Author: Rural Reporters News Network
By: Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay | Contributing Writer Monrovia, Liberia | Jan. 21, 2026 | The Liberian government has renamed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Local Government, marking a significant step towards decentralization and local governance. This change follows President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s commitment to implement the Local Government Act of 2018 and promote inclusive development. The renaming according to Minister Francis Nyumalin is part of efforts to operationalize the National Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance, devolving powers from central government to county and sub-county authorities. The Ministry will lead the implementation of decentralization, peacebuilding, and…
By: Ben TC Brooks | River Gee Correspondent River Gee County | Jan. 21, 2026 | As March 16, 2026 draws closer, River Gee County is preparing to commemorate the 26th anniversary of its political establishment, marking over two decades of resilience, self-determination, and steady development. Established in 2000 March, River Gee County has navigated a complex path filled with both challenges and meaningful achievements. As the anniversary approaches, citizens, traditional leaders, and development partners are taking time to reflect on the county’s historical journey in honoring the sacrifices that led to its creation while evaluating progress made in governance,…
By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr. | Gbarpolu Correspondent Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County | January 21, 2026 | A 53-year-old man, Saah Boakai, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping his own 14-year-old daughter in Gbarpolu County. The verdict was handed down by Presiding Judge Cllr. Zuballah A. Kizeku on January 19, 2026, after a trial jury found Boakai guilty of statutory rape. According to the indictment, Boakai, a resident of Bopolu City, forcibly had sexual intercourse with his daughter in December 2024. The victim reported the incident to her mother, leading to Boakai’s arrest and indictment…
By: J. Mason Kollie | Lofa Correspondent Kilewu Town, Zorzor District | Jan. 21, 2026 |Kilewu town and surrounding communities in Zorzor District, Lofa County are raising serious concerns and grievances over water pollution and environmental degradation linked to the Upper and Lower Northern Mining Company, which operates in Kilewu Town. Local leaders are urging the company to comply with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in fulfilling its obligations as per the agreement enshrined in the MoU. On January 3, 2026, Zorzor District Commissioner Hon. Paul R. Kalama, Zorzor City Mayor, community representatives, the EPA Supervisor, and officials from the…
By: Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay | Contributing Writer Monrovia, Liberia | Jan. 20, 2026 | The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has begun reclaiming the 72nd Barracks in Paynesville, with soldiers clearing out residents who have been occupying the facility for over 12 years. The Ministry of Defense had given occupants prior notice to vacate the premises, but they have refused to leave. The eviction process has been met with resistance from residents, who claimed they are former combatants and families of AFL personnel. The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has come out in support of the residents, describing the Ministry’s…
By: Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay| Contributing Writer Monrovia, Liberia | Jan. 20, 2026 | The Ministry of Local Government is set to launch the second phase of its five-year implementation plan for the Local Government Act (LGA) 2018, marking a significant milestone in the country’s decentralization efforts. The event, that’s taking place this Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Bella Casa Hotel in Sinkor, will officially kick off the plan’s implementation. The LGA 2018 is a ten-year plan aimed at strengthening local governance and promoting decentralization in Liberia. The five-year implementation plan (Phase II) is expected to build on the progress made…
By Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay| Contributing Writer Liberia Showcases Investment Opportunities at World Economic Forum By Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay| Contributing Writer MONROVIA, January 20, 2026- Liberia is making waves at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, with Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti leading the charge. The country’s inaugural participation in the prestigious event according to Foreign Ministry release is a testament to its renewed commitment to proactive global engagement and economic diplomacy. The Liberian delegation, which includes Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and National Investment Commission Chairman Jeff Blibo, is showcasing the country’s investment opportunities and…
By: Ben T.C. Brooks |River Gee Correspondent River Gee County | Jan. 20, 2026 | A wave of illegal drug crackdown has swept across River Gee County with efforts of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency – LDEA River Gee detachment. With the launched of an aggressive crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, arresting three suspects within seven days and intercepting narcotics valued at LRD$1,206,750.00.The frontline anti-drug agency is leaving no stone unturned. The coordinated operations, carried out at critical checkpoints across the county, underscore the LDEA’s renewed resolve to dismantle drug distribution networks and protect communities, particularly youth from the devastating…
By Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay| Contributing Writer MONROVIA, January 20, 2026- The Liberia National Infrastructure Conference is underway in Ganta, Nimba County, where government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders had gathered to discuss the country’s infrastructure challenges. The five-day conference, themed “Rebranding and Rebuilding Through Reconstruction,” aims to outline pathways for sustainable development and bridge the gap between urban and rural communities. President Joseph Nyumah Boakai emphasized the need for honest national dialogue at the opening of the conference, stressing that the goal is to build infrastructure that improves lives, restores dignity, and meets future needs. “We’re not just repairing…
By: Ernest Kpehe Moibah | Bomi Correspondent Tubmanburg City, Bomi County | January 20, 2026 | The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) has announced plans to construct housing units for officers deployed in rural parts of the country, beginning with counties in Western Liberia – a move aimed at addressing long-standing accommodation challenges faced by frontline personnel. The announcement was made at the close of a day-long regional development meeting on January 19, 2026 in Bomi County chaired by the Director of Operations, Mr. Danny Sartee. The gathering brought together senior LIS officers and regional border security commanders to discuss operational…
