Liberia Roundup: Theft, climate change, infrastructural development, bilateral relations

Infrastructural development

The Liberian government has allocated US$98 million in its Draft National Budget for FY 2025, focusing on critical development projects under the ARREST-Specific Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP), with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, particularly in the road sector. Key allocations include US$52.9 million for road rehabilitation and construction, with major projects such as the Saclepea-Zwedru highway continuing after delays. The "No Car Will Be Stuck" initiative received US$15 million to ensure year-round accessibility of roads, Front Page Africa reports.

Climate change

On November 26, Liberia, in partnership with the World Bank, launched the Climate Integration and Financing Office (CIFO) in Paynesville. According to the Daily Observer, this office aims to integrate climate change into national development, mobilise resources for climate-resilient projects, and enhance collaboration among government sectors and development partners. World Bank’s Country Manager for Liberia, Georgia Wallen, emphasised CIFO’s three key roles: coordinating climate initiatives across sectors, facilitating investment collaboration, and ensuring measurable impacts through climate budgeting. CIFO will help Liberia develop a cohesive climate finance framework while addressing a funding gap as the country currently needs $491 million by 2025 to implement its climate actions, significantly more than the current average of $112 million in annual climate finance.

Theft

Residents of Fiamah Market Junction in Sinkor, Monrovia, have accused officers from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) of theft during a raid on November 23, 2024. The New Dawn reports that the operation aimed to locate a suspect named "Shelving Stick," but resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the confiscation of cash and phones from bystanders. Eyewitnesses reported that one detainee, Buffon, was physically assaulted by officers. Anger has boiled over in the community, with residents calling the actions of the LDEA unjust and demanding accountability from law enforcement. The LDEA has not responded to requests for comment.

Liberia-Sierra Leone relations

On November 21, 2024, Liberia's Director General of the Cabinet, Nathaniel T. Kwabo, met with Sierra Leone's John Somaliah to enhance regional cooperation and public service delivery. The meeting, part of President Joseph Boakai's state visit, focused on the Performance Management and Compliance System (PMCS) used in Sierra Leone to improve government accountability and efficiency. Kwabo expressed interest in adopting similar strategies for Liberia, Daily Observer reports. A key outcome was an agreement to organise study tours to enhance the skills of civil servants in both countries, promoting knowledge exchange.

Majority and minority blocs dispute

The Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL) supports the Supreme Court's call for a return to the status quo in the House of Representatives dispute between the majority and minority blocs. PAL expressed concern that the ongoing standoff is hindering legislative functions and governance. The association urged all parties to respect the Supreme Court's decisions and the rule of law while advising media outlets to avoid escalating tensions that could jeopardise state security and democracy. According to The New Dawn, this statement follows a court order mandating a return to pre-October 15 conditions, after the election of new House Speaker Richard N. Koon, replacing Fonati Koffa.