Author: Chester Smith
IPNEWS: Rivercess County Senator Bill T. Twehway has formally submitted the “Democratic Pluralism and Electoral Inclusion Amendment Act” to the Liberian Senate. The sweeping electoral reform bill seeks to abolish the controversial “2% vote rule,” which bars any political party or independent candidate failing to secure at least 2% of the national vote from contesting in the next two election cycles. The bill has officially passed its first reading in the Senate and is scheduled for its second reading. Senator Twehway argues that the current provision, found in Chapter 5A of Liberia’s New Elections Law, creates a 12-year political exclusion…
IPNEWS: Representative Musa Hassan Bility has introduced the Political Inclusion and Democratic Participation Amendment Act of 2026 to prevent underperforming political parties from being banned or deregistered by the government. Rep. Bility (Nimba County District #7), bill targets Liberia’s New Elections Law. It seeking to eliminate provisions that allow the National Elections Commission (NEC) to suspend, deregister, or disqualify political parties based solely on poor performances or low vote percentages in previous elections. Rep. Bility argues that the Liberian Constitution guarantees the right to organize politically and that voters—rather than state regulations—should decide a party’s relevance. He insists that to…
IPNEWS: The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)-Liberia, has launched a Joint Enforcement Initiative aimed at strengthening regulatory and tax compliance targeting private and faith-based schools across Montserrado County and parts of Margibi County. The exercise covers all 26 educational districts in Montserrado County, as well as the Marshall and Farmington educational districts in Margibi County, and forms part of ongoing efforts to promote accountability, improve compliance with statutory requirements, and ensure that educational institutions operate in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Under the initiative, a joint…
IPNEWS: The Liberian House of Representatives unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in Ambassador-at-Large Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh on Thursday, June 4, 2026, following his open refusal to fulfill the legislature’s strict terms for an apology. The standoff began when Ambassador Kouyateh allegedly claimed during an on-air radio broadcast that members of the Liberian National Legislature accepted bribes from European companies to approve concession agreements. Last week Lawmakers summoned Kouyateh, stating that his accusations severely damaged the dignity, reputation, and credibility of the legislative body. After an initial legislative hearing where he expressed regret following a directive from President Joseph…
IPNEWS: The National Youth League of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has officially issued a strict 72-hour ultimatum to Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman, demanding that he present himself for investigation. Reason for the Ultimatum Alvin Wesseh, CDC Youth League Vice Chair, claimed the group has information linking Coleman to a drug trafficking network. The group demands an immediate, transparent investigation into these allegations. Consequences of Non-Compliance The CDC Youth League warned of “further actions” if Coleman does not comply within 72 hours. Meanwhile, Police Spokesman, Sam Collins promised to address the allegations and insist that the…
IPNEWS: Liberia’s land reform efforts have received a significant boost following a renewed commitment by Chief Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay to support the nationwide roll-out of the country’s newly developed family of land deeds. According to the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), the Chief Justice pledged the Judiciary’s full cooperation during a high-level meeting with an LLA delegation led by the Authority’s Chairman, Samuel F. Kpakio. The meeting focused on advancing ongoing land reform initiatives and strengthening collaboration between the Judiciary and the Liberia Land Authority in implementing key provisions of Liberia’s land governance framework. The LLA said Chief Justice Gbeisay…
IPNEWS: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially confirmed the impending deportation of 355 West African nationals, including 94 individuals from Liberia. This enforcement operation is being executed under an expanded regional immigration crackdown known as the West Africa Operations Watch (WOW) initiative. The operation spans 16 West African nations. Out of the 355 individuals flagged, Nigeria accounts for the highest number with 110 nationals, followed directly by Liberia with 94 nationals. Other significantly affected nations include Ghana (30) and Senegal (19). In an unusual move aimed at public transparency, the DHS has published the names and photographs…
IPNEWS: A high-stakes clash has erupted between the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) and the Ministry of Agriculture over the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). With the December 31 deadline looming, LACRA warns of devastating trade losses, while the Agriculture Ministry pushes back against the EU’s mandates. The European Union Deforestation Regulation requires countries exporting commodities like cocoa, coffee, palm oil, timber, and rubber to prove their products are completely deforestation-free and can be traced all the way to the specific farm plot. To meet these requirements, LACRA has been spearheading a National Traceability System to map farms and…
By Chester Allen Smith, Sr. Publisher, The Independent Probe Newspaper Liberia possesses some of the most fertile soil and abundant natural resources in West Africa, yet it remains one of the world’s poorest nations, heavily reliant on imported rice to feed its population. This paradox of a “rice country” facing systemic food insecurity highlights a critical gap between agricultural potential and economic reality. Liberia is exceptionally rich in natural wealth and agricultural potential. The country receives over 4,000 mm of rain annually, creating ideal conditions for swamp and upland rice cultivation. Millions of hectares of fertile land remain underutilized or…
IPNEWS: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening fiscal decentralization and local governance through a joint field mission and sector consultations across Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Nimba Counties. The mission assessed progress under the Real Property Tax Expansion Project, a pilot initiative designed to support the operationalization of Liberia’s Revenue Sharing Act and enhance local revenue mobilization systems. Implemented with support from Sweden and UNDP under the Liberia Decentralization Support Programme (LDSP), the project leverages digital tools and innovative systems to improve…