Stevens said protests and go-slow actions within MCSS are not new, noting that such disputes existed before her administration took over.

She said her administration has been at the institution for only about a year and therefore should not be held responsible for longstanding problems.

On the March 2025 MOU, Dr. Stevens said she was not involved in the agreement because it was signed under the previous administration. She maintained that if teachers believe the agreement remains relevant, they can engage her administration to discuss and potentially negotiate a new MOU.

Dr. Stevens also challenged the suggestion that the current slowdown in school activities is entirely the result of the teachers’ go-slow, attributing some of the disruption to ongoing renovation activities within MCSS facilities.

She acknowledged the teachers’ concerns but urged them to exercise patience, saying the government is making efforts to address some of their demands. She specifically pointed to the Ministry of Finance and Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan as making efforts toward resolving the financial challenges affecting the teachers.

The Superintendent urged the teachers to remain patient, arguing that while the government may take time to fully address their concerns, progress is being made. She maintained that continued engagement, rather than industrial action affecting students, remains necessary to find a lasting solution.

10/09/2026

Public Parks Deteriorating as Government Gets No Money?

By: Emmanuel Mopolu

MONROVIA, Liberia September 10, 2026: Liberia’s public parks built during the administration of former President George Weah are gradually falling into disrepair, while the government says it has received no revenue from the company contracted to manage some of the facilities.

The latest disclosure came Thursday from Monrovia City Mayor John Siafa, who appeared at the Ministry of Information press briefing and said the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) has not received a dime from Green Park Management since his administration took office. The disclosure follows an earlier statement by Information Minister Daniel Sando that government had also received no money from the management company.

The admission is raising fresh questions about the management of the parks, particularly in light of findings contained in a General Auditing Commission (GAC) report.

According to the audit, an agreement between MCC and Green Park Management provided for the private company to receive 70 percent of commercial-use fees, while MCC was to receive 30 percent.

The arrangement also provided that fees paid by individuals or groups using the parks would go entirely to Green Park Management.

But the GAC raised concerns over the arrangement, including the absence of evidence that government was recovering its investment in the construction of the parks and the lack of evidence that MCC had collected and deposited its share of commercial revenue into a government account during the period reviewed.

The agreement was structured to run for 20 years, from September 2023 to August 2043.

While the financial questions remain unanswered and the management of the parks is reportedly before the courts, the condition of some of the facilities is becoming another public concern.

At the PHP/Unification Park, several lights are reportedly no longer functioning, basketball facilities have deteriorated, portions of the playing surface have been damaged, and sections of the property are showing signs of erosion and neglect.

Similar concerns have been raised about other parks constructed under the former administration.

The situation leaves taxpayers facing a troubling question: If government is receiving no money from the parks, who is responsible for maintaining them—and where is the revenue generated from their use going?

The issue has now moved beyond a disagreement over who controls the facilities. It is becoming a question of public assets, public money and public accountability. Millions of dollars were invested in facilities intended for Liberian communities, yet some are deteriorating while the government says it has received no revenue.

With Mayor Siafa now publicly confirming that MCC has received nothing from Green Park Management under his administration, the government faces increasing pressure to explain the current status of the agreement, disclose revenue and maintenance records, clarify the ongoing litigation, and tell Liberians who is ultimately responsible for protecting the parks from further deterioration.

10/09/2026

‎Former Chief Justice Yuoh Calls for Executive-Judiciary Dialogue, Questions AAID’s Impact on Courts
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‎By Sam Middlevic Karto
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‎Monrovia, Liberia, September 10, 2026, Former Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh has called for renewed dialogue between Liberia’s Executive and Judicial branches, raising concerns over the extent to which the Judiciary was consulted during the formulation of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
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‎Speaking Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Central Bank of Liberia’s National Non-Performing Loans Resolution Conference held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Madam Yuoh said the national development agenda was largely developed by the Executive Branch without adequate consultation with the Judiciary.
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‎The former Chief Justice said the Judiciary is included under the Rule of Law Pillar of the AAID, but argued that its priorities and reform needs were not sufficiently incorporated into the document.
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‎“I’m compelled to safely say that, from my experience, the document did not do the Judiciary any good,” Madam Yuoh said.
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‎According to her, the absence of meaningful consultation raises concerns about judicial independence and the government’s approach to strengthening the justice sector.
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‎Madam Yuoh explained that during the formulation of the AAID, she made several attempts to establish coordination between the Judiciary and the Executive Branch. She said these efforts included initiating meetings between the then Minister of State and the Court Administrator, as well as engaging the Dean of the Cabinet.
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‎However, she said those efforts did not produce the desired results.
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‎The former Chief Justice maintained that greater collaboration and good faith between the two branches of government could have allowed the Judiciary’s priorities to be incorporated into the national development framework.
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‎She specifically referenced the Judiciary’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, which she said contained key priorities for reforming and strengthening the judicial system.
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‎Madam Yuoh recalled presenting a copy of the strategic plan to the Executive, emphasizing that development grants and other forms of assistance for the Judiciary are channeled through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
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‎She argued that the Judiciary’s reform priorities could have been reflected in the AAID had there been stronger coordination during its preparation.
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‎Beyond her criticism of the development agenda, Madam Yuoh recommended direct dialogue between the Executive and Judiciary to address the challenges confronting the courts.
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‎She said such engagement should focus on the revamping and reform of the Judiciary, while ensuring that efforts to strengthen the justice system respect the constitutional principle of judicial independence.
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‎Her comments come amid broader discussions about governance, the rule of law and institutional reform under the Boakai administration, particularly as the government continues to implement its national development agenda.
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‎Madam Yuoh’s remarks also highlight the need for greater coordination among Liberia’s three branches of government while maintaining the constitutional separation of powers and independence of the Judiciary.

10/09/2026

National Transit Authority Deputy Director for Operations, Noah Gibson, responded to a caller on the radio

10/09/2026

Ministry information Regular Press Briefing

10/09/2026

‎NPP Suspends Three Partisans Over Unauthorized Support for Weah’s Opposition Talks
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‎By Sam Middlevic Karto
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‎Monrovia, Liberia September 10, 2026, The National Patriotic Party (NPP) has moved to reinforce internal discipline after suspending three of its partisans for allegedly using the party’s official letterhead to endorse a planned opposition roundtable initiated by former President George Manneh Weah without authorization from the party’s leadership.
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‎The suspended partisans are Emmanuel Goll, Neileh Daitouah and Daoda Nesco.
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‎NPP Executive Committee Chairman George Mulbah said the decision was reached by the party’s Executive Committee following the trio’s involvement in a statement endorsing the proposed opposition gathering.
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‎According to Mulbah, the use of the NPP’s official letterhead to issue a statement on behalf of the party without approval from the authorized leadership constitutes a violation of the party’s established procedures.
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‎He stressed that individual members do not have the authority to commit the NPP to political positions, alliances or initiatives without first obtaining clearance from the party’s recognized leadership structures.
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‎Mulbah said the disciplinary action is intended to preserve order within the party and ensure that statements issued in the NPP’s name accurately reflect decisions reached through its official structures.
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‎The controversy emerged after Goll, Daitouah and Nesco reportedly issued a statement endorsing a proposed opposition unity roundtable being advanced by former President Weah.
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‎The planned roundtable is expected to bring together opposition political parties and other stakeholders to discuss possible areas of cooperation ahead of the 2029 Presidential and Legislative Elections.
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‎While the initiative has generated discussions about opposition unity and potential political cooperation, the NPP’s latest action has shifted attention toward the party’s internal procedures and who has the authority to speak on its behalf.
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‎Mulbah emphasized that the NPP has established leadership structures responsible for determining and communicating the party’s official positions.
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‎The suspension therefore serves as a warning to other partisans that political engagements undertaken in the name of the NPP must receive the necessary authorization before being publicly presented as official party positions.
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‎The development comes at a time when Liberia’s political parties are increasingly positioning themselves for the 2029 elections, with discussions about alliances, opposition cooperation and political realignment expected to intensify in the coming months.
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‎For the NPP, however, the immediate concern appears to be maintaining discipline and ensuring that members adhere to the party’s established chain of authority.
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‎The party has not disclosed the duration of the suspension imposed on the three partisans or whether further disciplinary measures could be taken.
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‎Meanwhile, the NPP has announced plans to convene its national convention in December, where delegates are expected to elect a new corps of party leaders.
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‎The convention is expected to provide an opportunity for the party to review its internal structures, address organizational challenges and chart its political strategy ahead of the 2029 elections.
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‎With the opposition landscape increasingly focused on possible cooperation and realignment, the December convention could prove significant for the NPP as it seeks to define its leadership direction and determine its broader political strategy going forward.

10/09/2026

‎NPA Security Director Roberts Apologizes to Rep. Kwagrue After ‘Monkey’ Remark Sparks Public Backlash
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‎By Sam Middlevic Karto
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‎Monrovia, Liberia, September 10, 2026, A supporter of the ruling Unity Party (UP), Charles Roberts has apologized to Nimba County District #5 Representative Kortor Sehwongbay Kwagrue following public backlash over an insulting Facebook post directed at the lawmaker.
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‎Roberts’ apology came after he referred to Rep. Kwagrue as a “monkey” in a Facebook post on Wednesday, following the lawmaker’s criticism of officials of the Unity Party-led government.
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‎In a subsequent post, Roberts acknowledged that his comments were inappropriate and said he had personally reached out to the Nimba lawmaker to express regret.
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‎“Well because we are humans, it's obvious that we will sometimes make mistakes,” Roberts wrote.
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‎He added: “Therefore I have reached out to the Nimba County Lawmaker and expressed my regret for the insults on his personality yesterday on Facebook.”
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‎Addressing Rep. Kwagrue directly, Roberts said: “Hon. Kortor Kwagrue I'm sorry for referring to you yesterday in the way I did.”
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‎“You can be sure that such behavior will never be repeated,” he added.
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‎Roberts’ initial post, which was later deleted, followed remarks by Rep. Kwagrue warning the Unity Party-led administration against becoming disconnected from ordinary Liberians.
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‎Kwagrue had urged the governing establishment to learn from the political experience of the former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) administration, arguing that arrogance, inaccessibility and a failure to maintain relationships with grassroots supporters could eventually cost a government politically.
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‎The Nimba lawmaker, who is a member of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), an affiliate of the Unity Party, also described President Joseph Boakai as a “developmental president” and acknowledged progress under his administration.
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‎However, Kwagrue cautioned that the President’s achievements could be undermined by the conduct of officials around him.
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‎According to the lawmaker, government officials must remain accessible to citizens and grassroots politicians who supported the Unity Party during the 2023 elections.
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‎“The reason people in Liberia will die for Joseph Boakai with sincerity is because he made a personal impact on them,” Kwagrue said, while criticizing officials he believes have become increasingly distant from ordinary citizens.
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‎He also warned that development projects alone may not guarantee political loyalty.
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‎“You can do all the development, but if you don’t make personal impact on the voters, they will see the development and still vote you out,” Kwagrue stated.
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‎Kwagrue further urged the Unity Party leadership to reconnect with grassroots supporters before political dissatisfaction grows.
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‎“You need to go back to the same grassroots politicians you were begging in 2023 to come together,” he said. “Call them now, before it is too late, and accelerate the work for the people.”
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‎The lawmaker also linked political stability to the economic conditions facing ordinary Liberians, warning that unemployment, hunger and economic hardship could influence voters’ attitudes toward the government.
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‎“A hungry man is an angry man,” Kwagrue said.
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‎Roberts’ initial response, however, focused on Kwagrue personally rather than the substance of his criticism. In the deleted post, Roberts described the lawmaker as “this monkey” and questioned why Kwagrue and others associated with the Unity Party would criticize members of the governing establishment.
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‎Roberts also challenged Kwagrue to demonstrate whether he had distributed his legislative salary to constituents in Nimba County, questioning whether government officials were expected to work and then distribute their salaries to citizens.
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‎His statement, “SECURITY Man can’t talk plenty,” further signaled his unwillingness to engage extensively in the political debate.
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‎The subsequent backlash shifted public attention from the substance of Kwagrue’s criticism to the language used by the NPA security official.
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‎Critics questioned the appropriateness of such language from a government official, particularly amid broader calls for officials of the Boakai administration to demonstrate professionalism, respect and accountability in their engagement with citizens and public figures.
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‎Roberts’ apology now appears to have brought the personal confrontation to a close, with his assurance that the conduct would not be repeated.
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‎The episode nonetheless highlights the growing sensitivity within the governing alliance over criticism from political actors who supported the Unity Party’s rise to power in 2023.

10/09/2026

Leymah Gbowee Stands With Government Officials, Blasts Citizens as Ungrateful

By Emmanuel Mopolu

MONROVIA, Liberia Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee has sparked public debate after accusing some Liberians of being ungrateful, while appearing to defend government officials she identified in a social media post.

In the post, Gbowee referenced Cornelia K. Cooper, Minister of Youth and Sports; Mo Ali, Director-General of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC); Patrick Honnah, a Commissioner at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA); and others.

Gbowee argued that citizens should not allow the actions of a few people to make them lose appreciation for God and the good things happening around them.

Addressing her niece Cornelia, Mo, Patrick and others, she pointed to everyday blessingsincluding children safely going to school and returning home as reasons to remain grateful.

“People will be people, don't allow the ingratitude of a few to cause you to be ungrateful to God,” Gbowee wrote, quoting Proverbs 19:17.

Her remarks have triggered mixed reactions, particularly because of her public defense of officials at a time when government performance and accountability remain subjects of intense public discussion.

Gbowee concluded her message by urging her followers to maintain gratitude despite what she described as the ingratitude of others,

09/09/2026

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‎MCSS Teachers Launch Go-Slow, Demand Salary Adjustments and Leadership Reform
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‎By: Gerald Morris
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‎The Monrovia Consolidated School System Teachers’ Association (MCSSTA) has announced the commencement of a go-slow and sit-in action, citing government failure to honor a March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding and demanding sweeping reforms in salaries, employment, and leadership within the school system.
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‎In an official press statement issued Tuesday, the Association said its General Assembly, the highest decision-making body, met on September 4 and mandated the Executive Committee to enforce industrial action until government addresses long-standing grievances.
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‎Among the demands, MCSSTA called for the full employment of all volunteers currently serving within MCSS, salary adjustments for credentialed staff, and parity in pay increases similar to those granted to teachers at Booker Washington Institute (BWI), ELWA health workers, and Ministry of Education staff.
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‎The Association also instructed its members to boycott workshops and activities organized by MCSS authorities.
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‎The statement further demanded the immediate resignation or dismissal of Dr. Auguries E. Stevens, citing “administrative ineptitude coupled with corruption.” It urged President Joseph Boakai to allow the Association to recommend three names for appointment as Superintendent to ensure “effectiveness, efficiency, credibility, integrity, and smooth operation” of the school system.
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‎MCSSTA emphasized that the action will continue until the government fulfills commitments made in the March 27, 2025 MOU signed with representatives including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Legislature, Liberian National Student Union, and Federation of Liberian Youth.
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‎“All employees including volunteers are urged to regularly sign attendance and remain engaged in the Association’s advocacy in the interest of all,” the statement concluded, signed by Executive Secretary Emmanuel M. Dickson, President Augustine N. Nyormui, and Faculty Representative Council Chairman Victor S. W. Russel.
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