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…
In Monrovia, a mother says she is living in fear after the boy accused of raping herdaughter was released and returned to their community — exposing major gaps inLiberia’s justice system. In this collaboration with New Narratives Tetee Gebro has areport. The story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the “Investigating Liberia” project. Funding…
A dispute between the head of the office of Liberia’s war and economics crimes court and senior government officials – including the Justice Minister – has spilled into public view, clouding progress towards Liberia’s efforts to prosecute those most responsible for war crimes committed in the country. In this collaboration with New Narratives, senior justice…
Liberia’s national ID system has struggled for years — delays, breakdowns, and security concerns. Now, the government is turning to an Austrian firm to rescue the program. But activists warn: who will protect citizens’ data? Will this fix finally deliver IDs that work, or just raise new risks? Tetee Gebro reports in this social media…
Sweden’s exit from Liberia leaves a critical gap in support for girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights. For years, Swedish funding empowered local organizations to mentor young women, provide sex education, and reduce teen pregnancy. Now, with this lifeline ending, rural communities risk losing access to vital programs that protect girls’ futures. Advocates are…
By Tetee Gebro and Joyclyn Wea with New Narratives Summary: Nearly a year after public anger forced the government to suspend the chaotic rollout of the national digital identification registration, Liberia is preparing to hire a private company to help restart the enrolment and operate the system. The system will digitize the data of the…
By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: S.D. COOPER ROAD, Paynesville – At a Valentine’s Day gathering earlier this year, a teenage girl stood before her peers. She described a boy in her community who had been giving her gifts and telling her she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. She was…
Liberia’s vast tropical forests hold over a billion tons of stored carbon — a potential lifeline for the nation’s economy. With the new Carbon Market Authority, the government hopes to turn carbon credits into millions for schools, clinics, and roads. But experts warn that without strong oversight, “carbon cowboys” and weak regulation could repeat past…
By Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon, New Narratives climate and environment reporter Summary: In Liberia’s dense tropical forests, where the canopy stretches unbroken for miles, the country is sitting on what could become a major financial windfall. Experts estimate the nation holds one billion tons of stored carbon, the ecological inheritance of centuries-old trees that have quietly absorbed carbon…
Liberia’s House has taken a bold step by backing a 30% gender quota for candidates — but women’s groups warn the “best efforts” clause could let parties off the hook. True equality means enforceable laws, not optional promises. Joyclyn Wea reports in this social media Video. To read more about this story click this link:…
By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: Walk into Liberia’s Capitol Building during a legislative session, and the gender imbalance is difficult to miss. In the 73-member House of Representatives, just eight lawmakers are women. In the Senate, women occupy just two of 30 seats. That reality is why many women’s rights advocates initially…
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Wednesday received draft bills for a proposed war and economic crimes court and a national anti-corruption court, barely four days after renewing the mandate of the Office tasked with establishing the tribunals. Boakai had ordered it to work immediately with the Legislature to secure passage of the measures within 90…
By Anthony Stephens, senior justice correspondent with New Narratives Summary: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Wednesday received draft bills for a proposed war and economic crimes court and a national anti-corruption court, barely four days after renewing the mandate of the Office tasked with establishing the tribunals. Boakai had ordered it to work immediately with the Legislature to secure passage…
Liberia takes a historic step toward justice as President Joseph Boakai, fresh from receiving a peace prize in the U.S., has given lawmakers 90 days to pass legislation establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court. Backed by $2 million in annual funding, Boakai’s bold move renews hope for accountability and reconciliation after decades of delay….
Summary: By Anthony Stephens, senior justice correspondent with New Narratives President Joseph Boakai returned from the United States on the weekend with a peace prize in hand and a pointed message for his own government: the War and Economic Crimes Court is happening, and it is happening now. Renewing the mandate of the Office established to create…
Liberia’s EPA to release findings on the Bea Mountain mine fish die-off. Experts warn of long-term contamination threatening rivers, crops and communities in Grand Cape Mount. A national call for accountability and stronger protections. Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon reports in this social media Video. To read more about this story click this link: Liberia: As Environmental Protection…
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…
By Nemenlah Cyrus Harmon, environment reporter with New Narratives Summary: . Cyanide contamination first struck the Mafa River in 2022; four years later, a second spill has again been traced to the Bea Mountain gold mine concession but unusual chemical has raised suspicions toxin was planted intentionally. · The Environmental Protection Agency has promised a report…
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 —…
A 57‑year‑old grandmother from Montserrado County, who says she was raped in broad daylight while returning from panning for gold, has faced months of delays and demands for illegal fees as she tries to pursue justice. Her case file went missing for weeks, and despite finally being found, the trial has yet to begin. Advocates…
By Tetee Gebro, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: TODEE, Montserrado County — On a recent morning, the 57-year-old grandmother at the center of a rape case that has outraged anti-gender-based violence advocates, returned to the gold field where her life changed four months ago. Her body and mind have not recovered from what she said…
