TSL International TALK SHOW

07/09/2025

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Trump Hails Boakai’s Command of English; what would Trump say about Weah’s English?

Can you imagine? Donald Trump praises President Boakai for how well he speaks and controls the English language. Meanwhile, our former President Weah, born and raised in an English-speaking country, could not speak it and couldn’t write it to save his life.

Eh yah! Liberia really went through it oo.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8hB7ecQ/

41K likes, 886 comments. “President says the president of Liberia, where English is the official language, speaks "such good English" while meeting with several leaders of African countries.”

07/05/2025

Boakai Administration Sparks New Flame in Firefighting Efforts; But Is It Enough?

Good news coming from the Liberian National Fire Service. Under the leadership of the current Fire Director G Warsuwah Barvoul Sr and with strong backing from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration, six brand new fire trucks and two actual water tankers (yes oh, real fire tankers, not the farm-use ones that former Fire Chief Alex Dixon passed off as fire trucks) have arrived to help tackle Liberia’s growing fire emergency.

We are even hearing that one of the firefighting jeeps may be assigned to the Vice President and President convoy, a serious step showing that fire protection is finally becoming a national priority.

But let us be honest, this is only a small spark in a country still dangerously exposed to fire disasters.

The Liberian National Fire Service is still grossly underfunded
1. Many fire stations across Liberia are under-equipped or nonexistent
2. Firefighters are operating with limited or outdated training
3. There is a serious shortage of gear, tools, and maintenance support
4. And a large number of communities do not even have access to basic fire services

We applaud Director G Warsuwah Barvoul Sr for pushing for change, and we commend the Boakai administration for responding, but the fire fight is far from over.

Now is the time for the government to
A. Invest in modern firefighting equipment
B. Expand fire stations across all 15 counties
C. Provide regular training and proper gear for firefighters
D. Allocate sustainable funding to keep trucks fueled, staffed, and maintained

Liberians are tired of watching their homes, shops, and lives go up in smoke while help is either too far or too ill-equipped to respond.

We are on the right path, but we cannot stop here. Fire safety is not a luxury, it is a national emergency.

The fire is real but so is the progress. Let us fuel the change not just the fire.

06/23/2025

Koffa Write Check He Can’t Cash – From Speaker Seat to Bounced Bail Sheet!

My people, this country funny ya! Liberia not easy oh!

The man wey used to sit down in that big Speaker chair, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, the shortest-serving Speaker in recent Liberian history (just 10 months, sef!), is now back in court trying to explain how he and his crew wrote bail bonds that can’t hold water.

Imagine that! Big man business, but you can’t even back your own signature?

The court now saying Koffa and the other lawmakers who were arrested for allegedly sponsoring the burning of the Capitol Building must justify their bail or face being dragged back to jail. You na serious oh! The same people who say they’re lawmakers now looking like lawbreakers!

It’s a whole shame. After all the “big mouth” talk and political noise, now the Speaker-man can’t even put skin behind check? One commentator say, “Koffa wrote check his reputation couldn’t cash.”

The bond paper they submitted looking shaky. And guess what? They gave a check that didn’t clear! People asking, so na play play money y’all put there just to get out of jail?

Koffa left the Speaker seat in shame last year, November 2024, and ever since, it’s been one scandal after the next. And now this? You too big to be acting small like this, ya Speaker Man.

Court say if they don’t come back with correct justification, they will carry them back behind the iron bar. And honestly, that’s what they deserve! Because if you can write check with no money, what else you faking?

This is not opposition politics or witch hunt, it’s embarrassment on a national level. Liberia trying to move forward, but some of our so-called leaders dragging us back with fake bail and fire story.

We joke plenty in this country, but this one shameful ya. Check bounce, respect gone. Speaker story finish!

06/12/2025

What Point Did J. Fonati Koffa Prove by Burning the Capitol?

That’s the question many Liberians at home and abroad are now asking as shocking details continue to emerge from the investigation into the December 18, 2024 burning of the Capitol Building.

According to the Liberia National Police, former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa is one of several lawmakers linked to the violent attack that left a vital symbol of the country’s democracy in ruins. He has been arrested and is currently jailed along with four other lawmakers.

Jailed:
1. J. Fonati Koffa – Former Speaker, Grand Kru District 2
2. Dixon W. Seboe – Montserrado District 16
3. Abu Kamara – Montserrado District 15
4. Jacob C. Debee II – Grand Gedeh District 2
5. Priscilla A. Cooper – Montserrado District 5

Arrested But Released:
1. Frank Saah Foko – Montserrado District 9
2. Marvin Cole – B**g District 3

The question remains; why?

Why would a sitting Speaker, already facing allegations of corruption, conflict of interest, and manipulation of the national budget, take such a destructive path?

Why risk everything to lead, fund, or support a criminal act against the very institution he once headed?

He did not remain Speaker. He did not win the power struggle. Instead, he now faces charges of arson, conspiracy, and attempted murder. His actions, as alleged by the police, not only endangered lives but embarrassed the nation.

For many in the Liberian diaspora, the issue is not just about guilt or innocence, it’s about justice and accountability. It’s about ensuring that no one, especially those elected to lead, is above the law.

The unequal treatment of the accused has also sparked concern. While some lawmakers were released on bail, others remain in jail under the same or similar charges. Why the difference? What criteria are being used to determine who stays behind bars and who walks free?

The diaspora community is demanding answers:
1. Why hasn’t the Ministry of Justice explained the disparity in detention?

2. What’s the timeline for prosecution?

3. Will President Boakai ensure that justice is served without political interference?

This case will define how seriously Liberia takes attacks on its democracy. If those accused of burning down the Capitol can walk free without accountability, what message does that send?

It’s time for transparency. It’s time for justice.

06/09/2025

They Torch the Capitol; Can We Trust Them Not to Harm the People?

Four sitting Liberian lawmakers, former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Reps. Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Jacob Debee are now in custody and remanded to Monrovia Central Prison after being formally charged with arson, criminal facilitation, conspiracy, and even attempted murder for their alleged roles in the December 18, 2024, burning of the Capitol Building .

Inspector General Gregory Coleman, who led the investigation, described the act as “a deliberate and treasonous attack” aimed at crippling Liberia’s democracy, causing nearly $8 million in damage and potentially targeting citizens and lawmakers alike .

Their detention is rooted in solid evidence: phone logs, coordinated meetings, cash transactions, and incendiary actions . One orchestrator is accused of arranging gasoline, matches, and electric sabotage just days before the blaze.

This is not a case of political speech gone wrong. It is state-level violence against our democratic institutions, a brazen attack on the very center of governance. If they could destroy the Capitol, how can we trust they won’t target public servants, protesters, or civilians next?

They must remain in jail until a complete verdict is reached.
Bail, release, or any form of leniency now would pose a grave risk to national security and public safety.

Urgent call to the Judiciary: Hold firm. Do not let them out on bail. The stakes are too high. This isn’t about politics; it’s about safeguarding Liberia from those who have shown they can destroy our democracy and threaten our people.

Share this widely. We must stand together for justice, security, and the rule of law.

06/07/2025

Statement Calling for Stronger Charges: This Was an Act of Treason!

We acknowledge the investigative report issued by the Liberia National Police regarding the December 18, 2024, arson attack on the Capitol Building, the very heart of our nation’s democracy. While we commend the Police for initiating arrests and bringing formal charges, we are gravely concerned that the charges filed so far fall drastically short of this crime's magnitude and national implications.

Let’s be clear: this was not just arson. This was an orchestrated assault on the sovereignty of the Republic of Liberia. It was an attempted insurrection. A betrayal of public trust. A deliberate effort to dismantle the core of our legislative authority through violence and fear.

Those who planned, funded, and executed this attack, including high-profile public officials, should not merely be facing charges of arson or conspiracy.

They should face treason charges, as outlined under Chapter 11, Section 11.1 of the Revised Penal Code of Liberia. Treason is the only charge that reflects the weight of this act, an attack not just on a building but on the very Constitution and democracy of the Republic.

We demand the Ministry of Justice:
1. Immediately review and amend these charges to reflect the seriousness of the offense;
2. Applies treason and sedition-related provisions where the evidence supports such action;
3. Ensures no political shield is extended to any lawmaker or financier involved, regardless of position or influence.

If the destruction of our National Legislature’s chambers and the attempt to derail the functions of an entire branch of government is not treason, then what is?

Liberia’s future depends on how we handle this moment. We either show that no one is above the law, or we send a dangerous message that violence against the state can be negotiated.

We call on all Liberians, the Bar Association, civil society, and the international community to stay alert, speak up, and ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done.

06/07/2025

A Step Forward, But Not Enough — The Solution Lab Demands Stronger Charges in Capitol Arson Case

In a long-awaited breakthrough, the Liberia National Police have arrested and charged ousted Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and several associates accused of financing and leading the effort to set ablaze Liberia’s National Capitol Building. This shocking act was not just an attack on a building, it was an attack on the nation itself.

While we at The Solution Lab (TSL), a Liberian think tank based in the United States, commend the Liberia National Police for taking this bold step, we are deeply alarmed by the weak and insufficient nature of the charges filed.

The arson of the Capitol Building represents a direct assault on Liberia’s democratic foundation. It was a deliberate attempt to sow chaos, undermine the rule of law, and destabilize the country.

We are calling on the Ministry of Justice to urgently review and amend the charges. Such a crime must be met with the full force of the law. Anything less sets a dangerous precedent — one that invites future actors to believe they can violently attack the state and walk away with a slap on the wrist.

Liberia deserves better. Justice must not only be done — it must be seen to be done.

05/30/2025

Who Burned the Capitol? And Why Are the Real Criminals Still Free?

What the heck is going on with the Capitol burning investigation?

Yes, we heard there were some arrests, but let’s be honest, the key players and funders behind this criminal act are still walking free. The so-called investigation looks more like a cover-up than a pursuit of justice. Do we need God Himself to come down before Gregory Coleman, head of the Liberia National Police, and the Minister of Justice grow a spine and go after the real culprits?

This isn’t just arson, it’s treason.

Let us remind every Liberian: burning the Capitol building is a direct attack on our democracy. It’s not a petty crime. It’s not a prank. It’s a national emergency that should’ve triggered swift and bold action. Instead, we get silence, stalling, and selective justice.

We are damning the current House Speaker and the Liberian Senate for failing to demand full accountability. The place that holds your power was set on fire, and you say nothing?

Why? Who are you protecting?

We demand an immediate, transparent update from the Ministry of Justice. We demand to know:
1. Who funded this attack?
2. Why haven’t the masterminds been arrested?
3. What are you hiding from the Liberian people?

This isn’t politics. This is about the soul of the nation.

Liberia, it’s time to wake up. If they can burn the Capitol and go free, what will they burn next?

05/29/2025

PRESIDENTIAL JET INCIDENT; How Safe is Boakai in the Sky?

Liberians woke up to disturbing news: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s private jet suffered a tire blowout while landing on the runway, following his return from an overseas trip. While we are thankful the President is alive and well, this is not a minor issue, it is a national crisis that demands immediate answers and accountability.

Where Was the Inspection?

It begs the critical question:

How often is the presidential jet inspected?

Who signs off on its airworthiness before takeoff?

And who failed to ensure the jet was safe for landing?

For a head of state, flying in and out of the country is not just routine, it is a matter of national security. This was not just a tire blowout. This was a failure of duty at the highest level.

Liberians must ask:
A. Was there a pre-flight and post-flight inspection?
B. What is the condition of the aircraft overall?
C. Is the jet even fit to fly long distances?

The lives of the President and everyone on board were put at risk due to what appears to be negligence or incompetence.

Who Is in Charge of the President’s Flight Safety?

We demand to know:

Who is in charge of aircraft maintenance and aviation logistics at the Executive Mansion?

Heads must roll. Those responsible for flight safety and mechanical readiness of the presidential jet must be held accountable immediately. Anything less is an insult to the Liberian people who depend on the stability and well-being of the presidency.

Fire Them Now!

This cannot be swept under the rug with a press statement or a vague explanation about “technical issues.” If this had gone a different way, if the tire failure had led to a crash, would we still be debating accountability or preparing for a national funeral?

We call on President Boakai to act decisively:
1. Launch an independent investigation.
2. Make the findings public.
3. Terminate all those whose negligence contributed to this near-tragedy.

This is not about politics. This is about presidential safety, national security, and public trust. Liberia deserves answers, and more importantly, Liberia deserves better.

05/17/2025

Thug in Tie, Rep. Acarous Gray Got Nerve to Talk?

Liberians, make we not pretend like we get national forgetfulness. Some people wey should be hiding their face in shame now standing on microphone talking like they holy. We talking about none other than former Montserrado County District #8 Representative, Hon. Acarous Moses Gray (again, we using “Hon.” loosely here oh).

This man didn’t just misuse his office, he turned it into a personal war room. His time at the Capitol was filled with chaos, confusion, and criminal-minded behavior. The people of District #8 elected him to bring change, but instead, he brought shame.

Let’s break it down:
Gray became a full-time political thug in tie. One of the most disgraceful acts he led was the open campaign to illegally remove Supreme Court Justice Kabineh Ja’neh, a sitting Justice whose only “crime” was standing on principle and disagreeing with the Weah-led administration. Gray couldn’t take that. Instead of respecting the separation of powers, he marched full speed ahead with a legislative witch hunt to please his boss.

Imagine oh, a whole lawmaker ganging up on the judiciary just because one man told the Executive Branch, “No, you’re wrong.” That kind of behavior no just shameful, it’s dangerous to democracy. Gray and his gang succeeded in pushing out Justice Ja’neh, setting a terrible precedent that still haunting us today.

That alone should’ve been enough for Gray to go sit down somewhere, but no. He continued using his position for selfish interest. Allegations of misusing district development funds, bribery, and strong-arming community leaders followed him like a bad smell. Youth empowerment funds? Mysteriously gone. Projects meant for the people? Turned into political campaign materials.

Now fast forward to today, this same Gray who dismantled judicial independence, disrespected the Constitution, and acted like the House was his private hustle zone, is trying to rebrand himself as “Mr. Advocate.” The nerve!

How you go spend your time in office breaking down institutions, then come outside with clean shirt and act like you’re the voice of the people? Liberia is not a comedy show. We need serious people with clean records, not yesterday’s troublemakers trying to wash their face with spit.

Liberians, let’s not forget. Acarous Gray’s record is written in bold letters of shame. He helped weaken our democracy, dragged the Legislature into executive puppetry, and waged war on the judiciary. Now he want relevance again? God forbid bad thing.

When you see Gray talking, just whisper to yourself:
“This was the same man who removed Justice Ja’neh like he was firing a town chief. This was the same man who turned District #8 into a playground for corruption and ego. This was the same man who helped cripple the system.”

We can forgive, but we must not forget.

05/16/2025

From CCTV to Crackdowns. Comparing Safety Under Weah and Boakai.

Liberians, let’s talk facts, not feelings.

Under President George Weah, Liberia witnessed an alarming rise in mysterious deaths, especially among auditors and public servants. Instead of swift investigations or justice, Liberians were told to “install CCTV cameras” in their homes. That’s right, your own security became your own burden. Meanwhile, protests over economic hardship were met with teargas and silence.

Corruption ran rampant. The U.S. sanctioned Weah’s top officials for “significant corruption,” yet no one was held accountable at home. The people lost faith in safety and justice.

Fast forward to President Joseph Boakai:
1. Over 450 public officials suspended for refusing to declare assets.
2. War crimes court finally approved by the Senate after years of delay.
3. Investigations reopened into unresolved deaths.
4. Police now using new tech to fight corruption on the roads.

We’re not saying the Boakai government is perfect, but at least the steps toward justice and safety are finally being taken.

Liberians deserve leadership that protects, not excuses. Let’s stay alert. Stay informed.

05/16/2025

Grand Kru Deserves Better! Petition to Remove Rep. J. Fonati Koffa Gains Momentum

We, the Solution Lab International, a Liberian think-tank based in the United States, are calling for decisive action from the citizens of Grand Kru County’s 2nd Electoral District. We are prepared to fund and coordinate a district-specific petition demanding the immediate removal of Rep. J. Fonati Koffa from office.

Rep. Koffa, who has represented Grand Kru-2 since 2017, has been at the center of a prolonged legislative impasse, refusing to step down from the speakership despite evident opposition from his peers. His tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption, absenteeism, and a blatant disregard for the responsibilities entrusted to him by his constituents. Most recently, he has requested a two-month medical leave, further neglecting his duties and abusing public trust. 

While Liberia’s Constitution does not explicitly provide a mechanism for the recall of national legislators, Article 17 affirms the right of citizens to petition the government for the redress of grievances. This empowers the people of Grand Kru-2 to demand accountability and integrity from their elected representative. 

Being a legislator is a part-time role, with the House of Representatives typically convening once a week. This schedule allows ample opportunity for representatives to engage with their constituents regularly. Rep. Koffa’s extended absences and lack of engagement are unacceptable and warrant immediate action.

Join us in restoring accountability and integrity to our representation.