Liberia: Forty-one Lawmakers Reaffirm Support for Fonati Koffa’s Speakership Bid As Race Edges Closer
FARMINGTON, Margibi County – With the speakership contest gaining momentum, more than 40 elected Representatives of the incoming 55th Legislature have reiterated their commitment to elect Deputy Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa as the next Speaker. Addressing the media, Deputy Speaker Koffa expressed confidence that his colleagues would stand firmly behind him to secure the necessary victory. “As Speaker, I will serve the national interest, and the ruling government can trust my commitment,” Deputy Speaker Koffa said. With the House of Representatives consisting of 73 members, a simple majority of 37 votes is required to secure victory for any candidate. The elections for both the speaker and deputy speaker are scheduled for January 15, 2024.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 20, 2023 09:01 UTC
Liberia: JNB and JKK Inauguration Schedule, Activities Released
By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]Leading up to the inauguration, a series of events have been scheduled to engage the public and set the tone for the historic occasion. The highlight of the festivities will be the inauguration ceremony on January 22, to be followed by a presidential luncheon at a venue yet to be announced. Further details and additional events leading up to the inauguration will be revealed to the public in the coming days. In a related development, the National Inaugural Steering Committee will host its maiden press conference on Thursday, December 21, at the Ministry of Information. The National Chairperson of the Inaugural Committee, Madam Miatta Fahnbulleh, will lead a team of committee chairpersons to provide updates on the progress made so far.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 20, 2023 09:01 UTC
The Impact of Humanitarian Organizations and Non-governmental Organizations in Liberia, and their Role in Providing Essential Services and Promotion Development
Thanks to the presence and efforts of humanitarian organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as (UNDP, IFC, ICRC, Save the Children, Plan International, MSF, etc) who have helped to strengthen the economy in diverse ways. This paper highlights the manifold impacts international organizations have made in enhancing Liberia’s development strategy, drawing on specific examples and referencing the contributions of various entities, supported by statistical data. Humanitarian Aid and Crisis ResponseDuring times of crisis, humanitarian organizations have played a crucial role in providing emergency relief and healthcare services. The Liberia Energy Network, supported by organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focuses on sustainable and clean energy initiatives. Although the impact of humanitarian organizations and NGOs in Liberia is profound, encompassing healthcare, education, gender equality, and economic development.
Source:GNN Liberia
December 19, 2023 22:25 UTC
Liberia: Rising Concerns Over Weah-led Government’s Acceptance of US$37M from Concession Company Without Legislative Ratification
Anticipating a US$30 million payment upon ratification, HPX proposed an equivalent amount to the Liberian Government if the agreement was rejected. On March 30, 2022, HPX introduced an amended Framework Agreement with Liberia, including an additional “UpFront” payment of US$30 million. On March 31, 2022, HPX executed three separate payments of US$10 million each, sparking suspicions of potential money laundering. Considering these developments, several crucial questions arise:Does the synchronicity between HPX’s payment and the anticipated ArcelorMittal payment raise suspicions? After the initial US$7 million payment, what substantial consideration prompted a second “UpFront Payment 2” of US$30 million?
Source:Front Page Africa
December 19, 2023 19:31 UTC
Liberia: Pres. Weah Swears Liberian Diplomat at Washington Embassy That Voted against Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
Liberia was the only African country to vote against the resolution, which passed with 153 votes in favor, 10 against, and 23 abstentions. By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]However, on Sunday, President Weah told members of his Forky Klon Jlaleh Family Fellowship Church that he never instructed the vote against the ceasefire. He claimed that a “wicked Liberian” working at the Liberian Embassy in Washington voted contrary to the stance of the government. President Weah also clarified that his decision not to vote in line with Israel is not an indication that he is going against America – Israel’s strongest ally. President Weah also called on members of his party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), to reflect on the just-ended election and acknowledge that they lost the election because there was no unity among them.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 19, 2023 19:29 UTC
NAYMOTE Releases Annual Report 2023
Joel Cholo Brooks is a Liberian journalist who previously worked for several international news outlets including the BBC African Service. He is the CEO of the Global News Network which publishes two local weeklies, The Star and The GNN-Liberia Newspapers. He is a member of the Press Union Of Liberia (PUL) since 1986, and several other international organizations of journalists, and is currently contributing to the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation as Liberia Correspondent.
Source:GNN Liberia
December 19, 2023 18:55 UTC
UN Security Council to vote on Gaza ‘suspension of hostilities’ resolution
The UN Security Council is due to vote on Tuesday on a new resolution calling for the “urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access,” in Gaza as civilian casualties mount. The vote comes days after the US blocked a previous resolution that would have called for a “humanitarian ceasefire” in the Palestinian enclave, where Israel continues its bombardment in retaliation for an attack by Hamas on October 7. The US could abstain and allow the resolution to pass or it could veto the resolution as it previously did on December 9 on a text that called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Historically, the United States has consistently been a major supporter of Israel, both militarily and diplomatically. The document also affirms support for a two-state solution and “stresses the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority”.
Source:GNN Liberia
December 19, 2023 16:55 UTC
Diaspora Liberians Welcome US Sanctions
The latest view comes from two diaspora Liberians, John T. Flomo and Victor Bishop Barbour providing justifiable reasons on the ongoing sanctions senior Liberian government officials in Liberia. Flomo stated that the United States Government sanctioned is necessary but belated in his mind. For his part, Victor Bishop Barbour stated that the US government Sanctions should be welcoming by every Liberians at home and abroad. Because according to him, the sanctions is not against Liberians but those who have been accused of corruption by damaging the governmental system of the country. Barbour noted that one of those government official told Liberians before that he has the power to protect his government with his sweat and his blood.
Source:GNN Liberia
December 18, 2023 19:04 UTC
Analyzing Liberia’s Vulnerability to Climate Change and Efforts to Promote Environmental Sustainability
Deforestation, driven by unsustainable logging practices, intensifies the vulnerability of Liberia’s ecosystems and communities to climate change. Liberia’s limited financial resources, weak infrastructure, and inadequate institutional capacity pose significant challenges in adapting to climate change. The Country lack policy awareness and knowledge about climate change among the population further limits the country’s adaptive capacity. Increase Frequency and Intensity of Extreme Weather Events: Liberia is prone to extreme weather events, including floods, and droughts. Liberia efforts to promote environmental sustainability:Liberia has developed a national climate change policy that aims to guide the country’s efforts in addressing climate change impacts.
Source:GNN Liberia
December 18, 2023 17:52 UTC
Jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai faces his biggest trial yet
Kathleen Magramo |CNN – Jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai faces his biggest trial yet. Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, known for his support of the city’s pro-democracy movement and criticism of China’s leaders, turned 76 behind bars in a maximum-security prison earlier this month. Prosecutors allege that articles published by Lai’s Apple Daily newspaper violated Hong Kong’s national security law by calling for overseas sanctions against the city’s leaders. Beijing imposed the national security law in the wake of the 2019 protests, arguing it has “restored stability” and closed loopholes that allowed “foreign forces” to undermine China. Critics say it has decimated Hong Kong’s freedoms and transformed the city’s legal landscape.
Source:GNN Liberia
December 18, 2023 10:11 UTC
Liberia-flagged ship in Red Sea catches fire after being hit by projectile from rebel-controlled Yemen, US official says
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A Liberian-flagged cargo ship caught fire in the Red Sea on Friday after being hit by a projectile launched from rebel-controlled Yemen, authorities said. A U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, said the attack took place. The private intelligence firm Ambrey also confirmed the attack. “The projectile reportedly hit the port side of the vessel and one container fell overboard due to the impact,” Ambrey said. “The projectile caused a ‘fire on deck’ which was broadcast via” radio.
Source:GNN Liberia
December 18, 2023 05:07 UTC
US approves sale of 35 Black Hawk helicopters, military armaments to Greece for nearly $2B
ATHENS – The US has approved the sale of 35 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters as well as other military armaments to Greece worth $1.95 billion. The deal contains 35 UH-60 M-type (Black Hawk) helicopters, along with other military armaments such as mini-guns, machine guns, rockets, advanced electronic suits, training, and logistical support, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Friday, adding that Sikorsky, one of the defense giant’s Lockheed Martin companies, will serve as the deal’s principal contractor. Earlier in July, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced that the country planned to spend some €11.5 billion (approximately $12.62 billion) more on arms over the next four years. On March 29, Greece also approved the purchase of Israeli-made SPIKE NLOS missile systems during a meeting of its National Security Governmental Council chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Read more of this reportVisited 20 times, 20 visit(s) today
Source:GNN Liberia
December 17, 2023 19:17 UTC
US issues dire warning to North Korea on nuclear threat
The U.S. issued an intense warning to North Korea over nuclear threats Friday. In a statement on the second U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) coming together in Washington, D.C., Friday, the White House warned that “[a]ny nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies is unacceptable and will result in the end of the Kim regime.”The Republic of Korea is the official name of South Korea. “The United States reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to provide extended deterrence to the ROK, backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities including nuclear,” the statement said. The statement comes a few weeks after North Korea said it successfully launched a spy satellite that photographed the White House as well as Naval Station Norfolk and Newport News Dockyard in Virginia. When the North Korean satellite was launched, the White House said it “strongly” condemned it, adding that the launch violated United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibiting North Korea from using ballistic missile technology.
Source:GNN Liberia
December 17, 2023 10:12 UTC
US Senate staffer caught filming himself having sex in Judiciary Committee room has been fired
By Just the News staff |A staffer for Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., who was caught filming himself having sex in the Judiciary Committee hearing room, has been fired, according to a statement from the senator’s office circulating on X, formerly Twitter. We will have no further comment on this personnel matter,” a spokeswoman for the senator told the New York Post. This is the same room where Supreme Court nominees are questioned by senators, and where then-FBI Director James Comey testified about alleged Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election. “We are aware and looking into this,” a rep for the USCP told the Post. “I love my job and would never disrespect my workplace.”Read more of this reportVisited 9 times, 9 visit(s) today
Source:GNN Liberia
December 16, 2023 21:14 UTC
South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma denounces ANC
Former president Jacob Zuma has denounced the governing African National Congress and announced he will vote for a newly-formed political party in South Africa’s general election next year. Mr Zuma, 81, called on other South Africans to vote for the new formation, saying it would be “a betrayal to vote for the ANC” of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Briefing journalists in Johannesburg’s Soweto township on Saturday, Mr Zuma described the ANC and Mr Ramaphosa as a “proxy for white monopoly capital,” and he described his decision as part of rescuing the ANC. “I have decided that I cannot and will not campaign for the ANC of Ramaphosa in 2024. My conscience will not allow me to lie to the people of South Africa and to pretend that the ANC of Ramaphosa is the ANC of Luthuli, Tambo and Mandela,” said Mr Zuma, referring to previous leaders of the ANC.
Source:GNN Liberia
December 16, 2023 20:55 UTC