Cape Mount & Bong Counties- Liberia’s flood‑stricken towns: the devastation is visible in collapsed homes, broken walls, and families forced to sleep in rising waters.

By Jaheim T. Tumu-jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com 

 Yet amid the destruction, survivors are finding fragile hope in the form of cash transfers and clean water projects funded by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In Bong County’s Frog Island, J. Kayto Jallah remembers the night his home was swallowed by floodwaters.

He described sleeping in waist‑deep water, his family huddled together as the house crumbled around them. The ECOWAS cash transfer, though modest, gave him a chance to rebuild.

“My whole house got flooded up. I slept in the water two times. But I thank God that ECOWAS took me from somewhere and put me back up. The money ECOWAS gave me, I brought cement, black zinc, and I fixed my septic tank,” he said, pointing to the repaired structure that now shelters his family.

Widow Kpeneh Kollie, it was an ordeal that nearly cost her son’s life. Caring for nine children and seven grandchildren, she recalled how her sister shoved her and the children out of their collapsing house just in time.

Accordingly, she explained that the ECOWAS cash transfers allowed her to rebuild after the disaster.

“The money I received from ECOWAS helped me build my house again. I didn’t lose my son because of ECOWAS. Let God allow them to continue helping us,” she said, her voice breaking with gratitude and exhaustion.

Ma Kollie’s story reflects the precariousness of life in flood‑prone  Rubber Factory Community in Bong County.

She explained how water levels rose to higher heights, motorbikes struggled to pass, and families were trapped inside homes as walls gave way.

For her, the aid was not just financial support but a lifeline that prevented tragedy.

Sundayma Dwah used her cash transfer to expand her used-clothes business. Dwah explained that her initial business started with US$50, but with the ECOWAS  cash transfer of USD$ 250, the business has expanded.

“I used the money to expand my used-clothes business,” Dwah explained, stressing that the assistance helps her meet the educational needs of her children.

Communities and residents had also struggled and long relied on unsafe sources of drinking water.

The intervention brought renovations of the hand-pump, transforming daily life.

 Henry Taigbailee stood proudly beside the ECOWAS’s renovated hand-pump, describing the clean and safe water for locals.

 “The water is clean; we can drink safe drinking water from there. I will say over 150 are benefiting,” he said, stating that families queued in regularly with buckets.

In Bo Waterside, Grand Cape Mount County, Youth Chairman Sackie Sambulah described the strain of too many people relying on too few pumps but alluded to ECOWAS for its intervention.

He explained how the community rationed access to prevent damage to the hand pump and appealed for the construction of additional ones.

“The community is overpopulated now, and the pumps rehabilitated are not really enough. Sometimes people go home crying that the water is not enough. We ask our partners to do more implementation so everybody can benefit,” he said.

To manage the pressure, the pump is opened only at set hours. “When we open from 8 o’clock to 11 o’clock, because there can be too many people, if you don’t do so, it will damage quickly. So that’s the reason why we manage with that time.

Konah Kaiwah, whose home was destroyed by floods, the aid was a lifeline. Standing amid the remnants of her house, she spoke simply of gratitude and need. “We thank you all very much. The money I received, the work we did. We want more help from ECOWAS,” she said.

Only after these tours and voices of survival does the broader picture emerge. ECOWAS officials admit the intervention has not reached its full potential.

Acting Director for Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Ibrahim Mohammed, said the program was designed to support livelihoods, water and sanitation, and cash transfers, but visibility and reach remain limited.

“Honestly speaking, what we’ve seen so far is below expectations in terms of visibility and the number of the targeted population. But it’s a lesson learned for ECOWAS, the implementing partner, and government institutions,” he explained.

ECOWAS’s intervention is more than relief; it is a test of credibility. Mohammed emphasized that Liberia’s targeted population exceeded two million, making it the second highest among member states after Nigeria.

“We are going to go back, look at our report against the NDMA and Red Cross reports, and then conclude generally on how to address the gaps,” he said.

Mohammed, however, emphasized that the initiative reflects the regional body’s commitment to ensure people are at the center of regional integration.

Accordingly, he said the intervention was a practical demonstration of ECOWAS’ determination to move beyond an institution focused primarily on governments and states toward an organization whose work is felt directly by ordinary citizens.

Mohammed called on the NDMA Liberia and the Liberian Red Cross, which served as implementing partners, to enhance the visibility of ECOWAS-funded interventions.

He explained that visibility would enable citizens to better understand the impact of ECOWAS projects in Liberia and recognize how regional resources are being translated into practical assistance for communities.

Abraham Passaway of the NDMA recalled how the partnership was forged. He said ECOWAS insisted the government bring in an experienced implementing partner, leading to a tripartite agreement with the Red Cross.

“ECOWAS said we know the government, but you cannot go and implement on your own. So, we want you to bring an implementing partner. That is how the Red Cross came in, and we signed a three‑party agreement. Right after that, ECOWAS released the funding,” Passaway said.

He said the initiative marked a transformation. “People thought ECOWAS was only about peace and security. But then this ECOWAS has transformed to the ECOWAS of the people.”

Mot. Musa Kromah, in her 60s from Bo Waterside, also praised ECOWAS for the cash transfer, an intervention she said arrived at the right moment when all hope was gone.

“If ECOWAS was not going to come, who was going to help me? Thank God they came and I received the 250.  I bought zinc, cement, and other things to fix my house,” she said.

Angeline Urey, who cares for her grandmother in Rubber Factory Community in Bong County, received intervention in a different form through the agricultural component of the project, and also transfer cash transfer was also sent to the home for renovation purposes after it was destroyed by flood.

Through the initiative, Urey was able to strengthen her agricultural activities, allowing her to produce food and improve her household’s economic prospects.

Monrovia — The Economic Community of West African States has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces, an unprecedented operation that has divided global opinion and sparked widespread concern over sovereignty, international law, and the limits of executive power. In a statement, ECOWAS said it had “followed with concern recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela” after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out a large-scale military operation in Caracas, resulting in President Maduro being taken into U.S. custody.

By Jaheim T. Tumu-jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com

Speaking late Sunday, President Trump declared, “we’re in charge” of Venezuela, while issuing a pointed warning to interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, suggesting she would face consequences “probably worse” than Maduro if she did not cooperate with Washington. While the United States justified the operation as part of the global fight against transnational crime, including terrorism and drug trafficking, ECOWAS cautioned that such actions must not override international norms.

The regional bloc reminded the international community of the obligation to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, citing Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, and stressed that the rule of law must guide even high-stakes security operations.

ECOWAS aligned itself with Africa’s continental position, noting that it “fully aligns itself with the statement the African Union issued on 3 January 2026, which calls for restraint and inclusive dialogue among the people of Venezuela.” The regional body emphasized that the future of Venezuela should be determined by Venezuelans through peaceful, democratic, and inclusive processes rather than unilateral foreign intervention.

The U.S. military operation has also highlighted deep divisions within Washington. On the floor of the House of Representatives, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky warned against unilateral military action, stating that any decision to deploy U.S. forces should receive congressional approval to prevent unnecessary risks to American lives and resources.

Massie questioned whether Maduro’s removal would produce meaningful change, asking, “Do we truly believe that Nicolás Maduro will be replaced by a modern-day George Washington?” Conservative lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the operation as a betrayal of President Trump’s political base, expressing concern over continued U.S. military engagement abroad and what she described as the government’s disregard for public opinion.

Even lawmakers supportive of the military’s efficiency voiced caution, with Senator Rand Paul warning that executive overreach undermines the constitutional limits set by the nation’s founders to prevent unchecked war powers.

Reaction across Latin America has been swift and sharply divided. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the operation, calling it “a grave affront to Venezuela’s sovereignty” and “a flagrant violation of international law.”

Mexico, Chile, Cuba, and Uruguay also rejected the U.S. actions, insisting that dialogue and negotiation remain the only legitimate and effective means to resolve disputes. In contrast, right-wing leaders in the region welcomed the operation. Argentina’s President Javier Milei celebrated the development online, declaring “LA LIBERTAD AVANZA. VIVA LA LIBERTAD CARAJO,” while Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino voiced support for recognizing the “legitimate wishes of the Venezuelan people, as expressed emphatically at the polls.”

Global powers beyond the Americas also voiced alarm. Russia described Maduro’s capture as “a grave violation of sovereignty and international law” and called the U.S. action “armed aggression,” while China expressed shock over the unilateral use of force.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized what he described as arrogant external imposition, urging nations to “stand firmly against the enemy.” European responses were measured but firm, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasizing that international law and the United Nations Charter must always be respected, and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warning that Madrid would not recognize any intervention that violates international law or risks regional instability.

Amid mounting tensions, ECOWAS reiterated its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and called on all states to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Venezuela, emphasizing that decisions about the country’s future must rest with Venezuelans themselves. The organization expressed support for an inclusive process through which the people of Venezuela could shape their nation’s destiny without coercion from external actors.

Monrovia – The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, has begun a two-day validation workshop in Monrovia to review a feasibility study assessing potential sites for clean mini-grid development under the African Development Bank’s Desert-to-Power (DtP) initiative.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The study, conducted by the consortium INENSUS–NYETAA, identifies 30 rural localities across Liberia as viable for solar mini-grid construction. The assessment evaluates energy demand, technical design requirements, financial projections, environmental and social impacts, and gender considerations. Once validated, the findings will guide fundraising efforts for full implementation.

Opening the event, Assistant Minister for Energy Oliver S. Gbegbe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to clean energy, noting that the project aligns with the ARREST Agenda for inclusive national development.

“We need to move from planning to tangible results. The program is geared to benefit livelihoods in terms of schools, health facilities, resilient communities, businesses, and so much more,” Gbegbe said. He pledged the Ministry’s support in working with national stakeholders and development partners to advance the initiative.

ECREEE Renewable Energy Specialist, Juste Damada, explained that the selected localities were chosen based on several criteria, including distance from the national grid, distance of health centers and schools, and the economic vibrancy of the communities.

“As part of the study, we targeted 30 localities based on regulations and ongoing policy reforms in Liberia. These sites were selected using criteria such as distance to the grid, the distance of schools, health facilities, and other indicators,” Damada stated

He emphasized that the introduction of mini-grids will improve health service delivery, enhance learning conditions for students, and boost productivity for rural businesses. However, he noted that resource mobilization remains the primary challenge, though the team is optimistic that the first systems could be operational within the next two years.

RREA Deputy Executive Director for Programs, Stephen V. Potter Sr., praised the initiative, describing it as a strong component to Liberia’s national goals for expanding clean and reliable electricity to rural communities.

“We at the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency are very delighted and excited to be part of this initiative. It aligns with our national vision, and we see it as a meaningful partnership with ECREEE,” Potter said.

Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), Liberia Land Authority, Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Finance, private sector groups, and development partners are participating in the workshop.

The two-day forum is expected to produce a validated and harmonized feasibility report, paving the way for investment in renewable energy solutions for underserved communities across Liberia.

Established in 2010 in Cape Verde, ECREEE is a specialized ECOWAS agency focused on promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency across West Africa. The center works closely with partners including UNIDO and the Government of Spain and serves all 15 ECOWAS member states, including Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau, with a mandate to create an enabling environment for clean energy investment and market growth.

Monrovia  – The Liberia School of Law (LSL) has emerged victorious at the maiden edition of the ECOWAS Moot Court Competition, held August 13–16 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The Liberian team, comprising students Peace Khasu and Abigail Dorbor, coached by Prof. Gerald D. Yeakula, clinched the top prize alongside students from Felix Houphouet-Boigny University of Côte d’Ivoire.

The competition brought together law students from West, Central, and East Africa to argue a hypothetical case before the ECOWAS Court of Justice on whether corruption and tolerance of inhumane cultural practices constitute justiciable violations of human rights and treaty obligations under the UN, AU, and ECOWAS charters.

Liberia advanced after Nigeria forfeited its opening match, then tied against Kenya’s African Nazarene University in a fiercely contested round, securing a spot in the final. The finals paired Anglophone and Francophone schools, with Liberia joining Côte d’Ivoire, while Kenya teamed up with the University of Bukavu of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Following spirited arguments, a panel of distinguished judges – including Madam Makaya Dagnogo, Legal Counsel at Côte d’Ivoire’s National Human Rights Council, Mr. Erick Essien, Magistrate and Human Rights Specialist, and Hon. Abdoulaye Ben Mette, Member of the Ivorian National Assembly – declared the Liberia/Côte d’Ivoire team the overall winner.

Despite being first-year students, Khasu and Dorbor impressed the judges and their peers. Khasu, who led the opening arguments in the final, was named Second Best Advocate of the Competition, with Judge Mette describing her as “born to be a lawyer.”

LSL President Kwame Clement praised the team’s achievement, attributing their success to the students’ brilliance and Prof. Yeakula’s mentorship. He also thanked the school’s Board of Trustees, including members Paul Mandell and Joy Isibor Nosegbe, and Board Chairman Retired Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr., for their critical support.

Founded in November 2024, the Liberia School of Law is the country’s second law school since the introduction of formal legal education more than 70 years ago.

Monrovia, Liberia – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the Government of Liberia and other partners, has officially launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) program on digital skills for women in rural communities.

By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway

The program aims at empowering women across the country with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the digital economy.

Launched Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce in Monrovia, the event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, ECOWAS Commission, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, and technical partners, marking a significant step toward advancing digital inclusion and gender equality in underserved areas.

Speaking at launch, the Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, said the initiative is not just about teaching skills, but it’s about building agency, equipping women with the tools and confidence they need to build sustainable businesses and take their rightful place in the global economy.

Amb. Nkrumah indicated that the training is launched under the broader ECOWAS vision for digital transformation and aligns with the regional body’s 2050 Vision, particularly Pillars 3 and 4, which focus on economic integration and inclusive, sustainable development.

She asserted that the program also complements ECOWAS’ E-Commerce Strategy (2023–2027), which calls for expanded access to digital platforms for women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs.

According to ECOWAS Resident Representative, rural women remain largely excluded from the digital shift, lacking both access to tools and the training required to harness the benefits of technology for economic advancement.

“Each woman you train is a leader in her own right, ready to bridge the digital divide and unlock new horizons of possibility. Women equipped with knowledge, tools and support networks, are change accelerators. By investing in them, we are not only empowering individual entrepreneurs, we are investing in families, strengthening communities, and accelerating the region’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” said the ECOWAS official.

She furthered that the training builds on a series of initiatives by ECOWAS to enhance women’s participation in trade and commerce, including the ECOWAS Trade and Gender Action Plan (adopted in September 2024), gender-sensitive trade facilitation under the Subcommittee on Women in Trade, and export readiness programs that have already benefited over 200 women across the region.

“As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary this year, we reflect on our progress in building a more connected region. Over the past five decades, ECOWAS has championed peace, economic cooperation, and regional integration, through the establishment of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), the Common External Tariff (CET) and the Free Movement Protocols, among others.”

In remarks, Mr. Wilmot A. Reeves, Deputy Minister for Commerce and Trade, hailed the launch of the ECOWAS Training of Trainers Program on Digital Skills for Women in Rural Communities as a strategic boost to regional economic empowerment and inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups.

As he extolled the ECOWAS Commission for organizing the initiative, he pointed out that the program is in alignment with Liberia’s development goals – the ARREST Agenda.

This initiative resonates deeply with the Liberia ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, its Economic Transformation Pillar, and Pillars 3 and 4 of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which is focusing on economic integration, interconnectivity, and inclusive and sustainable development-principles that are essential to building a prosperous future for our region.

Reeves also hailed women entrepreneurs and trainers, especially those from rural communities, describing their participation as “not only inspiring but crucial to the collective agenda for digital transformation.”

The Deputy Minister highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy in today’s economy, describing digital skills as “foundational tools for empowerment, competitiveness, and innovation.

“This training is a critical step toward bridging that divide, empowering rural market women and small-scale entrepreneurs with tools to expand their reach, increase their productivity, and compete in digital marketplaces,” noted Deputy Minister Reeves.

He outlined several national efforts under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) to build a more inclusive digital economy.

Key among them, he explained, is the development of a National E-Commerce Framework, supported by the Swedish Government.

Also in remarks, the President of the Liberia Chambers of Commerce, Mr. O. Natty B. Davis II, praised ECOWAS for what he described as an initiative of great significance.

He urged the beneficiaries of the training to seize all available opportunities to move into the digital space.

“Utilization of this tool is very important.  We want to congratulate ECOWAS for initiating and moving this idea forward,” he said.

Mr. Davis then called on the trainers to exercise empathy in the execution of the process, adding: “Recognize that it’s time to build relationships so that those trainees will reference you. The Liberia Chambers of Commerce will remain a lasting partner to this process that will boost inclusive growth through digitalization; a process that will address economic barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.”

Monrovia – The Ministry of Mines and Energy, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has launched a four-day Training of National Stakeholders on the Computerized Energy Information System (EIS) in Monrovia. The initiative marks a pivotal step in Liberia’s drive toward a modern, data-driven energy sector—aimed at enhancing energy planning, improving decision-making, and promoting transparency in the management of national energy resources.

The training, which runs from June 30 to July 3, 2025, brings together ECOWAS executives, energy specialists, and a broad range of Liberian stakeholders. Representing Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye at the opening session, Deputy Minister for Energy, Charles Umehai, commended ECOWAS for its partnership and technical assistance in developing a computerized system for energy data collection, processing, and utilization.

“A robust energy information system is vital for informed policy decisions and the efficient management of our national energy resources,” Deputy Minister Umehai emphasized.

Delivering remarks on behalf of ECOWAS, Dr. Nathaniel B. Walker, Early Warning Focal Point at the ECOWAS Representative Office in Liberia, praised the country’s efforts to improve its energy data infrastructure. He reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to strengthening member states’ capacities in energy governance.

Day One of the training was facilitated by international Energy Information System expert Salim Chitou, whose presentation titled “Secrets of Effective Data Collection” provided participants with critical insights into best practices for gathering, securing, and managing energy-related data.

Chitou concluded the first day’s session with a case study on data collection and processing, emphasizing that sustainable improvements in the energy sector are impossible without a comprehensive and well-managed information base.

“Data security, retention, and effective management are the bedrock of successful energy sector reforms,” he noted.

The training includes participants from across Liberia’s energy ecosystem, including utilities, regulatory agencies, and private sector energy service providers. These stakeholders are expected to play key roles in applying the knowledge and tools from the training to bolster Liberia’s energy development agenda.

Following the conclusion of the technical sessions on Thursday, Minister Wilmot Paye is expected to officially launch the Energy Information System (EIS) on Friday, at a ceremony that will bring together senior government officials, development partners, and key actors from the energy sector.

The program is coordinated nationally by Prince C. Wilson, Assistant Director for Off-Grid Electricity and Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

MONROVIA — Former Liberian President George Manneh Weah has extended congratulations to Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio following his election as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 

By Jahiem Tumu

Weah described Bio as “the right man for the moment,” citing his leadership experience and understanding of regional dynamics.

In a statement issued on social media, the former Liberian leader said Bio’s election comes at a time when ECOWAS is facing serious political and security challenges, including the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—three member states currently under military rule. Weah expressed confidence that President Bio’s leadership would help strengthen the regional body and restore unity.

“His leadership comes at a pivotal time for ECOWAS, as the community grapples with pressing political and security challenges, including the recent departure of three member states and growing instability across West Africa,” Weah stated.

Weah, who peacefully transferred power in Liberia in 2024 after completing two constitutional terms, said he believes Bio’s international background makes him well-positioned to lead ECOWAS through its current challenges. He said the Sierra Leonean president’s stewardship could help foster greater cooperation and stability in the region.

“Given his understanding of regional dynamics and experience in international affairs, I am confident that his stewardship will strengthen ECOWAS, foster unity, and address the pressing threats to our collective stability,” Weah said.

The former president also pledged his support for regional peace and cooperation efforts, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration among West African nations to preserve peace and promote development.

President Bio takes over the ECOWAS chairmanship at a time when the regional bloc is being called upon to shift from enforcement strategies such as sanctions to diplomatic engagement and internal reform. 

His task includes navigating the political crisis caused by military takeovers and finding ways to reintegrate suspended member states without compromising democratic principles.

Monrovia, Liberia – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), through its West Africa Regional Coordinating Centre, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing public health capacity across the region.

By Williametta T. Jabbah, contributing writer

The pledge was made at the conclusion of a three-day workshop held in Monrovia, focused on improving Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) as a cornerstone of public health emergency preparedness and response.

Held under the theme “Strengthening Risk Communication and Community Engagement for Effective Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response,” the workshop brought together participants from all 15 ECOWAS member states.

Five Key Steps Forward

During the workshop, participants outlined five strategic steps to advance regional public health resilience:

1. Support capacity building for RCCE among network members.
2. Develop and finalize a 2025–2026 action plan for the ECOWAS West Africa RCCE Network.
3. Mobilize joint resources from Africa CDC, ECOWAS, and RCCE networks to implement a one-year roadmap (June 2025–June 2026).
4. Facilitate experience-sharing among member states.
5. Establish a technical working group with Mpox expertise to support at-risk countries.

RCCE: A Foundation for Trust

In remarks at the close of the event, Dr. Kokuo Alinon, Director of the West Africa Regional Coordinating Centre at Africa CDC, highlighted the central role of RCCE in fostering public trust during health crises.

“Community engagement is not just a tool—it is the foundation of every successful emergency response,” Dr. Alinon said. “Through collective efforts, we can build stronger systems that prioritize listening to, understanding, and involving communities in protecting their health.”

Lessons from the Past

Also speaking at the event, ECOWAS representative Madam Marianne Bonkano Laurent Comlan emphasized the importance of coordinated communication strategies, noting that lessons learned from past health emergencies like Ebola and COVID-19 demonstrate the need for unified regional approaches.

Liberia Commits to Strengthening RCCE

Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), expressed gratitude to Africa CDC for selecting Liberia as host of the workshop. He reaffirmed NPHIL’s commitment to strengthening RCCE as a key pillar of public health resilience in Liberia.

The workshop concluded with renewed momentum to advance a coordinated regional response framework—anchored in collaboration, communication, and community engagement—to better prepare for and respond to public health emergencies in West Africa.

Gardnersville – Hope for Young People Inc., a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to unlocking opportunities and resources for Liberia’s youth, has welcomed the historic announcement that Liberia has won the bid to host the ECOWAS Youth & Sports Development Centre (EYSDC).

The landmark achievement—confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—establishes Liberia as a key hub for youth empowerment across West Africa. The ECOWAS Commission’s decision follows a competitive selection process, initiated in response to recent institutional relocations within the regional bloc.

Liberia, through strategic diplomatic engagement and a strong commitment to regional development, emerged victorious—marking a major milestone in the nation’s post-war transformation.

Hope for Young People Inc. extends heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Liberia, particularly Edwin M. Snowe, Chairperson of the Liberian Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, and Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, for their exceptional advocacy and leadership. The organization also commends the broader team of government officials and stakeholders who championed Liberia’s bid and represented the aspirations of young Liberians with excellence.

Hosting the EYSDC promises significant benefits: increased investment in youth education and development, expanded opportunities in sports diplomacy, job creation, and heightened regional visibility. These opportunities are critical to building a stronger, more empowered future for young people in Liberia and across the West African sub-region.

However, with this opportunity comes great responsibility. Hope for Young People Inc. is calling on the Government of Liberia to complement this regional achievement with urgent, concrete national actions. Specifically, the organization urges the government to increase national investment in youth development—with a focus on education, skills training, and entrepreneurship strengthen the fight against illicit drug use and addiction, which continues to ravage communities and derail the future of many young Liberians ensure inclusive youth participation in the planning and implementation of the ECOWAS Youth & Sports Development Centre’s programs and forge strong partnerships with civil society, community leaders, and international development partners to transform the Centre into a platform for lasting impact.

“This is a turning point for Liberia and its youth. The hosting of this Centre is a clear message that the region believes in our potential,” said Thomas Tamba Bundoo, Founder and Executive Director of Hope for Young People Inc.

“Now is the time for our government and development partners to intensify investments in youth empowerment and take bold, urgent steps to address the growing threat of illicit drugs. We have a moral and regional responsibility to deliver.”

This moment, the organization emphasizes, is not just a diplomatic win—it is a call to action. The selection of Liberia as host country must be matched by deeper investments in the dreams, talents, and wellbeing of the nation’s young people.

Hope for Young People Inc. reaffirms its commitment to working with national and regional partners to ensure that the ECOWAS Youth & Sports Development Centre becomes a true engine for transformation—delivering on its promise to uplift the next generation of African leaders.

MONROVIA – As Liberia remains mired in a tense political crisis, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intervened with a strong call for peace and respect for the rule of law. 

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

After a second high-level mission to Liberia month, ECOWAS officials are urging the rival blocs within the House of Representatives to respect the impending ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia. 

This comes after an intense three-day mediation visit that aimed to de-escalate the growing tensions over embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s leadership, which is now at the center of a heated legal and political battle.

The ECOWAS delegation, led by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Political Affairs, arrived in Liberia to address the political deadlock in the legislature. The mission included key figures such as Moudjib Djinadou, Director of Political Affairs at UNOWAS, and H.E. Joao Ribeiro Butiam Co, Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau to Nigeria and ECOWAS. They were supported by a technical team led by Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia; experts from ECOWAS’ departments on democracy, good governance, and electoral assistance.

The core objective of the mission was to encourage the rival factions within House of Representatives to work together for the country’s peace, stability, and democratic progress.

While in Liberia, the Mission engaged with the President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, as well as former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Manneh Weah. The Mission also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madam Sarah Beysolow Nyanti, and senior officials of the ministry. Additionally, consultations were held with key stakeholders, including the leadership of the House of Representatives and representatives of the international community, to address the ongoing impasse in the House of Representatives.

The Mission took note of the various positions presented by stakeholders and urged all parties to prioritize Liberia’s peace and stability. It emphasized the need for collective efforts to foster inclusive socio-economic development and strengthen democracy in the country

In a statement at the conclusion of the mission, Gambari emphasized the importance of respecting the Supreme Court’s forthcoming ruling, calling on all parties to work collaboratively to resolve the impasse.

“In this regard, the Mission urges: President Joseph Nyuma BOAKAI and his predecessors to work closely together to enhance peace, stability and development in the country; All stakeholders to respect the impending ruling of the Supreme Court; All stakeholders to develop a roadmap to promptly end the impasse in the leadership of the House of Representatives; and International stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to find lasting solutions to the current political impasse in the country,” Prof. Ibrahim urged.

The battle for the speakership

At the heart of Liberia’s ongoing political turmoil is the question of Speaker Koffa’s legitimacy. The Majority Bloc in the House of Representatives, which includes several lawmakers who have declared themselves as the majority faction, has been at odds with Koffa’s leadership. The situation escalated when the bloc, in defiance of the Speaker, initiated a parallel legislative session, questioning Koffa’s authority and removed him from office, controversially electing Richard Koon of the ruling Unity Party as ‘Speaker’.

This legal and political standoff has reached the Supreme Court, with the case revolving around a Bill of Information filed by Koffa’s legal team.

The Bill seeks the Court’s intervention to enforce a previous ruling from December 2024, which cautioned against any unlawful actions in the Legislature. Koffa’s lawyers argue that the Majority Bloc’s actions violate the constitutional process for removing a Speaker, undermining both the law and the authority of the Court.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court engaged in a contentious session to hear arguments surrounding the Bill of Information. Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh criticized the Majority Bloc for attempting to bypass constitutional procedures in their bid to oust Speaker Koffa.

“Even if your clients are 100 in number, they don’t have the right to impose themselves as the majority bloc,” Yuoh remarked during the proceedings. She further warned that attempting to conduct legislative sessions in parallel could lead to chaos, undermining the Constitution.

The Court’s scrutiny extended to the Majority Bloc’s lawyer, Cllr. H. Varney Sherman, who attempted to justify the bloc’s actions by claiming that they had acted within the law. However, the Justices were unsatisfied with his arguments, pointing out that the actions of the rival lawmakers risked violating due process and destabilizing the country’s political system.

Justice Yusuf Kaba, another member of the bench, emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional procedures, particularly when it comes to removing a sitting Speaker. He clarified that while parliamentary systems may allow for a vote of no confidence, Liberia’s Constitution requires a two-thirds majority and a formal process.

The Court has reserved its ruling for a later date, with a call for heightened security measures in place ahead of the final decision. As the case unfolds, the political tensions in Liberia remain palpable, with both sides awaiting the Supreme Court’s verdict on the matter.

The Speaker of the House plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Legislature, and any disruption to this office could jeopardize the country’s democratic processes. The challenge to Speaker Koffa’s authority raises fundamental questions about the integrity of Liberia’s political institutions and the balance of power within the country’s government.

For Liberia to move forward, it will need political leaders who are committed to upholding the Constitution and respecting the rule of law. ECOWAS’s intervention underscores the importance of resolving political disputes peacefully and constructively, with the well-being of the nation at the forefront of all decisions.

As the country waits for the Supreme Court’s ruling, all eyes remain on Liberia’s political leaders. The path they choose in the coming weeks will determine not just the fate of Speaker Koffa but the future of Liberia’s democratic development and its role within the West African region.