Al-Hasakah province: A US plane carrying weapons and military equipment in addition to several soldiers, protected by two US helicopters, landed in Kharab Al-Jeir that is a base of the International Coalition in Ramilan countryside northern of Al-Hasakah, amid extensive security tension in the vicinity of the base and flight of drones over the region. This comes in light of the ongoing reinforcements for US bases in Syria, in light of repeated attacks by Iran-backed militias under the name of the “Islamic Resistance” in Iraq. On January 19, a US cargo plane carrying logistic and military equipment such as weapons and ammunition, landed in an “International Coalition” Base in Kharab Al-Jeir in Ramilan countryside in northern Al-Hasakah, coming from Iraqi territory. Read more of this storyVisited 34 times, 17 visit(s) today

Last week the President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Joseph Boakai on Monday, January 22, 2024, in Monrovia. Amongst those designated to represent the U.S. President in Liberia are the Honorable Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, will lead the delegation. Also in Liberia to grace the occasion are several other African and world leaders including the Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean Presidents among others. Arrived today in Monrovia for the event is the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Sello Malema of South Africa. Recently the outgoing President George Weah extended an open invitation to regional leaders to grace the peaceful transfer of power from him to President-Elect Boakai on January 22, 2023.

By Jeremiah Mulbah |President George M. Weah is set to deliver his farewell message to the nation at 8 pm today, January 21, 2024. President Weah, who secured an overwhelming mandate from the Liberian people in 2017, faced a shift in political tides as he was defeated by former Vice President Boakai in the second round of the 2023 presidential election on November 14, 2023. The Liberian leader’s farewell address is anticipated to focus on the transition from his administration to the incoming Boakai-led government, addressing key national concerns along the way. As he bids farewell to the citizens and residents of Liberia, President Weah is expected to reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of his tenure. The inauguration of President-elect Boakai signifies a new chapter for Liberia, as the nation looks ahead to the policies and vision that will shape its future under the Boakai administration.

The political tension in Sierra Leone following the disputed June 2023 presidential election had heightened with an alleged coup attempt reported on 26th November, which the government blamed on officials of the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC), including former President Koroma. Meanwhile, during the ECOWAS end-of-year summit in December 2023, President Bio had requested the regional economic bloc to send a mediation mission to Sierra Leone. Former President Koroma was said to have rejected the Bio suggestion, but following persuasion by the ECOWAS delegation, the three parties (Koroma, ECOWAS, and Bio) eventually agreed to the exile plan with Nigeria as Koroma’s host country. This was on the condition that the Sierra Leone government should drop all legal and administrative charges against Koroma, who should also retain his entitlements as former head of state. The government said 15 of Koroma’s serving and former bodyguards are implicated in the alleged coup attempt, while the former president insists on his innocence.

With just 4 days, to begin the “recovery mission,” “Rescue Missionaries” are unaware of their roles, leaving everyone, except the President-Elect, in uncertainty. The term “Black Book” is on everyone’s lips, but instead of joking about it, we should talk about its characteristics and prevent it from entering the post inauguration policy making and governance process. We need a “White Book” which symbolizes transparency and broad-based consultation, not a “Black Book” that symbolizes secrecy and lack of broad consultation. Some “missionaries” may need to resign from other jobs, conclude consultancies, or relocate to Liberia to fully commit to public service. In 21st century governance, the accolades are for those who run gov based on broad-based consultation and transparency, not secrecy and exclusive decision-making.

Lenn Eugene Nagbe, the 2023 Natioal Campaign Manager of the outgoing Coalition Change (CDC), and Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority has reportedly resigned his position as Maritime Commission with two years remaining tenure. Commissioner Nagbe’s lucrative position at the Liberia Maritime Authority reportedly provided him opportunity for unbelievable wealth as compared to his many peers in government, most importantly his proximity to the outgoing presidency. Many political analysts believe that his untimely resignation from his lucrative position at the Liberia Maritime Authority could be due to fear of reprisal from members of the incoming Boakai-led Government who during the 2023 general and presidential elections he allegedly badmouthed. During one of his campaign rallies, the than CDC National Campaign Manager publicly declared, “When CDC wins this election, UP partisans will not get employment in our next government”. This statement uttered by Mr. Nagbe, a stalwart of the CDC aroused negative interpretations to many Liberians, especially supporters of the Unity Party (UP) government.

Monrovia – The Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank (LiDTT) is urging the incoming government to rebrand the image of Liberia to the outside world by sending quality and integrity individuals to serve the Foreign Mission. The group aims to create opportunities for the promotion of Liberia’s foreign policy internationally as well as the promotion of diplomats with academic credentials and experiences in diplomacy. In a release signed on January 17, 2024, by Hilary K.D Gbegeah, Chairperson of the group says rebranding the country’s foreign service will motivate investors to come to Liberia. “The Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank encourages the incoming government to focus on rebranding Liberia’s diplomatic image by assembling the most qualified and experienced minds for the Foreign Service, thereby strengthening the trust and confidence of international partners and investors,” the group says. Also, as Liberia goes through a peaceful transition, the Liberia Diplomatic Think Tank calls on every actor involved with the ongoing transitional process to adhere to best practices regarding the smooth turnover from the current administration to the incoming administration.

Monrovia – As a way to promote transparency and accountability in Government, the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature on Thursday unanimously voted, to declare their assets and authorized its Chief Clerk to publish the assets declared by all members within a period of one month. By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]Members of the House of Representatives are required to obtain the asset declaration document from the Chief Clerk’s Office to fill in and submit. A release issued by the Press Bureau of the House of Representatives says, plenary took the decision during its 3rd day sitting on Capitol Hill. The House’s decision also come as the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) calls on all outgoing officials to declare their assets. This declaration, the LACC noted is part of the “Exit Declaration of Assets Notice which requires a comprehensive list encompassing properties, financial holdings, investments, and other relevant financial interests.

President Joe Biden served as the 47th Vice President of America to former President Barack Obama, America’s first black President for two consecutive terms (2009-2017). America’s current President Joe R. Biden was born on November 20, 1942, and is 81 years old while Liberia’s President-elect Joe N. Boakai was born on November 30, 1944. Similarly, President Boakai will be the first Vice President to become elected President since President William V.S. President-elect Joe Boakai has four children (Tamba, Joseph, Randa and Charlotte) and similarly, America’s 46th President Joe Biden has four children (Hunter Biden, Naomi Christian Biden, Ashley Biden and Beau Biden). America’s 46th President, Joe Robinette Biden, Jr., was inaugurated on January 20, 2021 at age 78 and Joe Boakai will be inaugurated on January 22, 2024 at age 79.

Guest Editorial by Lekpele M. NyamalonPresident George Weah’s concession call to President-elect Joseph Boakai a few days shy of the official election announcement is worth celebrating. Here’s why:To fully appreciate President Weah's gesture, one must understand Liberia’s political history. This moment also recalls the struggles of those who fought for social justice, democracy, and political pluralism in the past. For the record, President Weah’s governance records were marred by controversies, with allegations from many critics of corruption, misrule, breakdown of state institutions, etc. By conceding defeat a day before the official announcement of election results in Liberia, President George Weah has entered the uncommon realm of politics in Africa’s democracy.

Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has appointed the Acting Chairman of the Unity Party (UP) Caucus, Rep. Richard N. Koon, as Chairman of the House of Representatives Inauguration Committee. The Ad-hoc Inauguration Committee comprises six members, and selecting Koon as head might have come as a surprise to some, given the fact that he had just challenged Koffa for the Speaker post. The members of the committee include Rep. Moima Briggs-Mensah, co-chairperson, Rep. Samuel Enders, Rep. Julie Wiah, Rep. Rugie Barry, and Rep. Emmanuel Dahn. The House's Ad-hoc Inauguration Committee is tasked to closely collaborate with the Joint Transitional Inaugural Team from the Executive Branch to ensure the seamless execution of a successful inauguration program on the grounds of the Capitol Building on Monday, January 22, 2024. The Administration Committee, co-chaired by Rep. P. Mike Jurry, also includes Rep. Priscilla Cooper, Rep. Bintu Massalley, Rep. Austin Blidi Taylor, and Rep. Eugene Kollie.

The mining industry association, representing a consortium of mining companies, mineral exploration license holders, and businesses directly linked to the sector, therefore, expresses confidence in Boakai's ability to guide "the nation towards a prosperous future." The Liberia Chamber of Mines is confident in your leadership and wishes you and your administration all the best in your term ahead." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Mining By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. About the Liberia Chamber of Mines:The Liberia Chamber of Mines is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the interests of the mining sector in Liberia. Comprising leading mining companies, the Chamber plays a vital role in advocating for policies that foster sustainable development and responsible mining practices in the country.

Traditionally, both the president and speaker usually come from the ruling political party or are political bedfellows. He orchestrated a seamless collaboration, leveraging his business acumen to win the support of both seasoned and newly elected lawmakers. According to Taa, his support for an Opposition House Speaker is not merely a political stance but a commitment to the principles of separation of power, checks and balances, and accountability. In a recent strategic maneuver with the potential to reshape the political landscape in Liberia, Representative Taa Wongbe played a pivotal role in securing House Speaker Fonati Koffa’s triumphant ascent to the position of Speaker of the 55th Legislature. Representative Taa Wongbe stands as a beacon of change, embodying the spirit of a new era in Liberian politics.

Boakai like any politicians who have won elections depended on the support of his political institution the Unity Party and other allies. Like any President, he will need the support of people to work in his government to achieve his agenda. Boakai’s experience and dedication to public service over the years have earned him widespread respect among Liberians. Boakai chaired boards of more than 20 agricultural development projects in Liberia, the Agricultural Cooperative Development Bank, and support institutions. The president-elect also served as resident manager of the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation and managing director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company.

Pakistan’s air force has launched retaliatory air strikes inside Iran allegedly targeting terror positions, an attack that killed at least seven people and further raised tensions between the neighbouring nations. Earlier, a senior intelligence source told AFP News Agency that Pakistan hit “seven locations” of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terror group. Pakistani fighters entered Iranian airspace and returned successfully after targeting the BLA hideouts, according to Reuters news agency, citing a Pakistani intelligence source. Pakistan’s strikes follow Iran’s attack on Pakistani soil that killed two children and wounded three others in the southwestern Baluchestan province on Tuesday. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry had denounced the “unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty” before recalling its ambassador from Iran and blocking Tehran’s envoy — currently in Iran — from returning to the country.