Author: Julius Konton

By: Julius Konton In a significant milestone for Liberia’s ongoing public sector reform agenda, three senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to advancing digital public financial management (PFM) systems across Africa. The honorees, P. Akoi Thompson, Sedekie Kamara, and Robert Gaye received continental recognition following their participation in the Digital PFM Reform in Africa Peer Learning Exchange (PLE) organized by the Collaborative Africa Budget Reform Initiative. The high-level workshop was held from March 9–10, 2026, in Kigali, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading hubs for digital governance…

By: Julius Konton The United Methodist University (UMU) has announced internationally acclaimed epidemiologist and philanthropist Dr. Deborah Rose as the keynote speaker for its 21st Commencement Convocation, scheduled for March 31, 2026. The event is expected to convene hundreds of graduates, faculty, policymakers, and international guests, underscoring the university’s expanding global academic footprint. UMU’s decision reflects a strategic emphasis on global engagement, research excellence, and leadership development pillars increasingly shaping higher education across Sub-Saharan Africa. A Career Rooted in Data, Public Health, and Global Impact Dr. Rose’s professional journey spans more than two decades in epidemiology and international development, with…

By: Julius Konton A high-level delegation from the Kimberley Process (KP) has intensified its ongoing review of Liberia’s diamond export systems, conducting a comprehensive inspection at Roberts International Airport (RIA) as part of efforts to ensure compliance with global standards governing the trade in conflict-free diamonds. On the second day of its mission, the KP Review Team focused on export procedures, security mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks controlling the shipment of diamonds from Liberia. The delegation examined operations at key customs checkpoints and export handling areas, placing strong emphasis on transparency, traceability, and adherence to international certification requirements. Leading Liberia’s engagement…

By: Julius Konton The Chargé d’Affaires of Morocco to Liberia, Lahoucine Rahmouni, has underscored the critical role of capacity development and specialized training in strengthening governance, economic growth, and democratic institutions. Speaking at a press conference during the Spring of the Francophone Liberia program (March 23-28) Rahmouni described culture and education as “the economic space of governance,” stressing that investment in human capital remains central to sustainable development and peacebuilding. “Culture is not only a pillar of identity but also a driver of democracy, peace, and inclusive governance,” he noted. Scholarships and Skills Training on the Rise Morocco’s development cooperation…

By: Julius Konton In a significant diplomatic and economic development, the Republic of Türkiye has announced plans to establish a resident embassy in Liberia, signaling a major step toward strengthening bilateral relations and expanding its footprint in West Africa. The announcement came during a high-level meeting at Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti hosted a Turkish delegation led by Mustafa Kemel Basa, Deputy Director General for Administrative and Financial Affairs. Welcoming the delegation on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Minister Nyanti described the planned embassy as a “strategic milestone” that will deepen cooperation in…

By: Julius Konton The race for the presidency of the Liberia Football Association (LFA) has taken a decisive turn, as a coalition of thirty clubs and football-related associations formally endorsed incumbent president Mustapha Raji for a third term ahead of the highly anticipated April 18, 2026 elections. The endorsement, announced during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, represents one of the largest organized declarations of support in recent LFA electoral history. Analysts say the development could significantly tilt the balance of power in a contest that is shaping up to be both competitive and politically charged. A Strategic Endorsement with…

By: Julius Konton In a symbolic convergence of diplomacy, education, and national development, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has been selected as the Baccalaureate Speaker for the 21st Commencement Convocation of United Methodist University (UMU), one of the country’s leading private faith-based institutions. The Baccalaureate Service, scheduled for March 29, 2026, will take place at the historic First United Methodist Church in Monrovia at 2:00 PM. The ceremony represents a cornerstone of the university’s graduation tradition, blending spirituality with academic achievement, as graduating students gather alongside faculty, clergy, and families for reflection, gratitude, and moral commissioning. A…

By: Julius Konton In a moment that underscores the growing global footprint of Liberian professionals in international development and peacebuilding, Matthias Yeanay, Executive Director of InfoQuest Liberia, has graduated with a Master of Arts in International Peacebuilding, Development and Security Practice from Maynooth University, one of Europe’s fastest-rising academic institutions. Yeanay earned an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)—equivalent to Magna Cum Laude in the United States academic system placing him among a high-performing cohort in a competitive, interdisciplinary program designed to address global challenges such as conflict resolution, governance, and sustainable development. A Growing Trend: African Scholars in Global Peacebuilding…

By: Julius Konton A growing controversy is unfolding over Liberia’s national response to drug abuse, as the Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD) formally calls for a sweeping audit and structural overhaul of the country’s anti-drug framework, raising serious questions about accountability, coordination, and impact. In a submission to the General Auditing Commission (GAC), GASD presented findings from an Independent Impact Evaluation conducted in partnership with Infoquest. The report reviews activities of the Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee (MSSC) on Drug Abuse and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) between January 2024 and June 2025. The findings, while acknowledging government efforts, paint a troubling…

By: Julius Konton A growing legal controversy is unfolding in African football following a disciplinary decision involving Senegal by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with experts warning that the case could redefine how match results and sanctions are interpreted across the continent. A Liberian football administrator and sports lawyer, Cllr. Jlayteh Sayor, has urged stakeholders to move away from emotional reactions and instead interrogate the decision through the lens of international sports law and established football regulations. “This matter must be assessed strictly within the framework of football governance rules not national sentiment,” Sayor emphasized. The Legal Backbone: CAF’s…