Insights Liberia

Chief Justice Gbeisay Introduces Performance-Based Awards for Judges, Warns Against Corruption

By Jacqueline L. Dennis

Monrovia, Liberia, June 15, 2026 — Liberia’s Chief Justice, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., has announced the introduction of an annual performance-based award system for judges and magistrates across the country, aimed at promoting efficiency, integrity, and accountability within the Judiciary.

Speaking Monday at the formal opening of the June Term A.D. 2026 of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court for Montserrado County, Chief Justice Gbeisay said the initiative is intended to recognize outstanding judicial officers who demonstrate excellence in the discharge of their duties.

“In fact, I have come to let you know that all judges and magistrates will now be evaluated on performance. We will annually honor the best-performing judges and magistrates in our court system,” the Chief Justice declared.

According to him, the evaluation process will consider several criteria, including the speed with which cases are handled, the accuracy of judicial decisions, integrity, punctuality, courtroom management, and the frequency with which a judge’s rulings are upheld or reversed by the Supreme Court.

Additional factors will include adherence to discipline, accountability, proper dress code, and the number of disciplinary complaints brought against judicial officers.

The announcement came during the opening of the quarterly session of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court, which convenes on the third Monday of March, June, September, and December each year.

Chief Justice Gbeisay used the occasion to challenge judges, magistrates, and other justice sector actors to remain committed to the rule of law and good governance.

“We are the hope, and if we are given a piece of a job to do, we must do it to the best of our ability and with integrity,” he emphasized.
Drawing on his 28 years of experience within the judiciary, the Chief Justice urged members of the bench to engage in self-reflection and exercise caution in the administration of justice.

He stressed that maintaining discipline within the judiciary remains one of his administration’s top priorities.

He also issued a stern warning to judicial officers who may seek personal gain from their positions.

“If you are a magistrate or judge who comes here to enrich yourself but not to serve justice, you will be disciplined,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Gbeisay welcomed Judge J. Kennedy Peabody, Resident Circuit Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court for Montserrado County, back to active judicial service following the completion of a Supreme Court-imposed disciplinary sanction.

“I like to say welcome back to the Judiciary, and it is my prayer that we will all continue to serve with dignity,” the Chief Justice stated.

The new performance-based award initiative is expected to strengthen professionalism and encourage higher standards of service delivery throughout Liberia’s judicial system.

Education Ministry Cracks Down on Unauthorized Graduation Fees
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‎By Sam Middlevic Karto
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‎Monrovia, Liberia, June 15, 2026, The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced the strict enforcement of approved graduation fees and regulations for all public and private schools across Liberia during the 2025/2026 academic year, warning that institutions violating the directive will face administrative sanctions.
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‎In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry reiterated that only the graduation fees approved in the 2025/2026 Academic Calendar are authorized and that schools are prohibited from imposing or collecting any additional graduation-related charges from students and parents.
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‎According to the Ministry, the approved fees are set at LRD 5,000 for public Grade 12 students and USD 100, or its Liberian dollar equivalent, for private Grade 12 students. Public Grades 6 and 9 students are required to pay LRD 3,500 each, while private Grades 6 and 9 students are to pay LRD 6,000 each. For Kindergarten (K2), the approved fees are LRD 2,500 for public schools and LRD 5,000 for private schools.
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‎The Ministry emphasized that graduation fees may only be collected after the official release of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. Schools were warned against collecting graduation fees before the results are announced.
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‎Additionally, the Ministry clarified that graduation ceremonies for Grades 6 and 9 will only be permitted if those grades represent the terminal level of the institution.
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‎As part of efforts to reduce financial burdens on parents and guardians, the Ministry directed that official graduation attire must be the school's regular uniform. While schools that already possess graduation gowns may allow their use, no additional charges may be imposed for gown rentals, purchases, or any related attire.
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‎The Ministry also called on parents and guardians to report any school demanding unauthorized graduation fees or imposing requirements that contradict the established regulations.
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‎Officials stressed that all schools must fully comply with the directives, adding that reported violations will be investigated and appropriate administrative actions taken against institutions found to be in breach.
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‎The move is intended to promote fairness, affordability, and compliance within Liberia's education system while protecting parents from excessive and unauthorized graduation expenses.

Civil Law Court Opens June Term with Strong Call for Justice, Accountability, and National Reconciliation

By: Jacqueline L. Dennis

Monrovia, Liberia, June 15, 2026 — The June Term of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court and its Annex, was officially declared open with a powerful charge from the presiding judge, Kennedy Peabody who used the occasion to urge public officials, institutions, and citizens to reject hatred, abuse of power, and injustice in favor of democracy, accountability, and national reconciliation.

Addressing the court under the theme, “The Vicious Cycle of Hatred and Its Threat to Democracy, Reconciliation, and National Development,” the judge reflected on Liberia’s turbulent history and warned that societies that tolerate injustice, exclusion, and abuse of power risk repeating painful mistakes.

Judge Peabody noted that the events surrounding the April 12, 1980, political upheaval and the subsequent fourteen years of civil conflict were rooted in long-standing grievances, inequality, suppression of dissent, tribal exclusion, and the denial of fairness and dignity to citizens.

He said unresolved injustices often evolve into bitterness and hatred, creating divisions that threaten peace and national development.

“When people are denied justice, unlawfully suppressed, humiliated, or punished through fabricated accusations and misuse of authority, they do not easily forget,” the judge said.

“Wounds unattended become bitterness; bitterness becomes hatred; hatred becomes division; and division ultimately destroys peace, reconciliation, and national development.”

A significant portion of the address focused on the dangers of abuse of office and the misuse of public institutions for personal revenge, intimidation, or political vendettas.

He emphasized that public authority should never be used to weaponize individuals through false accusations, the manipulation of facts, or the distortion of due process.

“The law must always stand above personal interest,” Judge Peabody stated. “No official should use his or her office to tarnish the reputation of another person without substantial evidence.”

His charge also further warned that democratic governance is endangered when leaders circumvent legal processes, suppress dissent, intimidate subordinates, or employ institutions as tools of personal retaliation.

At the same time, he raised concerns about favoritism, tribalism, and workplace intimidation within public institutions, questioning whether the practice of favoring friends, relatives, and loyal associates over qualified individuals amounted to corruption and nepotism.

The speech also criticized the use of employees to spy on colleagues and condemned the manufacturing of allegations against innocent persons to justify disciplinary actions.

“These are not merely administrative failures,” the judge asserted. “They are moral failures that poison institutions and divide society.”

He called on the Judiciary to remain a beacon of hope and justice. The judge stressed that citizens must not only receive justice but also see justice being fairly administered.

The judge urged judicial officers and public servants alike to uphold integrity, humility, fairness, and accountability in the exercise of their duties.

“Leadership must never become bullying. Authority must never become oppression. Governance must never become personal warfare against perceived enemies,” he declared.

The address condemned institutional oppression and suppression, warning that such practices erode trust in public institutions and threaten social cohesion.

He concluded by urging Liberians to embrace unity, fairness, due process, and equality as the foundations for sustainable peace and development.

Warning that hatred can be passed from one generation to another when grievances remain unresolved, he stressed that a divided society cannot prosper and that institutions built on favoritism and intimidation cannot command lasting respect.

“We must choose a different path,” the judge said. “We must commit ourselves to democratic principles rooted in fairness, truth, due process, and equality. We need to stop all illegal acts to avoid the vicious cycle of hatred.”

‎Dr. Moniba Raises Alarm Over Government’s Handling of US$19 Million Drug Bust
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‎By Sam Middlevic Karto
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‎Monrovia, Liberia, June 15, 2026, Dr. Clarence Moniba has raised concerns over the Government of Liberia’s handling of the ongoing investigation into the seizure of co***ne valued at more than US$19 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA), describing the case as a major test of transparency, accountability, and equal justice under the law.
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‎In a public statement issued on Monday, Moniba said the drug seizure is far more than an ordinary criminal case, arguing that it touches on critical national security issues, including border security, airport operations, organized crime, corruption, and the credibility of Liberia’s justice system.
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‎According to Moniba, Liberians are demanding answers and accountability, especially as more than a week has passed since authorities announced the seizure without publicly identifying those allegedly connected to the shipment.
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‎The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has defended its decision to withhold certain information, stating that releasing details prematurely could compromise ongoing investigations and evidence-gathering efforts. While acknowledging that explanation may appear reasonable, Moniba questioned what he described as an apparent inconsistency in the government's approach.
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‎“For years, Liberians have witnessed the names, photographs, and identities of drug suspects being publicly released almost immediately after arrest,” Moniba noted. “Ordinary citizens, poor citizens, and young people have often been publicly identified long before any court determined their guilt or innocence.”
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‎He argued that the government’s current position raises important questions about fairness and equal treatment under the law.
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‎“If this new standard is necessary, why was it not applied in previous cases?” Moniba asked. “If silence protects investigations, why did silence not protect previous investigations?”
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‎The former presidential candidate emphasized that his concerns are not political but are centered on justice, transparency, and consistency in law enforcement.
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‎“The Government cannot apply one standard to ordinary Liberians and another standard when powerful interests may be involved,” he stated. “That is not justice. That is selective law enforcement.”
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‎Moniba clarified that he is not calling for the release of information that could jeopardize witnesses, evidence, or international cooperation. Instead, he said the government should explain why the standards being applied in the current investigation appear different from those used in past drug-related cases.
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‎He warned that public confidence could be undermined if citizens perceive that powerful individuals receive different treatment than ordinary Liberians.
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‎“This case must not become another situation where small names are sacrificed while powerful actors remain protected,” Moniba said. “It must not become another scandal in which financiers, facilitators, and politically connected individuals escape scrutiny while others bear the consequences.”
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‎Moniba further called on the Government of Liberia, the LDEA, the Ministry of Justice, and the Joint Security Team to provide a comprehensive update on the investigation, including information on individuals arrested, suspects being sought, and efforts to identify financiers, facilitators, and any institutional actors linked to the alleged drug trafficking operation.
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‎He stressed that Liberians are not asking for politics but are demanding justice, accountability, equal treatment, and the truth.
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‎Describing the case as a test of Liberia’s national integrity, Moniba said the outcome will demonstrate whether the country’s justice system applies the law equally to all citizens or operates under different standards for different people.
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‎“Prolonged silence in a matter of this magnitude does not strengthen public confidence,” he concluded. “It weakens it. Liberia deserves answers.”This version is written in a professional newspaper style suitable for publication.

Morlu Demands Names in US$19.2 Million Drug Scandal, Gives LDEA 72 Hours Ultimatum
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‎By Sam Middlevic Karto
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‎Monrovia, Liberia, June 15, 2026, The STAND-led Liberia Protest Coalition has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), demanding the public disclosure of all individuals and entities allegedly linked to the recent seizure of co***ne valued at approximately US$19 million at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
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‎The coalition argued that several days after authorities announced what has been described as one of Liberia's largest co***ne interceptions, the public remains uninformed about the identities of the alleged masterminds and key figures connected to the shipment.
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‎In a statement issued by STAND Lead Campaigner Mulbah K. Morlu, the coalition said the continued withholding of information has fueled concerns about transparency, accountability, and equal justice in Liberia's ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
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‎The coalition, which is organizing the planned July 17, 2026 "Lead or Leave" peaceful protest, rejected suggestions that the transnational nature of the investigation justifies prolonged secrecy. According to STAND, public confidence in law enforcement institutions depends on openness and a demonstrated commitment to ensuring that no individual is above the law.
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‎"Libertians want accountability, not public relations victories," the statement emphasized.
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‎While commending officers involved in the operation, STAND also praised the Government of the United States and other international partners whose intelligence-sharing and technical support reportedly contributed to the successful seizure.
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‎The coalition maintained that the true test of Liberia's anti-drug campaign will not be measured solely by the quantity of narcotics intercepted, but by whether those responsible for financing, facilitating, protecting, and benefiting from the shipment are identified and prosecuted where evidence exists.
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‎As part of its demands, STAND called on the United States, the European Union, the United Nations, and other international partners to support an independent and internationally monitored investigation into the case and other unresolved narcotics-related matters that have raised public concern over the years.
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‎The coalition, which says it represents more than 37 civil society organizations, political groups, student movements, community organizations, and pro-democracy activists, emphasized that all suspects should face equal scrutiny regardless of their political connections, social status, wealth, or influence.
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‎A substantial portion of the statement focused on allegations involving twin Liberian brothers Paul King and Peter King, who have been linked by various reports and allegations to a broader narcotics trafficking network. STAND noted that information from multiple sources points to claims involving warehouse facilities at the Freeport of Monrovia, freight-forwarding operations, and a logistics chain extending to Roberts International Airport.
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‎However, the coalition stressed that these allegations remain unproven and must be independently verified through a transparent investigation.
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‎The group also expressed concern that several individuals perceived as lower-level actors remain in detention while questions persist about the whereabouts and possible involvement of other persons of interest. Among those referenced were Mohammed Gbowrah, Ruth Gbapaywhea, Archie, Festu Musa, Philip Yeoh, and a cook reportedly employed by Peter King.
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‎STAND urged investigators to examine every institution and individual connected to the shipment, including security agencies, customs officials, airport personnel, port authorities, freight-forwarding operators, cargo clearance agents, and public officials whose responsibilities intersect with the movement of cargo through Liberia.
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‎The coalition specifically called for scrutiny of all relevant institutions and officials, including the Liberia National Police, the Freeport of Monrovia, national security agencies, and any Executive Mansion officials who may possess information relevant to the investigation.
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‎The statement clarified that its call for broader scrutiny should not be interpreted as an accusation of wrongdoing against any individual or institution. Rather, it argued that public confidence can only be maintained if every person with authority, access, influence, or oversight responsibility is subjected to the same level of investigation.
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‎As part of its ultimatum, STAND demanded that the LDEA publicly release the identities of all suspects and persons of interest connected to the shipment. It also called for the publication of cargo manifests, shipping records, importer and consignee information, freight-forwarding details, and documentation related tocustoms, airport, port, and security clearances.

‎Additionally, the coalition requested updates on any public officials under investigation and a comprehensive briefing on the status of the case.

STAND concluded by warning that Liberia cannot effectively combat narcotics trafficking through secrecy, selective justice, or politically convenient investigations. The coalition argued that defeating the country's growing drug problem will require transparency, accountability, and the equal application of the law to all citizens.

"The public's confidence in Liberia's anti-drug efforts will depend on whether authorities pursue every lead and ensure that no individual becomes a sacred cow in this investigation," the statement said.

‎"Name the Perpetrators" EFFL Gonquoi Demands Transparency in US$19 Million Drug Investigation
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‎By Sam Middlevic Karto
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‎Monrovia, Liberia, June 15, 2026, The Commander-in-Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia (EFFL), Emmanuel D. Gonquoi, has called on the Liberian government to provide full transparency regarding the recent seizure of co***ne valued at approximately US$19 million at the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
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‎In a statement posted on his official page under the title "The Difficult Truth," Gonquoi expressed concern over what he described as troubling developments within Liberia’s joint security architecture, warning that the fight against drug trafficking could be undermined by secrecy and lack of accountability.
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‎According to him, the massive drug seizure should not be treated as an isolated incident but rather as evidence of a significant security breach that requires immediate action from the highest levels of government.
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‎"The recent drug seizure at the Roberts International Airport is not merely an isolated incident; it represents a major security failure," Gonquoi stated. He urged President Joseph Boakai to take decisive action against any officials whose negligence or possible complicity may have contributed to the incident.
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‎The EFFL leader questioned the government's explanation that ongoing coordination with international security partners limits the release of information to the public. He argued that effective coordination should not be used as a justification for secrecy.
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‎"Coordination should never become an excuse for inaction or secrecy," he wrote, noting that countries around the world routinely provide public updates on major criminal investigations while maintaining the integrity of ongoing inquiries.
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‎Gonquoi further criticized what he described as unequal treatment in the country's anti-drug campaign, pointing out that individuals accused of minor drug offenses are often publicly identified, while those allegedly connected to a shipment worth millions of dollars remain unknown to the public.
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‎"It is unacceptable that individuals allegedly involved in minor drug offenses worth a few hundred dollars are swiftly exposed on social media, while those connected to an alleged shipment valued at approximately US$19 million remain hidden from public scrutiny," he said.
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‎The EFFL Commander also argued that cargo entering Liberia through an international airport cannot arrive without ownership records and documentation. He emphasized that every shipment has a sender, consignee, and financial trail that can be traced.
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‎"Someone must have processed the shipment, paid the necessary charges, and taken responsibility for its movement through the airline and airport systems. The Liberian people deserve to know who that person or persons are," Gonquoi asserted.
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‎He called on authorities to publicly identify all individuals connected to the case and ensure that justice is pursued without political influence or favoritism.
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‎Concluding his statement, Gonquoi warned that public confidence in Liberia's anti-drug efforts would continue to erode unless those responsible are identified and held accountable.
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‎"The difficult truth is this: until those truly responsible are identified and held accountable, the public will continue to question whether the fight against drugs is genuine or merely another exercise in protecting the privileged at the expense of justice," he stated.
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‎The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has yet to publicly disclose the identities of individuals allegedly linked to the co***ne seizure, a decision that has sparked growing public debate over transparency and accountability in the country's ongoing fight against narcotics trafficking.This version is written in a balanced news style that reports Gonquoi's comments while maintaining journalistic neutrality.

Simeon Freeman Blasts LDEA Over Hidden Identities in $50M Drug Bust

By Emmanuel Mopolu

Monrovia, Liberia – The political leader of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), Simeon Freeman, has strongly condemned what he calls “dangerous secrecy” by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) following its refusal to disclose the identities of individuals linked to a massive drug seizure valued at over USD $50 million.

Freeman warned that secrecy in such a high-profile case undermines public trust and weakens the fight against drug trafficking. While the LDEA insists that withholding names is necessary to protect ongoing investigations, he argued that the lack of transparency is fueling suspicion across the country.

According to Freeman, Liberia’s drug crisis is not about the inability to intercept narcotics, but rather the failure to decisively act against those responsible.

He stressed that the drug trade operates as a connected system involving users, street dealers, financiers, and importers making selective secrecy both inconsistent and ineffective.

The MPC leader criticized what he described as a troubling double standard in enforcement.

He noted that alleged drug users are often publicly exposed, while individuals linked to large-scale trafficking operations remain protected. “This kind of secrecy is not justice it is imbalance,” Freeman asserted.

He further argued that once authorities announce a major drug bust, the entire trafficking network is already alerted. In that context, he said, withholding identities does little to protect investigations, but instead limits public awareness and reduces the chances of gathering useful intelligence from citizens.

Freeman also cautioned that continued secrecy could spark deeper public suspicion, including concerns about possible high-level connections. He emphasized that institutions funded by taxpayers must operate with openness and accountability, especially in matters of national security.

He concluded with a firm call for transparency, urging the LDEA to break what he termed a “culture of secrecy” and demonstrate equal enforcement across all levels of the drug chain.

According to him, only a transparent and consistent approach can restore public confidence and effectively combat Liberia’s growing drug challenge.