Liberia

As Liberia is preparing celebrations for its 179th National Day tomorrow 26 July many stress that figures show a very positive economic performance of the country but new taxes and tight monetary policy are making people struggle to buy basic products

Poor communication along the railroad is presumed the cause of latest accident of ArcelorMittal Liberia trains, a collision that at the end of May has left several of the wagons derailed in different locations along the Yekepa-Buchanan rail corridor

An investigation on a 233-kg cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport, valued approximately $19,2 million, triggered scrutiny on air cargo security system: the shipment allegedly moved through multiple layers of clearance before being intercepted

Additional Liberian dollar banknotes could be printed to buy gold from local miners and build up national reserves; some experts say the proposal of the Central Bank of Liberia to store gold at home is reasonable, but doubt about printing more currency

Liberia and Barbados signed a historic visa waiver agreement; with political consultations, it is expected to unlock new opportunities in trade, labor mobility, and cultural exchange in a wider frame of strengthening South-South cooperation

Controversial figure Prophet Key was given six months in jail for abusive and offensive language; the court also ordered him to publish formal apology to women and court for five consecutive days and commit never to use invectives against Liberia's values

Five major streets in Saclepea City will be paved, a development local authorities say will spur business growth and urban development making the town one of Nimba County’s most economically vibrant urban centers

Local tropical rainforests, among the last intact stretches of the Upper Guinean forest ecosystem, face an accelerating threat driven by big brands demand of chocolate, warned Charlie Hammans, an investigator at the international watchdog Global Witness

Artisanal fishermen and fishmongers in southeastern Liberia applauded 25% reduction in annual license fees, a relief for small coastal operators; the measure addresses the key issue of steep licensing costs and is a result of full stakeholders' engagement

Vehicle and Traffic Law, unchanged since 1972, is poised for a long-awaited overhaul; Road Safety Action International convened its validation workshop in Monrovia, with major transport stakeholders to review and assess the final revised draft