Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (2025)

26/08/2025

https://x.com/uprinfo/status/1960272366015017039?s=46

28/05/2025

The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding CEMESP in partnership with Liberia's Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce on Wednesday concluded a Town Hall meeting in Gbarnga B**g county.
The meeting, which together over 100 residents of B**g is the second of town hall forums being conducted under a CEMESP awareness and sensitization on the workings of AREPT project being funded by the Inter-governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) .

27/05/2025

Ongoing in Ganta city, Nimba County is a Town Hall meeting on Sensitization and Advocacy for Improved Assets Recovery and Management in Liberia.
Organized by the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding CEMESP in partnership with the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) with funding support from the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

27/05/2025

CEMESP Conducts Third Stakeholders Dialogue on Access to Public Information in Nimba County.

Ganta, Nimba County – May 26, 2025: The third edition of the Stakeholders Dialogue on Access to Public Information has successfully concluded in Ganta City, Nimba County.
The dialogue held on Monday May 26, 2025 brought together a cross-section of stakeholders from the media, civil society, local authorities, and government institutions to engage in meaningful discussions on the implementation and impact of Liberia’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Law.
The event was organized by the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) in collaboration with Internews, the Independent Information Commission (IIC), and the Liberia Freedom of Information Coalition (LFIC), with funding support from the European Union under the Liberia Media Empowerment Project.
The opening ceremony commenced with an overview of the dialogue by Malcolm Joseph, Executive Director of CEMESP. He emphasized the importance of continued engagements to promote transparency, accountability, and access to information across all sectors of society.

Joseph noted that this third dialogue builds upon previous discussions and aims to enhance awareness and improve compliance with the FOI Law among duty bearers and the general public.
Mr. Nathaniel Togba who proxy for the Mayor of Ganta City welcomed participants to Nimba County and expressed appreciation to the organizers for choosing Ganta as the host city.
He stressed the significance of access to information in promoting good governance and strengthening the relationship between government institutions and the people they serve.
Delivering a special remarks, the Chairman of the Independent Information Commission of Liberia , Togar Hodges, acknowledged the progress made since the enactment of the FOI Law but highlighted ongoing challenges in enforcement and compliance. He called on public institutions to view access to information not as a threat, but as a right that empowers citizens and promotes development.
Kennedy Doemah, President of the Nimba County Community Radio Network, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the role of community media in bridging the information gap between the government and citizens, especially in rural areas. He encouraged journalists and local media institutions to use the FOI Law as a tool to enhance investigative reporting and serve the public interest.
Varney Kamara, a representative of the Liberia Freedom of Information Coalition, reiterated the Coalition’s commitment to supporting media institutions and civil society actors in their efforts to demand accountability and transparency. He highlighted the need for increased capacity-building and sustained advocacy to ensure organizations have used the FOI Law to expose corruption and influence policy reforms, encouraging broader utilization of the law.
Armah Johnson, Compliance Officer at the Independent Information Commission, delivered a comprehensive presentation on “An Overview of the Public’s Rights under the FOI Law and the Compliance Obligations of Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs).” He outlined key provisions of the law and provided guidance on how public institutions can fulfill their responsibilities in line with legal requirements.
The third stakeholders dialogue concluded with an interactive session that allowed participants to share experiences, ask questions, and propose solutions to strengthen FOI compliance and enforcement. The event reaffirmed the collective commitment of all stakeholders to promote open governance and ensure that every Liberian enjoys the right to access public information.
A key highlight of the dialogue was a presentation by Liberia’s Ombudsman, Cllr. Lamii Kpargoi, who facilitated a session on the topic, “Assessing the Impact of Liberia’s FOI Law: Successes and Challenges.” Kpargoi provided an in-depth analysis of the gains made since the law’s passage, while also pointing out the structural and institutional obstacles that hinder full realization of its objectives. He stressed the need for stronger political will and institutional support.
Another insightful session was facilitated by Frank Sainworla, Managing Editor of the Public Trust Media Group, who presented on “The Role of the Media and Civil Society in Promoting Transparency and Accountability Using the FOI Law.” Sainworla highlighted practical examples of how journalists and civil society can ensure full implementation of the FOI Law across all levels of government.

20/05/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CEMESP and AREPT Sign MOU to Raise Awareness on Asset Recovery and Fight Against Impunity in Liberia
Monrovia, May 20, 2025 – The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) and the Liberia Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening collaboration to raise public awareness on the recovery and management of stolen public assets and combat the culture of impunity in Liberia.
The MOU, signed 0n Monday May 19, 2025 in Monrovia, formally establishes the framework under which CEMESP and AREPT will work together to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement around asset recovery efforts. Mr. Malcolm Joseph, Executive Director of CEMESP, signed on behalf of his organization, while Cllr. Edwin Kla Martins, Chairman of AREPT, signed on behalf of the Taskforce.
Under the agreement, CEMESP will take the lead in organizing town hall meetings and radio talk shows across Nimba, B**g, Montserrado, and Grand Bassa Counties. These public forums are designed to engage citizens and raise awareness of AREPT’s initiatives, foster dialogue on anti-corruption efforts, and highlight the benefits of reclaiming stolen public assets. In addition, CEMESP will produce and air radio messages that promote AREPT’s work and objectives, while also developing policy briefs from town hall discussions to support broader advocacy efforts.
As part of the collaboration, AREPT will actively participate in CEMESP’s awareness activities by providing technical experts to serve as speakers at the town hall meetings and radio programs. AREPT will also work jointly with CEMESP in crafting and refining the content of radio messages on asset recovery and related topics.
All costs associated with these collaborative activities will be borne by CEMESP under its existing grant from GIABA, the West African regional watchdog for money-laundering and terror-financing. The grant is part of the body’s 2025 thematic window on “Asset Recovery & Social Accountability,” which seeks to nudge member states toward meeting the Financial Action Task Force’s Recommendation 4 on confiscation and provisional measures.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Malcolm Joseph emphasized the importance of public engagement in driving accountability. “This partnership represents a proactive step in empowering citizens with the knowledge they need to demand responsible governance and support the recovery of Liberia’s stolen assets,” he said.
Cllr. Edwin Kla Martins praised the initiative, noting that public support is crucial to the success of the Taskforce. “By partnering with CEMESP, we are ensuring that our message reaches the grassroots. Our technicians will be available to explain our work, and together we will build public trust in Liberia’s asset recovery process,” he stated.
The signing of the MOU signifies a united front in the fight against corruption and marks a milestone in efforts to promote justice and good governance in Liberia.

01/05/2025

PRESS STATEMENT

Issued by the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP)

Monrovia, Liberia | May 3, 2025

-Observing World Press Freedom Day 2025:

A Call for Genuine Commitment to Media Freedom and Expression in Liberia

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) joins national and international partners in commemorating this critical day under the global theme: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.” This theme underscores the indispensable role of independent journalism in addressing global and national issues including the climate crisis while reaffirming the need for an environment that guarantees the safety, independence, and sustainability of the media.

In Liberia, the observance of this day is marred by growing concerns over the state of press freedom and freedom of expression under the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. Despite the democratic promises made by the current government, several incidents have underscored the fragility of media freedom in Liberia:

Security personnel have failed to take action or have even been complicit in incidents of violence against journalists, creating a climate of fear and impunity.

Over the past year, Liberia has witnessed a troubling increase in incidents of intimidation, threats, and violations against journalists and media institutions.

In February 2025, journalist Philibert Browne, publisher of the Hot Pepper newspaper, was summoned and interrogated by the National Security Agency (NSA) over a story involving alleged corruption in government, raising serious concerns about attempts to muzzle investigative journalism. Similarly, in November 2024, reporter Franklin Doloquee of FrontPage Africa was assaulted in Nimba County by individuals believed to be linked to a local government official, simply for reporting on alleged mismanagement of public funds. To date, no one has been held accountable for the attack.

Media institutions have not been spared. In September 2024, the offices of Spoon Network, a vocal independent broadcaster, were vandalized following a series of critical commentaries on government inefficiencies. The Liberia National Police failed to conduct a credible investigation, reinforcing perceptions of state tolerance for reprisals against dissenting media voices. These and other incidents form part of a growing pattern of repression that threatens to undermine Liberia's democratic gains and erodes the constitutional right to freedom of expression and of the press.

These actions not only undermine the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and the press, but they also erode public trust in the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

CEMESP, however, acknowledges some positive steps taken in the past year:

The increased engagement of civil society with media stakeholders in promoting safety for journalists.

The reactivation of multi-stakeholder dialogue on the reform of media laws and policies.

The continued vibrancy and resilience of community radio stations and independent outlets, which remain key pillars of access to information for the Liberian people.

On this occasion, CEMESP urgently calls on the Government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to recommit to safeguarding press freedom and freedom of expression. Specifically, we urge the government to:

1. Guarantee the safety of journalists and investigate all attacks against the media without bias or delay.

2. Transform the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) from a state-controlled mouthpiece to a truly independent public service broadcaster that serves all Liberians.

3. Expedite the passage of key legislative reforms, including:

The Independent Media Commission Bill to ensure a transparent and accountable media regulatory body;

The Community Radio Sustainability Bill to support the lifeline of rural and grassroots media;

The Data Protection Bill to uphold privacy and enhance journalistic integrity in the digital age.

These actions are vital not only to Liberia’s democratic credentials but also to addressing the broader theme of this year's World Press Freedom Day. A free and independent press is essential in amplifying voices on environmental justice, holding polluters accountable, and educating the public on sustainable solutions.

As Liberia stands at a crossroads, CEMESP reminds all stakeholdersespecially those in government, that democracy thrives where the press is free, independent, and empowered to speak truth to power without fear.

Signed:

Malcolm W. Joseph

Executive Director

Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP)

Monrovia, Liberia

11/04/2025

Media-Security Dialogue Ahead of Nimba Senatorial By-Election Commences in Ganta

Ganta, Nimba County – April 11, 2025:
A two-day Media-Security Dialogue has commenced today in Ganta, Nimba County, as part of preparations for the upcoming senatorial by-election scheduled for April 22, 2025. The event is organized by Internews, in collaboration with the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, and the National Elections Commission (NEC).

The dialogue aims to foster collaboration between media practitioners and security agencies to ensure peaceful and transparent electoral processes. It brings together journalists, civil society representatives, law enforcement officials, and election stakeholders to address critical issues such as disinformation, hate speech, and election-related violence. Participants are engaging in interactive sessions designed to strengthen media capacity and promote responsible reporting during the electoral period.
Providing an overview of the dialogue, UNDP Roosevelt Zayzay underscore the significant efforts of his institution and at the same time encourage a cordial linkages between the media and the Liberia National Police.
CEMESP Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Theophilus KBS Gippley, III in his special remarks, took a retrospective trend by reflecting on attacks by journalists during elections and throughout their journalistic profession. He pleaded with both the journalists and the police to adhere to the media & security code of conduct validated by the National Elections Commission in 2023.
Deputy Commissioner of Police for Human Resources, Fitgerald T. M. Biago, Stressed the need to have a periodic dialogue between the security and the media instead of waiting for elections period. Commissioner of Police for operations, Prince T. Davis, informed the gathering about the deployment of 30 police officers and an additional 14 armed officers for the conduct of the Nimba county senatorial elections. The Police commission for operations said each candidate opting for the Nimba County senatorial seat has been assigned 2 police officers and that only 2 of the 7 candidates have picked up their assigned police officers.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Internews Country Director, Samukai Konneh challenged the participants to organizers emphasized the importance of building trust between the media and security forces to safeguard democratic processes. The initiative aligns with broader efforts under UNDP's governance portfolio to promote inclusive and accountable democracy in Liberia. It also complements ongoing projects aimed at enhancing women's participation in politics and preventing violence against women during elections.
The dialogue underscores Liberia’s commitment to fostering transparency and accountability while addressing challenges that could undermine electoral integrity. Key topics include strategies for combating misinformation, ensuring public safety during campaigns, and creating an enabling environment for free expression.
This collaborative effort reflects the shared vision of Internews, CEMESP, UNDP, UN Women, and NEC to enhance Liberia’s democratic landscape. The outcomes of this dialogue will contribute to a peaceful senatorial by-election in Nimba County and set a precedent for future electoral engagements.

20/02/2025

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process is a cornerstone of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which offers each UN Member State, including Liberia, a unique opportunity to assess and enhance its human rights record. Liberiai is preparing for its next review, scheduled for November 2025 as part of the fourth cycle (2022–2027).

The UPR not only allows the nation to showcase its progress but also invites constructive recommendations from other UN Member States, thereby reinforcing collaborative effort to promote and protect human rights.

In anticipation of the upcoming review, and with support from the UK-based
Small Media, Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding is facilitating consultations on crucial digital rights legislation in Liberia. Among those we have met so far are Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting, and Sekou M Kromah, Minister of Post & Telecommunications. Their involvement is pivotal as the consultations focus on reviewing the current status of the Draft Personal Data Protection Law and the cybersecurity law that is presently before the Senate.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator Dillon and Minister Kromah for their dedication and commitment to this vital cause.

Center for Media Studies and Peace Building

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