New York: The Republic of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to the complete eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations.

Speaking at the UNGA81 Fourth Committee meeting on Monday, October 12, 2026, Liberia’s Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Baba Sillah, called for the renewal of MINURSO and expressed its support for the Secretary-General and his personal envoy’s efforts to facilitate a political solution.

He also reiterated its support for the Kingdom of Morocco and for the Moroccan Autonomy proposal as the most realistic and feasible basis presently available for advancing the United Nations-led political process.

Liberia applauded the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy as well as encouraged Morocco, the Frente POLISARIO, Algeria, and Mauritania to engage constructively in the political process.

He urged concerned parties to demonstrate political will, flexibility, and realism; to respect the ceasefire; and to refrain from rhetoric or action that could deepen mistrust, undermine negotiations, or endanger regional stability.

Liberia admonished all parties to engage constructively in the United Nations-led process and work towards a durable settlement that advances peace, stability, and dignity for the people involved. 

New York – Liberia has called for full adherence to international humanitarian law, unhindered humanitarian access, and a peaceful settlement in accordance with the UN Charter regarding the ongoing Ukraine Russia conflict.

Prutus Sackie, Liberia’s political coordinator to the UN Security Council, spoke on Friday during the 10237th meeting of the UN Security Council. He delivered Liberia’s position on the “Maintenance of Peace and Security of Ukraine” during the meeting.

He underlined the protection of civilians at all times and the respect and protection of hospitals, schools, humanitarian personnel, and critical civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law.

“We must strengthen the protection of civilians by ending attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, ensuring full compliance with international humanitarian law, and facilitating safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.”

He admonished the council to intensify diplomatic efforts towards an immediate ceasefire and a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, consistent with the Charter of the United Nations, including its principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Liberia’s Political Coordinator to the UN Security Council pointed out that the urgency of ending this war must be matched by the determination to pursue peace, noting that peace does not require agreement on every issue from the outset. It requires the willingness to stop the suffering, protect innocent lives, and create space for dialogue.

Liberia reaffirmed support for all credible efforts to end the Ukraine-Russia war to achieve a peaceful settlement in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

On 23 September, Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo warned that the Ukraine conflict is entering a “dangerous new phase,” stressing increased human cost, risk of escalation, and consequences of miscalculation.

Grand Cape Mount County — The Liberia National Police has intercepted US$400,000 in cash during a routine security operation at the Tienii Checkpoint in Grand Cape Mount County, with authorities saying the money had not been declared at the Liberia-Sierra Leone border.

According to a release, the cash was discovered Tuesday, October 6, at about 1:52 p.m. during a search of a Liberian-registered vehicle, A53191, driven by Abu Toure, 58, of Brewerville, according to the police.

Preliminary police findings indicate that the money was not declared to authorities when it crossed the Liberia-Sierra Leone border.

Toure reportedly told investigators that the money represented proceeds from his cocoa business.

Following the discovery, police took Toure into custody and referred the matter to the Financial Crime Division of the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for further investigation.

The LNP stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that no final determination has been made regarding whether any law was violated.

The police said the interception underscores the importance of security checks at border points as authorities seek to prevent financial crimes, money laundering and other activities that could threaten Liberia’s economic and national security.

The LNP commended officers assigned to the Tienii Checkpoint for what it described as vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming its commitment to working with relevant government institutions to combat financial crimes.

Authorities have not indicated whether the US$400,000 has been forfeited or what further action may be taken against Toure pending the outcome of the investigation.

GENEVA — CAP Freedom of Conscience has raised concerns over the pretrial detention and treatment of Lee Man-hee, the 95-year-old founder and leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, during the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The organization delivered an oral statement on September 18, 2026, during the Council’s General Debate under Item 3, which focuses on the promotion and protection of all human rights.

In its statement, CAP Freedom of Conscience highlighted the case of Lee, who is currently being held at the Seoul Detention Center in the Republic of Korea in connection with what the organization described as non-violent charges.

The organization expressed concern over what it characterized as a politically motivated and discriminatory investigation targeting a religious minority. It also raised concerns about Lee’s detention conditions, particularly his confinement without air conditioning during what it described as Seoul’s severe summer heatwave.

According to CAP Freedom of Conscience, Lee’s age and the absence of an apparent flight risk should have been considered in determining whether pretrial detention was necessary.

The organization argued that his detention and treatment raise questions about South Korea’s obligations under international human rights law, including provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

It cited Article 9 of the ICCPR, which protects individuals against arbitrary detention and requires detention to meet standards of necessity and proportionality. The group also referenced Article 10, which requires persons deprived of their liberty to be treated humanely and with respect for their dignity.

CAP Freedom of Conscience further cited the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, particularly provisions concerning access to healthcare, as well as the Tokyo Rules, which promote alternatives to imprisonment and emphasize that pretrial detention should be used only as a measure of last resort.

The organization also invoked Article 18 of the ICCPR, which protects freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, arguing that religious freedom concerns are relevant to Lee’s case.

CAP Freedom of Conscience called on the Human Rights Council to urge the South Korean government to comply with its international obligations.

Among its recommendations, the organization urged authorities to consider alternatives to pretrial detention, facilitate an independent medical assessment of Lee’s condition and ensure that proceedings against him are conducted fairly and impartially.

Lee, who founded the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, is a prominent and controversial religious figure in South Korea. His detention has drawn attention from organizations that describe themselves as advocates for freedom of religion and conscience.

CAP Freedom of Conscience’s intervention at the Human Rights Council places the case within a broader international debate over pretrial detention, treatment of elderly detainees and the protection of freedom of religion or belief.

MONROVIA — Naymote Partners for Democratic Development is calling for an independent investigation into the selection of Lofa County’s representative for an African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO)-supported training program in India, amid allegations that a politically connected individual was selected while the county’s designated Development Officer was excluded.

Naymote said its concerns stem from a participant list showing that County Development Officers are representing other participating counties, while Lofa County is represented by an individual identified as a “County Technical Assistant”—a position the organization says it has not been able to verify within Lofa County’s current administrative structure.

According to Naymote, its preliminary inquiries indicate that Henry Bundoo, reportedly a Foya District Coordinator for Local Government Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin’s political movement, is occupying Lofa County’s slot in the training.

Naymote said Francis Egu Lasanna, whom it identifies as Lofa County’s Development Officer, was instead left out.

The organization stressed, however, that the alleged political relationship between Bundoo and Minister Nyumalin, as well as whether that connection influenced his selection, has not been independently established.

Still, Naymote said the circumstances warrant scrutiny because County Development Officers have formal responsibilities for development planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.

“Training intended to strengthen those functions should benefit officials who legitimately hold the relevant responsibilities and can apply the learning within county institutions upon return,” Naymote said.

The organization warned that if political considerations displaced the appropriate county official, Lofa County could have lost an opportunity to strengthen its development capacity.

“Such conduct would place personal political interests ahead of public responsibilities and undermine confidence in the Ministry’s commitment to accountable decentralization,” Naymote said.

Calls for Minister to Explain Selection

Naymote is calling on the Minister of Local Government to clarify Bundoo’s official appointment status, substantive duties and authority to represent Lofa County at the international training.

The organization is also demanding an explanation as to why the county’s Development Officer was not selected.

The Ministry, Naymote said, should verify that all participants are legitimate nominees and that their official responsibilities correspond with the objectives of the training program.

The group further called on the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate whether any conflict of interest, political favoritism or misuse of public authority played a role in determining Lofa County’s representation.

Naymote said any investigation should establish the facts, provide an opportunity for those implicated to respond and determine whether corrective measures or referral to other competent authorities are warranted.

“If improper influence is established,” Naymote said, “the President of Liberia and the responsible authorities should ensure appropriate accountability and restore the county’s access to the intended institutional benefit,” in coordination with AARDO and the Indian training hosts.

Political Connection Alone Not Proof of Wrongdoing

Naymote acknowledged that political association, by itself, does not constitute proof of wrongdoing.

But the organization argued that public authority should not be used to reward political loyalty at the expense of county development.

“Officials entrusted with decentralization must protect the interests of the communities they serve,” Naymote said.

The organization is also urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government institutions to verify the official status and substantive responsibilities of nominees selected for internationally sponsored government training programs.

Naymote said it intends to seek clarification from AARDO and the relevant Indian partners through appropriate channels.

The organization commended the County Development Officers from Bong, Sinoe, River Gee, Rivercess, Margibi, Grand Bassa and Grand Gedeh counties who are participating in the training, urging them to use the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, build professional networks and return better equipped to support county institutions.

Naymote said it remains committed to constructive engagement with the Ministry of Local Government, but stressed that a prompt, documented response and impartial investigation are necessary to protect the integrity of the training partnership, strengthen public confidence and safeguard Lofa County’s development interests.

GBARNGA — More than one hundred senior officers of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) have received certificates following a three-day intensive leadership training seminar focused on advanced leadership techniques.

The training, conducted by professional facilitators from the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA), brought together directors, sectional heads, regional commanders and county commanders from across the country.

The three-day seminar, held at the Regional Justice and Security Hub in Gbarnga City, Bong County, focused on strengthening leadership capacity, accountability and professionalism within the Liberia Immigration Service.

Speaking over the weekend at the closing ceremony, LIS Commissioner General, Colonel Elijah F. Rufus, expressed profound appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the training, particularly the facilitators from LIPA and the senior officers who participated in the seminar.

The training was held under the theme: “Leading with Integrity: Strengthening Accountability, Professionalism and the Fight Against Corruption.”

Commissioner General Rufus described the theme as a call to action, urging senior officers to recognize that the credibility of the Liberia Immigration Service is determined not only by the policies and decisions they formulate, but also by the conduct they demonstrate in the discharge of their daily responsibilities.

He emphasized that leadership begins with setting a good example, noting that members of the public are constantly observing the conduct and performance of government officials.

“Leadership begins with example,” the Commissioner General stressed, urging the trained officers to demonstrate integrity, professionalism and accountability in their respective areas of responsibility.

As part of the ceremony, the LIS administration also distributed a range of essential materials to officers and offices across the Service. The items included office materials, stationery, uniforms and raincoats.

According to Commissioner General Rufus, the provision of these materials demonstrates his administration’s commitment to addressing some of the operational challenges confronting the Liberia Immigration Service and improving the working conditions of its personnel.

He said the items were procured under the LIS 2026 fiscal budget and form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the institution and enhance its effectiveness in carrying out its statutory responsibilities.

The Commissioner General further encouraged the officers to apply the knowledge and leadership skills acquired during the training in their daily duties and to remain committed to advancing the mission and values of the Liberia Immigration Service.

Accra, Ghana – The Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Henry F. Saamoi, has presented Liberia’s remarkable progress in digital payments and financial inclusion at MojaCom 32, one of Africa’s premier forums on interoperable and inclusive payment systems.

Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “Accelerating Financial Inclusion Through Instant and Interoperable Payments: Liberia’s Journey and Lessons for Africa”.
Governor Saamoi highlighted Liberia’s ongoing transformation from a fragmented payments landscape to a system driven by real-time, interoperable digital financial services.

Addressing central bank governors, regulators, development partners, financial institutions, and technology leaders from across Africa and beyond, Governor Saamoi emphasized that while access to financial services has expanded significantly across the continent, the next frontier of financial inclusion is connectivity among financial institutions and payment platforms.

“Financial inclusion is no longer primarily constrained by access and affordability. It is increasingly constrained by connectivity,” Governor Saamoi stated, noting that the future of financial inclusion will depend on how effectively financial institutions connect and enable seamless movement of funds across networks.

The CBL Executive Governor highlighted two landmark achievements under Liberia’s payment system modernization agenda: the launch of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the deployment of the Inclusive Instant Payment System (IIPS). IIPS facilitates real-time interoperability between Liberia’s leading mobile money providers, Lonestar MTN Mobile Money and Orange Money Liberia.

Governor Saamoi disclosed that Liberia’s digital payments ecosystem has already begun delivering measurable results.
In 2025, mobile money transactions in Liberia reached approximately L$585.88 billion and US$6.92 billion in value, while the country’s systemically important payment systems processed approximately 230,367 transactions valued at US$8.5 billion.

He further disclosed that since its launch in December 2025, Liberia’s Inclusive Instant Payment System has processed more than 5.3 million interoperable transactions, including approximately 4.2 million Liberian-dollar transactions valued at over 4.1 billion Liberian dollars and 1.1 million United States dollar transactions valued at US$22.2 million.

According to Governor Saamoi, these achievements demonstrate growing public confidence in digital financial services and underscore the importance of interoperable payment infrastructure in advancing financial inclusion, economic efficiency, and private-sector growth.

The CBL Executive Governor also used the occasion to share key lessons from Liberia’s experience, emphasizing that successful payment system transformation requires strong leadership, collaboration among stakeholders, and recognition of interoperable payment systems as critical national infrastructure.

Looking beyond Liberia, Governor Saamoi called for greater collaboration among African central banks to strengthen regional payment connectivity and support the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that Africa’s economic integration will depend not only on the movement of goods and services across borders, but also on the ability to move money quickly, securely, and affordably across the continent.

He concluded by reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to building a modern, inclusive, and interconnected financial system while contributing to Africa’s broader digital transformation agenda.

“Africa does not need to wait for the future of payments. Africa can build it. The future of African financial inclusion will not be determined by the number of institutions we create. It will be determined by how effectively those institutions connect,” Governor Saamoi said.

MojaCom 32 brought together central banks, regulators, financial institutions, development partners, and technology providers from around the world to discuss emerging trends and innovations in digital payments, interoperability, and financial inclusion.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) has outlined a framework aimed at converting growing interest among Liberians in the diaspora into concrete investment in Liberia’s housing sector.

Under the framework, the NHA plans to support the development of 5,000 housing units across all 15 counties from 2026 to 2029, through public-private partnerships and other investment mechanisms.

The initiative is supported by plans for a National Housing Trust Fund and focuses on two major challenges identified by the NHA: limited confidence in land transactions and inadequate knowledge of the estate development process.

Presenting at the just-concluded Liberia Diaspora Investment Conference in the United States on 25 September 2026, NHA Managing Director, Madam Florence Geegbae, said the framework is designed to provide diaspora investors with a more secure and predictable pathway from land acquisition through construction and occupancy.

According to the presentation, the NHA will work with relevant government institutions, including the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) and the Ministry of Public Works, to strengthen land verification, simplify development procedures, and provide professional support to investors.

The initiative forms part of the NHA’s broader 2026–2029 vision for transforming Liberia’s housing sector. 

Under the vision, the NHA plans to support the direct government construction of 600 housing units between 2026 and 2027, while pursuing partnerships for the development of the 5,000 affordable units.

The NHA also plans to construct 16 water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in four informal settlements in Monrovia and establish Liberia’s first National Housing Information System.

Strengthening Confidence in Land Transactions

The NHA identified land ownership and verification as a major concern for diaspora investors, noting that fewer than 20 percent of Liberia’s land is formally registered.

The entity says it will work with the Liberia Land Authority to strengthen verification systems and ensure that land designated for NHA-affiliated projects is properly verified before development begins.

A key component is the National Deed Verification System, which uses standardized deeds with security features linked to the national land registry. 

Verification can be conducted through county land offices, licensed surveyors, and the courts.

The NHA also referenced recent judicial and land governance developments, including a court ruling that struck down a 931.4-acre land grab, as part of efforts to strengthen protection for legitimate land interests.

Simplifying Estate Development

The NHA also identified the complexity of Liberia’s estate development and permitting processes as a barrier for investors unfamiliar with local requirements.

To address this, the National Housing Authority is developing a plain-language, step-by-step estate development roadmap covering the process from land acquisition to occupancy permits, in coordination with the Liberia Land Authority.

The NHA is also working with the Ministry of Public Works to map the building permit process and provide clearer timelines for investors.

Environmental compliance, including an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit, will also form part of the guidance.

Improving Investment Predictability

The NHA presentation cited an average of 74 days and 22 procedures for obtaining a construction permit, highlighting the need for greater cost and time predictability.

To support investors, the Authority is proposing a Housing Investment Portal that would provide online access to services and information, including land verification, permit checklists, cost calculators, and directories of licensed professionals.

Through these measures, the NHA seeks to create a more transparent, predictable, and secure environment for Liberians in the diaspora and other investors interested in Liberia’s housing sector.

GBARNGA – The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) has commenced a three-day capacity-building seminar for senior officers, running from September 30 to October 2 at the Gbarnga Regional Justice and Security Hub in Bong County.

The seminar brings together senior officers, including directors, sectional heads, regional commanders and county commanders, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership, accountability and professional standards within the Service.

The training is being held under the theme:, “Leading with Integrity: Strengthening Accountability, Professionalism, and the Fight Against Corruption.”

The seminar is expected to provide participants with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, promote accountability, strengthen professionalism and reinforce the Service’s commitment to combating corruption.

The initiative forms part of the Liberia Immigration Service’s continuing efforts to build a more accountable, professional and effective institution in the discharge of its immigration and national security responsibilities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, September 30 at the Gbarnga Regional Justice and Security Hub, LIS Deputy Commissioner General for Administration, Nelsco Aleo Wolo, welcomed the senior officers to the training.

Deputy Commissioner General Wolo said the training is intended to strengthen the capacity of senior officers and deepen their understanding of the importance of effective leadership in contemporary security management.

According to him, the training reflects the LIS’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the discharge of its responsibilities.

He emphasized that leading by example is essential to effective service delivery, urging senior officers to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the performance of their duties.

Deputy Commissioner General Wolo also addressed a wide range of challenges confronting the Liberia Immigration Service and encouraged the participants to use the training as an opportunity to reflect on their responsibilities and identify practical ways to improve institutional performance.

For his part, the LIS Deputy Commissioner General for Operations, Kundukai Jaleiba, urged participants to take the capacity-building exercise seriously and make full use of the knowledge and skills gained during the seminar.

Meanwhile, the three-day seminar is expected to conclude on Friday, October 2.

The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is set to host a two-day validation workshop on the country’s draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy, known as NIPPS.

The workshop, scheduled for October 15-16, will bring together key public and private sector actors to review and validate the draft policy, which is intended to establish a national framework for the protection, management, enforcement and commercialization of intellectual property, while providing a clearer direction for how innovation and creativity can contribute to Liberia’s economic transformation.

The validation comes as the Government of Liberia has placed greater emphasis on intellectual property as part of its broader economic development agenda. Under Pillar One of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the government’s economic transformation strategy seeks to create a competitive, diversified and private-sector-driven economy, with particular attention to innovation, investment, employment and wealth creation. The national development framework identifies the development of a robust intellectual property ecosystem as part of that broader effort to improve Liberia’s business-enabling environment.

According to a statement from LIPO, the draft document provides a clearer national direction for using intellectual property to support businesses, entrepreneurs and Liberia’s growing creative sector, including provisions addressing artificial intelligence and its implications for intellectual property. The inclusion of AI-related provisions comes as the technology continues to raise new questions around ownership, protection and commercialization of creative works and inventions.

“A stronger IP framework helps businesses identify and protect trademarks, inventions, designs and other intangible assets, while creating pathways for those assets to be licensed, commercialized and used to attract investment,” said Hon. Garmai Koboi, LIPO Director General, in a statement ahead of the workshop. “For musicians, filmmakers, writers, visual artists and other creators, the framework is expected to strengthen the environment for protecting creative works and generating economic value from them.”

Intellectual property refers broadly to creations of the mind, including inventions, literary and artistic works, industrial designs, brands, symbols and names used in commerce. These creations can be protected through mechanisms such as patents, copyright, trademarks and industrial design rights, according to Liberia’s 2016 IP Act. Globally, intellectual property has become an important part of economic policy as businesses increasingly generate value from knowledge, technology, brands and creative content.

The NIPPS, according to LIPO, comes as the Government of Liberia has been working with creatives, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and other stakeholders on IP management, including protection, commercialization and enforcement, as part of its commitment under Pillar One of the ARREST Agenda.

The validation, the release noted, is part of a concerted effort by the government to encourage stakeholders to shape a national policy that places innovation, creativity and intellectual property at the heart of the ARREST Agenda’s goal of achieving economic transformation.

 “The validation of the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy is an important step toward building an intellectual property system that works for Liberia’s economy,” Hon. Koboi added. “The government’s objective is not only to protect intellectual property, but to continuously strengthen the environment for the commercialization of intellectual property assets.”