Author: Chester Smith

By Beyan Mulbahzumo Bakai Every election season, politicians stand before the people and promise hope, prosperity, and transformation. They pledge to reduce suffering, create opportunities, and improve the lives of ordinary citizens. During the last campaign, the current administration promised to rescue Liberia from economic hardship and set the nation on a path toward growth and development. Today, however, many Liberians struggle to see that promised rescue in their daily lives. Instead of experiencing relief, citizens face increasing economic pressure. Families spend more money on food, transportation, and other basic necessities. Rising taxes and fees continue to squeeze household incomes,…

IPNEWS: President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. today received a high-level delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) headed by its Foreign Minister- Madam Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations, expanding economic opportunities, and advancing continental cooperation. The delegation, which also included the Ambassador of the DRC to Liberia, Madame Marie-Hélène Okitundu Ayaki Omba, the Director for African Zone and the Middle East at the DRC Foreign Ministry, Mr. Christian Ndinda Diluanzodila, as well as the Political Counselor at the DRC Foreign Ministry Mr. Valentin Albert Makongo, briefed the President on ongoing discussions related to natural…

IPNEWS: The Office of the President of the Republic of Liberia has officially signed a Performance Contract with the Independent National Commission on Human Rights – INCHR covering the period January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. The agreement forms part of the Government of Liberia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, improve institutional performance, and promote effective service delivery across public institutions. The Performance Contract outlines key targets, priorities, and expected deliverables to be achieved by the Independent National Commission on Human Rights during the 2026 fiscal year. It also establishes a framework for monitoring and evaluating the Commission’s performance…

Serval sources within international cycles have hinted the authoritative Independent Probe Newspaper, has gathered that Britain’s intelligence MI6 has dispatched Agents to Liberia to join a major international security probe following the June 8, 2026 interception of US$ 19.2million worth of cocaine at Liberia’s Roberts International Airport (RIA). The massive drug shipment, consisting of 198 compressed plates of high-grade cocaine weighing 237.6 kilograms, was hidden in cargo boxes and explicitly destined for Europe. The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), confirmed that the shipment lists a company named EMRE VENN Group of Companies as the sender. The intended recipient is a…

—-NAYMOTE Questions House Over New Inquiry Into Its Founding Sources IPNEWS: NAYMOTE-Liberia Executive Director Eddie Jarwolo has raised serious concerns over the House of Representatives’ sudden decision to investigate the organization’s funding sources, questioning the legal authority and underlying motives behind the legislative inquiry. The tension escalated following the House of Representatives’ formal invitation to Naymote Partners for Democratic Development to clarify its methodologies, alongside internal legislative discussions probing the watchdog’s financial documentation. NAYMOTE has openly questioned whether the House of Representatives possesses the constitutional or legal authority to scrutinize and audit independent civil society organizations (CSOs). Executive Director Eddie…

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has vowed an uncompromising battle against drug trafficking following the interception of nearly 237.6 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, valued at more than US$19 million on the street. In a nationwide address on Tuesday, June 16, President Boakai made it clear that while Liberia remains open to legitimate investment and trade, it will never become a haven for narcotics trafficking or organized crime. “Liberia is open for business, but not for the business of drug trafficking,” the President asserted. Describing the seizure as among the biggest drug interceptions ever recorded in Liberia, Boakai…

IPNEWS: The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has announced plans to launch what it describes as a sustained public campaign aimed at demanding accountability and measurable outcomes in the ongoing investigation into the recent US$19.2 million suspected cocaine interception. In a public statement, the youth organization warned that it intends to intensify public engagement and advocacy if authorities fail to produce tangible results in the investigation. According to FLY, concerns surrounding the case extend beyond the seizure itself and raise broader questions about institutional integrity and the fight against organized crime. The group alleged that criminal networks may be exploiting…

Warns Against powerful “high-ups” from evading justice IPNEWS: Deputy Information Minister Daniel has accused members of the opposition of undermining the investigation into recent US$19 million drug seizure. Speaking via telephone on Okay FM, Sando stated that while the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and other security institutions are actively investigating the drug consignment, opposition figures are allegedly spreading false information and misleading photographs on social media, thereby interfering with the process. He indicated that the LDEA has not released any photographs or passport details of the six persons of interest connected to the case. According to Sando, releasing the…

Liberia has reached another historic milestone in global shipping, becoming the first ship registry in the world to surpass 300 million gross tons (GT) in fleet size, further solidifying its status as the world’s leading maritime registry. The achievement marks a major boost for Liberia’s maritime sector and reinforces the country’s longstanding dominance in the international shipping industry. Managed by the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) in partnership with its global registry manager, the registry continues to attract some of the world’s largest and most advanced commercial vessels. Industry experts say the milestone reflects Liberia’s strong reputation for regulatory compliance, safety…

IPNEWS: The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) has refuted perceptions that Liberia imposes some of the highest customs charges in the region, maintaining that the country currently operates one of the lowest customs and import duty regimes in West Africa. Speaking on state radio ELBC, LRA Customs Commissioner Saa Saamoi explained that Liberia’s import duty structure remains lower than those applied in several neighboring countries despite Liberia’s membership in the ECOWAS Customs Union. As a member of the regional bloc, Liberia is expected to align with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), whose rates are generally higher than those currently reflected in…