Governance

As National Elections Commission Chief Steps Down After 12 Years, Advocates Say She Offers a Powerful Example of Women’s Leadership

Davidetta Browne Lansanah, who stepped down after 12 years as head of Liberia’s National Elections Commission, left behind what advocates call a powerful legacy of women’s leadership. She guided the Commission through two presidential elections, including one of the closest in Liberia’s history, and won public trust by ensuring results were accepted peacefully. “Females have…

Joyclyn Wea
Video

As National Elections Commission Chief Steps Down After 12 Years, Advocates Say She Offers a Powerful Example of Women’s Leadership

By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: At the Commission, Lansanah worked through 2 presidential elections, disputed results, political pressure, and one of the closest presidential races in Liberia’s recent history when President Joseph Boakai defeated former President George Weah by fewer than 21,000 votes. Advocates said the fact that the country accepted…

Joyclyn Wea
Frontpage Africa

Liberia’s Economy Has Stabilized. A New Report Argues Paying For What’s Next Is The Real Test

Liberia’s economy has stabilized in recent years, with growth accelerating to over 4.6% in 2025 and inflation easing due to stronger fiscal discipline and monetary management. The government’s reforms have narrowed deficits and improved external balances, while mining, agriculture, and infrastructure spending continue to drive expansion. However, the country’s future hinges on securing sustainable financing…

Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon
Video

Liberia’s Economy Has Stabilized. A New Report Argues Paying For What’s Next Is The Real Test

By Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon, reporter with New Narratives Summary Liberia’s economy has shown real signs of improvement. Inflation has come down. The government has narrowed its budget deficit. Growth has picked up. But according to a new report from the African Development Bank, stability by itself won’t be enough to carry Liberia forward. The report is the…

Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon
Frontpage Africa

Ex-President Sirleaf Lashes Lawmakers in Capitol Speech, Calls Low Representation of Women Embarrassing

Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says Liberia should be ashamed that women occupy only 11 of the 103 seats in the National Legislature — warning that the imbalance is slowing the country’s development and peacebuilding efforts. Women’s rights advocates welcomed her remarks, saying the low representation reflects the continued dominance of male political power…

Joyclyn Wea
Radio

Three in Every Four Liberian Are Under 35, the United Nations Promises a New Approach Will Give Them a Role in Shaping Programs Meant for Them

Three out of every four Liberians are under 35 — a powerful force for the nation’s future. At a recent UNDP youth dialogue in Monrovia, young entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and innovators demanded not just encouragement but real tools: funding, mentorship, training, and opportunities. The UN has promised a new approach that listens first and acts…

Joyclyn Wea
Video

Three in Every Four Liberian Are Under 35, the United Nations Promises a New Approach Will Give Them a Role in Shaping Programs Meant for Them

By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: “If they are not feeling it, if you are not making a difference in what they do, then we are irrelevant.” That was the frank concession from Aliou Mamadou Dia, the United Nations Development Program’s resident representative in Liberia, to more than 50 young people —…

Joyclyn Wea
Frontpage Africa

As Bong County Slashes Crime Rates Many Credit Community Watch Teams

Bong County is showing how community-led action can make a difference: crime has dropped by 86% thanks to volunteer Community Watch Teams who patrol at night, partner with police, and help keep neighborhoods safe. While challenges like limited resources and oversight remain, residents say these grassroots efforts have restored peace and confidence across the county….

Nukanah Kollie
Video

Youth Hear the Cost of Leadership And Ask for Their Turn

Liberian youth are calling for their turn in leadership. In a dialogue with former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and senior leaders, they heard powerful lessons of sacrifice and resilience, while demanding genuine inclusion in shaping the nation’s future. With 75% of Liberians under 35, bridging the generational divide is urgent. Joyclyn Wea reports in this…

Joyclyn Wea
Video

Youth Hear the Cost of Leadership And Ask for Their Turn

By Joyclyn Wea and Tetee Gebro, gender correspondents with New Narratives Summary: Young Liberians sat face-to-face with some of the country’s most powerful political figures last week in Monrovia, listening to stories of prison, exile, and hard-won leadership. But as they absorbed lessons from the past, many also made a quiet demand: they want a…

Tetee Gebro and Joyclyn Wea
Frontpage Africa

Groundbreaking investigation exposes the corruption that is paralyzing Liberia’s police and courts and allowing human traffickers to ensnare thousands of poor citizens

Promises of jobs in Canada and Australia have lured hundreds of people into the hands of human traffickers in Liberia. But fair trials for those affected have been elusive. A months-long New Narratives investigation detailed bribe payments that more than 50 victims said had protected their traffickers from prosecution. Delays have meant that the accused traffickers could walk free….


Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Watchdog Asked Liberians to Report Corruption By Putting Allegations in Boxes – It Didn’t Work

Liberia’s anti‑corruption watchdog has admitted its plan to fight graft by placing “whistleblower boxes” in government buildings has failed, with fewer than three reports submitted in seven months as citizens fear retaliation for being seen near the boxes. Experts say the experiment highlights a deeper crisis of trust and safety in reporting corruption, and are…

Joyclyn Wea
Video

Victims and Advocates Angry As Government Stays Silent Over Bribery Allegations in Country’s Biggest Human Trafficking Case as Suspects’ Release Date Nears

Liberia’s biggest human‑trafficking case is now hanging by a thread as government officials remain silent over explosive bribery allegations, while 11 accused traffickers could walk free on bail this month due to delays in prosecution. Victims who bravely came forward say they feel abandoned as the justice system falters, raising serious concerns about corruption, accountability,…

Anthony Stephens
Video

Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Watchdog Asked Liberians to Report Corruption By Putting Allegations in Boxes – It Didn’t Work

By Joyclyn Wea with New Narratives Summary: In August, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, hoping to encourage Liberians to call out what experts say is rampant corruption at every level of government, began placing whistleblower boxes across key government ministries, agencies, and police stations. They hoped people, particularly officials of government, would quietly report corruption and other illegal…

Joyclyn Wea
Frontpage Africa