Author: Julius Konton

By: Julius Konton In a rare and carefully worded intervention, Alexander B. Cummings, Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), has broken his silence on the rapidly evolving Liberia–Guinea border tensions, urging restraint, transparency, and an independent investigation into allegations of illegal mining and territorial incursion. His statement comes amid rising concern over reports that Guinean troops may have crossed into Liberian territory in the Sorlumba area, triggering displacement among local communities and igniting political and public anxiety in a region historically vulnerable to instability. A BORDER DISPUTE OR A RESOURCE CONFLICT? According to Cummings, the unfolding crisis is…

By: Julius Konton Liberia’s economic reform agenda gained renewed international attention this week as the Central Bank of Liberia hosted a high-level engagement with World Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer Paschal Donohoe, signaling deepening cooperation aimed at strengthening the country’s private sector and financial system. The one-day engagement centered on expanding support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which policymakers describe as the backbone of Liberia’s economy. SMEs AT THE CENTER OF LIBERIA’S GROWTH STRATEGY Executive Governor Henry F. Saamoi emphasized that improving access to finance and strengthening the business environment remain top national priorities.“SMEs form the…

By: Julius Konton The Political Leader and Standard Bearer of the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr., has extended warm greetings to Muslims in Liberia and across the world as they mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr. In a message released on behalf of the party’s National Executive Committee and its members, Kemayah praised the discipline, sacrifice, and spiritual devotion demonstrated by Muslims during the month-long fast, describing it as a powerful symbol of unity and moral renewal for the nation. “Ramadan represents a sacred period of reflection, prayer, and…

By: Julius Konton Liberia has taken a significant step toward strengthening local governance and fiscal autonomy, as the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) launched a three-day high-level technical session on County Treasury Reform in Buchanan. The initiative, led by the Ministry’s Fiscal Decentralization Unit, marks a renewed push to shift financial decision-making away from the capital, Monrovia, toward counties, an effort widely seen as central to improving public service delivery and accountability across the country. A Historic Shift from Centralized Governance For decades, Liberia has operated a highly centralized fiscal system, with most budgetary decisions, approvals, and financial…

By: Julius Konton The True Whig Party (TWP), one of Liberia’s historic political institutions, has thrown its full support behind President Joseph Nyuma Boakai following his nationwide address on the emerging security situation along the Liberia–Guinea border, an issue raising concern across the Mano River sub-region. In a carefully worded national statement delivered earlier this week, President Boakai reassured citizens of the government’s firm commitment to safeguarding Liberia’s territorial integrity, peace, and national security. He emphasized that diplomatic channels remain the primary avenue for resolving the dispute, noting ongoing engagements with Guinea and regional bodies such as the Mano River…

By: Julius Konton The United Methodist University (UMU) has reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, discipline, and academic excellence as it prepares to graduate approximately 611 students during its 21st Commencement Convocation scheduled for March 31, 2026, at the Liberty Christian Center. University officials say the upcoming ceremony represents not only an academic milestone but also a broader statement about resilience and reform within Liberia’s higher education sector. A Legacy of Accessible Education in Post-War Liberia Founded in 1998 in the aftermath of Liberia’s civil conflict, UMU has grown into one of the country’s leading private institutions, playing a pivotal role…

By: Julius Konton Liberia has taken another significant step in addressing its growing substance abuse crisis with the official dedication of a new rehabilitation facility at the New Life Recovery Center, a faith-based institution working to restore the lives of vulnerable youth. The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Samuel J. Quire Jr., presided over the dedication of the Ken Decker Building, a newly constructed complex designed to expand rehabilitation services in the country. The ceremony brought together an array of international and local stakeholders, reflecting the increasing global and community interest in tackling…

By: Julius Konton Liberia’s push to transform its energy sector is gathering momentum, with electricity access rising from 33% in 2025 to 38% in 2026, signaling steady though still challenging progress toward the government’s ambitious 75% national access target by 2030. The update came as Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan praised the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) for what he described as “visible and measurable progress” on ongoing power infrastructure projects during a high-level visit by a World Bank delegation. From Vision to Reality: Energy Projects Move into Commissioning Phase Minister Ngafuan highlighted the symbolic and practical significance…

By: Julius Konton Liberia’s expanding role in global governance and development diplomacy was brought into sharp focus this week as a high-level delegation from the g7+ paid a courtesy visit to Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan. The visit, held in Monrovia, underscores the West African nation’s transformation from a post-conflict state into an increasingly influential voice for fragile and conflict-affected countries on the international stage. A Coalition of Fragile States with Global Impact Founded in 2010 in Dili, the g7+ is a bloc of more than 20 countries affected by conflict and institutional fragility. Collectively, these nations…

By: Julius Konton In a compelling blend of spirituality, youth engagement, and national reflection, Liberia’s Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Sekou A. M. Dukuly, delivered a thought-provoking address at the 2026 Iftar hosted by the University of Liberia Muslim Students Association. Held at the University of Liberia Auditorium on Capitol Hill, the gathering brought together students, religious leaders, and government officials in a symbolic moment of unity during the holy month of Ramadan, a period observed by over 1.9 billion Muslims globally, according to estimates from the Pew Research Center. A Spiritual Message With National Undertones Opening…