Journalism

Witness Protection Agency Seeks to Build Trust as Push for War Crimes Court Gathers Momentum, but Funding and Capacity Remain Key Challenges

By Anthony Stephens, senior justice correspondent with New Narratives Summary: ·  Liberia’s Witness Protection Agency is stepping up operations as the country pushes to establish war and economic crimes and anti-corruption courts. ·  The Agency faces major challenges, including limited funding, a shortage of trained protection officers, no safe house of its own and the need to build…

Anthony Stephens
Frontpage Africe

As Climate Change Gathers Pace, Monrovia Sees Another Destructive Rainy Season

Monrovia is facing another devastating rainy season as climate change brings heavier and more unpredictable rainfall, worsening flooding across low-lying communities. Thousands of families have been affected by flooded homes, disrupted schooling, lost livelihoods, illness, and even deaths. Experts say the crisis is being fueled not only by climate change, but also by blocked drainage…

Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon
Video

Liberia Launches Exercise Campaign to Tackle Rising Chronic Diseases

Liberia has declared the last Saturday of every month National Exercise and Wellness Day as hypertension, obesity and other chronic diseases become a growing health threat. Tetee Gebro reports on the campaign and why health officials say regular exercise, healthier eating and routine health checks must become everyday habits. This story was produced in collaboration…

Tetee Gebro
Radio

Liberians Warn Lawmakers: Back War Crimes Court or Lose Our Votes

Nine in ten respondents in a FrontPage Africa/New Narratives survey support establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court and say they will not reelect lawmakers who fail to support it. Gloria Wleh reports from Margibi County, where survivors share differing views on justice, forgiveness and accountability for Liberia’s wartime crimes. This story was produced in…

Gloria Wleh
Radio

Fed, But Starving: Health Workers Say Misinformation, Fees and Aid Cuts are Causing a Dramatic Rise in Severely

Cases of severe child malnutrition are rising in Liberia, as misinformation about infant feeding, healthcare costs and cuts to international aid put vulnerable babies at greater risk. In Grand Bassa County, the story of four-month-old Princess shows the devastating consequences when families lack access to accurate nutrition information and affordable treatment. King Brown reports in…

King Brown
Radio

Nimbians Overwhelmingly Back War and Economic Crimes Court Establishment in a Nation Wide New Narratives/Radio

A New Narratives survey finds overwhelming support in Nimba County for establishing Liberia’s proposed War and Economic Crimes Court, with nine in ten respondents backing the court and warning lawmakers that their position could influence how they vote in future elections. Survivors and residents say the court is essential for justice and accountability for crimes…

Jerome Saye
Radio

A Government Assessment Shows Liberia Is 69 Percent Ready for Ebola. Frontline Health Workers Say the Missing 31 Percent Matters

By Augusta S. Lafalay, senior reporter with New Narratives Summary: • A nationwide Ebola preparedness assessment found Liberia 69 percent ready overall, while logistics scored only 47 percent, leaving major gaps in equipment, supplies, isolation facilities and training. • Frontline health workers say those logistics gaps can mean the difference between safely isolating a suspected…

Augusta S. Lafalay
Frontpage Africa

As Liberia Pushes for War Crimes Court, Witness Protection Agency Seeks Safe Houses, Stronger Safeguards for Victims and Witnesses in US$20 Million Plan

By Anthony Stephens, senior justice correspondent with New Narratives  Summary: Liberia’s Witness Protection Agency is proposing a five-year, US$20.54 million plan to build a nationwide system for protecting victims, witnesses and whistleblowers as the country moves toward establishing war crimes and anti-corruption courts that will significantly increase the number of witnesses and whistleblowers needing protection. The…

Anthony Stephens
Frontpage Africa

War Crimes Court Office Chief Urges Boakai to Recall Lawmakers for Special Session to Pass Court Bill Before U.N. General Assembly This Month

Liberia’s push for a War and Economic Crimes Court is gaining urgency as Jallah Barbu, head of the court’s establishment office, calls on President Joseph Boakai to recall lawmakers from their break and pass the court bill before the U.N. General Assembly. Survivors and advocates say justice for victims of Liberia’s civil wars can no…

Anthony Stephens
Video

Hungry and Out of Options, More Poor Liberians Turn to Begging as Prices Outrun Income

As the cost of living continues to rise across Monrovia and beyond, growing numbers of vulnerable Liberians say they are being pushed into begging just to survive. The story highlights the struggles of families facing unemployment, soaring food and transport costs, and limited access to healthcare, while aid organizations and community groups report increasing requests…

Fatu Kamara
Video

Ten Years On, Liberia’s Ebola Survivors Still Fighting the Aftermath

A decade after Liberia was declared Ebola-free, many survivors and families are still living with the emotional, physical, and economic scars of the devastating outbreak. From grandparents raising orphaned children to survivors coping with lingering health challenges and trauma, their stories highlight the long road to recovery and the need for continued support, remembrance, and…

Nukanah Kollie
Video

After 12 Years, Lansanah Leaves a Lasting Legacy

After 12 years leading Liberia’s National Elections Commission, Davidetta Browne Lansanah has stepped down, leaving behind a record many see as proof of the power of women’s leadership. As a bill aimed at increasing women’s representation in Liberia’s Legislature remains stalled in the Senate, advocates point to Lansanah’s successful management of two presidential elections, including…

Joyclyn Wea
Radio

Grand Bassa Residents Overwhelmingly Call for War Crimes Court in New Survey

A new survey by New Narratives has found overwhelming support for a war and economic crimes court in Grand Bassa County, with all 100 people interviewed backing the establishment of the court and most saying they would not vote for lawmakers who oppose it. Through the voices of war survivors, victims’ families, activists, and ordinary…

King Brown
Radio