Author: Julius Konton

By: Julius Konton In a landmark decision, the United Nations Security Council has adopted Resolution 2797/25, reaffirming the Autonomy Plan proposed by Morocco as the “serious, credible and realistic” basis for resolving the Sahara issue. The vote marks a significant shift in international positioning and reflects growing global support for a negotiated political solution. Analysts say the resolution confirms what has gradually taken shape on the diplomatic stage: Morocco’s long-term strategy, led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has reshaped the issue of the Sahara from a prolonged dispute into a model for pragmatic, sustainable political settlement. Diplomatic observers note…

‎‎By: Joseph N. Kerkula‎‎‎The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with its development partners, has officially launched the SIGMAT Program in Monrovia. The initiative aims to strengthen trade facilitation and regional integration among Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire by providing a fast, accessible, and reliable platform for cross-border business transactions.‎‎The Single Interconnected Goods and Transit Management System (SIGMAT) is a regional digital platform designed to simplify customs and trade processes within ECOWAS member states. It seeks to reduce bottlenecks, improve transparency, and enhance the efficiency of goods movement across borders, thereby promoting economic growth and…

By: Julius Konton President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has suspended the contract between the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and Telecom International Alliance (TIA) after government investigations uncovered procurement fraud and serious procedural violations in the deal’s approval. The action is contained in Executive Order No. 154, issued from the Executive Mansion on Thursday. The General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) found that the contract intended for telecommunications traffic monitoring services was awarded in direct violation of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) Act. According to the investigation reports, TIA was registered in the U.S. state…

By: Julius Konton Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, on Thursday joined President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. at a high-level lunch meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French President. The engagement brought together senior officials from both countries for discussions aimed at boosting development cooperation and expanding French investment in Liberia. According to Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, the meeting offered Liberia a strategic platform to present investment opportunities and reinforce bilateral cooperation as the country rolls out its national development roadmap , the ARREST Agenda…

By: Julius Konton Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has called on French businesses to take advantage of new investment openings in Liberia, pledging a transparent and investor-friendly environment as his government pushes economic revitalization. Speaking Friday at an Economic Roundtable in Paris hosted by the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF)—France’s largest employer federation, President Boakai positioned Liberia as a rising destination for trade and investment in West Africa. The meeting brought together senior executives from prominent French corporations, including TotalEnergies, Vinci Construction Grands Projets, Bureau Veritas, Sunna Design, Group Ragni, Group Qair, IKA Technology, AVRIL, Matiere, and Orange/Sharp…

By:Julius Konton The Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) has concluded a four-day regional awareness campaign across Bong, Nimba, Bomi, and Gbarpolu Counties as part of preparations for the nationwide physical registration of civilian and hunters’ firearms scheduled to begin in November 2025. The initiative follows the amended Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015 and Executive Order No. 141, which require all civilian-owned firearms to be registered between February 2025 and February 2026. LiNCA Commissioner Atty. Vivian D. Dogbey led the outreach mission to Bong and Nimba Counties, where the delegation held meetings with local authorities, including Bong County…

By: Julius Konton French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday hosted Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. at the Élysée Palace, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and expand development cooperation between Liberia and France. During the high-level working lunch, President Macron congratulated President Boakai on his diplomatic engagements in Washington, including his interaction with the White House, and praised Liberia for securing a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Macron described the visit as “an opportunity to intensify cooperation and redefine future partnerships with Liberia.” Focus on job creation, infrastructure, agriculture, and youth empowerment, President Boakai…

By: Julius Konton Liberia and France have taken steps to deepen their diplomatic and development cooperation following the signing of a new General Cooperation Agreement in Paris on Wednesday. The agreement broadens collaboration across several strategic sectors, marking a renewed chapter in the countries’ long-standing partnership. The signing ceremony was held at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs as part of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s official visit to France. Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, signed on behalf of the Government of Liberia, while Éléonore Caroit, France’s Minister Delegate for Francophony, International Partnerships, and French Nationals…

By: Julius Konton The Government of Liberia says it is shifting from economic stabilization to inclusive and private-sector driven growth, following the release of the World Bank’s latest Liberia Economic Update, which outlines key opportunities for fiscal strengthening and job creation. Deputy Minister for Economic Management Dehpue Y. Zuo says the report validates Liberia’s reform efforts and will guide national planning for the 2026 fiscal year. “We are doing everything within our effort as a country to sustain growth,” Zuo said. “The report will inform our planning for the Fiscal Year 2026 national budget and overall development vision”, he added.…

By: Julius Konton For nearly two decades since 2006, Liberia has flooded the job market with thousands of university graduates in fields essential for development including engineering, economics, agriculture, law, technology, and public management. According to activist Tennie Kormazu Kparzarwalah Jallah, These young professionals were told education was the gateway to national service but Instead, it became a gateway to waiting. Liberia he told our reporter has produced a new class: The Educated Unemployed. “They are qualified, competent, and ready , but locked out of leadership by a political system addicted to recycling familiar faces, As one administration passes the…