Author: Chester Smith

Critical Analysis A major tension between diplomacy and Pan-Africanism is that: Diplomacy often requires compromise and caution. Pan-Africanism can demand bold ideological positions. Kouyateh’s career reflects this tension: At times promoting national diplomatic interests, While also speaking strongly on African accountability and sovereignty. Critics may argue that outspoken political comments can challenge diplomatic neutrality, while supporters may view such statements as courageous Pan-African advocacy. Conclusion The theory and practice of Sheikh Al‑Moustapha Kouyateh demonstrate an attempt to combine traditional diplomacy with modern Pan-African ideals. His approach reflects: A belief in African unity, Commitment to Liberia’s international standing, Support for peace…

As Ebola concerns heighten over the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and other officials are currently in neighboring Congo Brazzaville attending the Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group. The DRC has so far reported 105 confirmed Ebola cases and 10 confirmed deaths, while Uganda has recorded 7 confirmed cases and 1 death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to a Ministry of Finance Release dated May 27, which failed to state the venue of the meeting apparently due to Health risk concern, Minister Ngafuan and Liberia’s delegation…

The Government of Liberia (GoL), through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will convene an inception workshop to officially launch the Strengthening Agricultural Resilience Through Transformational Livelihood Adaptation in Liberia (SARTLA) Project. The five-year initiative (2026–2030) aims to strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods among vulnerable communities across Liberia. The inception workshop will bring together representatives from government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, local stakeholders, and technical experts to establish a shared understanding of the project’s objectives, implementation arrangements, expected outcomes, and stakeholder responsibilities. Developed jointly by the Government of…

With le than 72 hrs following a pubic outburst by Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh publicly accusing Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr. of exploiting public office for partisan political gain and enforcement of double standards. The conflict erupted after Dr. Joekai was seen actively participating in a weekend political rally while wearing regalia supporting President Joseph Boakai. Senator Konneh shared side-by-side images comparing Dr. Joekai in pro-Boakai movement t-shirts next to former National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) boss Emma Glassco, who was previously forced out and penalized by the Boakai administration for wearing opposition…

Against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, tightening global financial conditions and mounting pressure on developing economies, Liberia’s Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has assumed the chairmanship of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Constituency 15, urging member states to deepen fiscal resilience, strengthen domestic resource mobilization and reposition Africa for a more uncertain economic future. Speaking during the Annual Meeting of Constituency 15, held on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group in Brazzaville, Ngafuan described the gathering as taking place at a pivotal moment for Africa, when international geopolitical shocks, financial…

As part of ongoing administrative reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and productivity in the discharge of its statutory mandate, the Ministry of Public Works has begun the restructuring of leadership within the counties with focus on Resident Engineers (REs), who are the highest ranking officers steering the affairs of the Ministry in the fifteen counties. The move, which comes on the heels of the implementation of the Ministry’s Octopus Strategy, is geared towards ensuring efficiency and productivity in the overall management of ongoing infrastructure activities. Beyond the veil of providing supervision on the construction of roads and bridges within these…

IPNEWS: Former Montserrado County District 8 Representative Acarous Moses Gray has officially called on the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) to launch a nationwide protest against President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s administration over claims of executive overreach and judicial interference. Gray publicly declared that a “dark cloud hangs over Liberia,” alleging that President Boakai instructed the judiciary to overturn a “not guilty” court verdict that had been issued in favor of former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah. He characterized the current Unity Party (UP) administration’s actions as a slide into autocracy, warning that the government has successfully silenced other critical…

IPNEWS: Deputy House Speaker Thomas Fallah has publicly rejected former President George Weah’s potential 2029 re-election bid, calling a return of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) to power the “biggest mistake” Liberia could make. Once a high-ranking CDC loyalist, Fallah launched a direct rhetorical attack against Weah’s political ambitions during the official launch of the National Independent Movement to Support Boakai (NIMBO). Fallah questioned what Weah left in the Executive Mansion that warrants a comeback, warning that a return of the former administration would only worsen Liberia’s situation. Speaking to citizens and supporters, Fallah stated, “Why you left in…

By Julius T. Jaesen, II Managing Editor & Publisher , Democracy Watch editordemocracywatch@gmail.com The phrase “Thucydides Trap” has become one of the most discussed concepts in contemporary international relations, particularly in debates surrounding the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. The term was popularised by Graham Allison, a professor at Harvard University, in his influential study on the danger of war between rising and existing dominant powers. Allison drew the concept from the ancient Greek historian Thucydides, who chronicled the Peloponnesian War. Thucydides argued that “it was the rise of Athens and the fear that this instilled in Sparta…

The First Judicial Circuit Criminal Assizes “C” at the Temple of Justice has launched a major investigation into alleged jury misconduct and tampering in the high-profile economic crimes case involving several former senior government officials of Liberia. According to an official court citation dated May 18, 2026, and issued by the Office of the Clerk of Court in Monrovia, defense lawyers representing the accused have been ordered to appear before Criminal Court “C” On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. for an inquiry into allegations raised under oath by three jurors who reportedly served during the trial. The dramatic…