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Regulatory News
Regulatory

Liberia: Senator Konneh Warns on Opaque Mining Deals, Calls for Reforms

Front Page Africa · 14 Oct

Regulatory

INCHR Liberia: Clarifies Reparations Mandate, Rejects Separate Body

Front Page Africa · 12 Oct

Legal News
Liberia
Legal News

Liberia: War Economic Crimes Court Establishment Gains Momentum

A high-level Liberian delegation recently concluded a study tour in Rwanda to examine its transitional justice processes, reinforcing Liberia's commitment to establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and a National Anti-Corruption Court (NACC). The Liberian delegation, which included representatives from Owecc-L and Pul, visited Rwanda to learn from its extensive experience with transitional justice mechanisms following the 1994 genocide. This initiative represents a concrete and significant step in Liberia's ongoing efforts to address historical injustices stemming from its civil wars and to combat systemic corruption. The study tour underscores a serious intent by the Liberian government to move beyond discussions and towards the practical implementation of specialized judicial bodies, signaling a pivotal moment in the country's pursuit of accountability and the rule of law. This development carries profound legal significance for Liberia's domestic and international standing. The establishment of the WECC and NACC would introduce new judicial frameworks with potentially broad jurisdiction over past and ongoing crimes, impacting a wide array of individuals, businesses, and political actors. For practitioners, this signals an evolving legal landscape where accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and economic malfeasance will be pursued more vigorously. It could enhance Liberia's adherence to international human rights and anti-corruption norms, potentially influencing foreign investment, donor relations, and the overall perception of governance within the nation. The move reflects a growing global trend towards domestic prosecution of international crimes and serious economic offenses. The legal context for these proposed courts is rooted in Liberia's post-conflict history and persistent challenges with corruption. Calls for a War and Economic Crimes Court have been a long-standing demand from civil society organizations, victims' groups, and international bodies, aiming to prosecute individuals responsible for grave human rights violations during Liberia's civil wars. The National Anti-Corruption Court would similarly target economic crimes, building upon existing anti-corruption frameworks and potentially strengthening the enforcement powers of bodies like the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). The Liberian judicial system, which operates under a blend of common law and civil law traditions, would need to enact specific legislation to define the jurisdiction, powers, and procedural rules for these new courts, ensuring compliance with constitutional guarantees and international legal standards. The key parties involved include the Liberian government, the delegation members (Owecc-L, Pul), the Rwandan government as a model, and various domestic and international advocacy groups. The specific outcome of this matter, beyond the successful conclusion of the study tour, is not yet reported, as the establishment of the courts remains a future objective. Attorneys and legal professionals in Liberia should closely monitor all legislative and policy developments pertaining to the establishment and operationalization of the WECC and NACC. This includes tracking proposed bills, understanding the potential jurisdictional scope—both temporal and material—and preparing for new procedural rules that these specialized courts will introduce. Businesses operating in Liberia, particularly those with historical ties to the conflict era or those in sectors prone to corruption, must review their compliance frameworks, conduct thorough due diligence, and assess potential liabilities. Practitioners specializing in human rights law, international criminal law, and anti-corruption will find new avenues for practice, advocacy, and advisory roles. The implications for corporate governance, risk assessment, and ethical conduct are substantial, necessitating proactive engagement with this evolving legal and regulatory environment to ensure compliance and mitigate exposure.

14 Oct
Liberia
Legal News

LEITI, MCC Discuss Liberia Mining Sector Reforms for Transparency

The Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) and representatives of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Phase Two recently held discussions in Liberia on critical reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and regulatory oversight in the nation's mining sector. These discussions signify an ongoing commitment to improving governance within one of Liberia's most vital economic sectors, focusing on enhancing the framework that governs extractive industries. This initiative holds significant legal importance for practitioners, businesses, and the public alike, as robust reforms in the mining sector are crucial for attracting sustainable foreign investment, ensuring the equitable distribution of resource wealth, and combating corruption. For companies operating or seeking to operate in Liberia, enhanced transparency and accountability mechanisms can reduce legal and reputational risks, fostering a more predictable and trustworthy business environment. For the Liberian public, these reforms are intended to ensure that the nation's natural resources are managed for the benefit of all citizens, promoting economic development and social welfare. The legal context for these discussions primarily involves Liberia's existing New Minerals and Mining Law of 2000, the Public Procurement and Concessions Act, and various environmental protection statutes. LEITI operates under the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard, which Liberia has committed to implement, requiring regular public reporting on payments made by companies and revenues received by the government from the extractive sector. The discussions with MCC Compact Phase Two likely explore potential amendments to these laws or the development of new regulations to align with international best practices and the stringent requirements often associated with MCC funding, aiming to bolster the country's adherence to good governance principles. The key parties involved are the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), a multi-stakeholder body responsible for implementing the EITI Standard in Liberia, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Phase Two, an independent U.S. foreign aid agency that provides grants to developing countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, economic freedom, and investing in their people. Their collaboration underscores a shared objective to improve the integrity and efficiency of Liberia's mining sector. Attorneys advising clients in Liberia's mining sector should closely monitor the outcomes of these discussions, as they are likely to lead to significant changes in regulatory compliance, reporting obligations, and operational requirements for extractive companies. Businesses should proactively prepare for potentially stricter transparency and accountability standards, including enhanced due diligence processes, public disclosure requirements, and adherence to new environmental and social governance (ESG) criteria. Understanding and adapting to this evolving regulatory landscape will be critical for effective risk management, strategic planning, and maintaining a social license to operate within Liberia.

14 Oct
Liberia
Legal News

Liberia Rep Wongbe: Demands House Finance Accountability for $5M

Representative Taa Z. Wongbe of Nimba County Electoral District #9 in Liberia has publicly challenged the leadership of the House of Representatives to provide an accounting for more than US$5 million reportedly allocated for constituency development projects, thereby injecting a broader public-finance accountability question into an existing legislative crisis. This development escalates an internal dispute that initially centered on lawmakers' unpaid benefits, shifting the focus to the management of public funds intended for local development. This situation carries significant legal implications for practitioners, businesses, and the public, as it highlights critical concerns regarding public financial management, legislative oversight, and the potential for misuse of public funds within Liberia's government. For legal professionals, it underscores the importance of robust anti-corruption frameworks, the legal mechanisms available for demanding accountability from public officials, and the principles of good governance. The public interest is directly impacted, as the alleged unaccounted funds are designated for community development, meaning their proper use is essential for local progress and trust in government institutions. The legal context for this challenge involves several key instruments, including the Constitution of Liberia, which outlines the powers and responsibilities of the legislative branch and provisions related to public finance. The Public Financial Management Act is particularly relevant, as it governs the management, control, and accountability of public funds. Additionally, the Code of Conduct for Public Officials sets ethical standards for government employees, while the internal rules and procedures of the House of Representatives dictate how such accountability demands are to be addressed. The General Auditing Commission (GAC) is the primary independent body responsible for auditing public accounts, and its findings often form the basis for such inquiries. The key parties involved in this unfolding situation are Representative Taa Z. Wongbe, who initiated the challenge, and the leadership of the House of Representatives, who are being called upon to provide the accounting. While not explicitly stated, the General Auditing Commission (GAC) could become involved if an official audit is requested or if existing audit reports are referenced in the demand for accountability. Attorneys advising on governance, public finance, or anti-corruption matters in Liberia should closely monitor this situation, as it could lead to formal investigations, legislative reforms aimed at enhancing financial oversight, or even legal challenges related to the management of public funds. Businesses and individuals engaging with government entities should be acutely aware of the heightened scrutiny on financial accountability and ensure that all their dealings are fully compliant with relevant laws and regulations. The outcome of this challenge could significantly influence future legislative transparency and the mechanisms for holding public officials accountable for the use of taxpayer money.

14 Oct
Liberia
Legal News

Liberia NEC: Regional Validation of AI Election Guidelines

Liberia participated in a two-day regional workshop in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 12-13, aimed at validating guidelines for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in election administration across West Africa. This engagement saw representatives from Liberia's National Elections Commission (NEC) join electoral commissioners and technology experts from across the region to discuss the integration of AI into electoral processes while safeguarding transparency, accountability, electoral integrity, and public trust. This initiative carries profound legal significance for the future of electoral law and administration in Liberia and the broader West African region. The responsible integration of AI into elections presents both transformative opportunities, such as enhanced efficiency in voter registration and results tabulation, and substantial risks, including the potential for AI-driven misinformation, algorithmic bias, data privacy breaches, and manipulation of electoral outcomes. For legal practitioners, this signals an emerging and complex area of law where regulatory frameworks will need to be developed to address these technological challenges, requiring expertise in technology law, data protection, and human rights within an electoral context. The legal context for these discussions involves Liberia's existing electoral laws, primarily the Elections Law of Liberia, and the constitutional provisions governing the conduct of elections. Regionally, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols on democracy and good governance provide a foundational framework. The development and validation of these AI guidelines are expected to lead to new regulations or amendments to existing electoral laws, specifically addressing the ethical and legal parameters for AI tool deployment, data privacy safeguards, cybersecurity measures in electoral systems, and mechanisms to combat AI-generated disinformation. The NEC's proactive exploration of AI tools ahead of Liberia's 2029 general elections indicates a national commitment to integrating these regional guidelines into domestic practice. Key parties involved in this regional effort include Liberia's National Elections Commission (NEC), represented by Commissioner Barsee Leo Kpangbai and Deputy Executive Director for ICT S. Isaac Zahn, and the Network of Electoral Commissions of ECOWAS Member States (ECONEC), which facilitated the workshop. Other participants included electoral commissioners and technology experts from various West African nations, such as Abdoulaye Sylla of Senegal (ECONEC Chairman) and Commissioner Koroma of Sierra Leone, highlighting a collaborative regional approach to a shared challenge. Attorneys specializing in electoral law, technology law, data privacy, and human rights in Liberia and West Africa should closely monitor the development and eventual implementation of these AI guidelines. This evolving area will demand expertise in drafting new regulations, advising electoral bodies on compliance, and potentially litigating novel issues related to AI's impact on election integrity and fairness. Businesses involved in developing technology solutions for elections must also pay close attention to ensure their products and services adhere to the emerging ethical and legal standards for AI use in democratic processes, as these guidelines will shape the legal and operational landscape for future elections across the region.

14 Oct
Liberia
Legal News

Liberia Judicial Reform: Constitutional Rights Abolition Debated

In Liberia, a public discourse has emerged regarding the state of the justice system, with calls for urgent institutional reforms to address issues like corruption and political interference, while simultaneously cautioning against the abolition of fundamental constitutional rights as a solution, as reported by AllAfrica Liberia. This development highlights a critical tension between the imperative for judicial reform and the protection of entrenched constitutional principles, which is vital for maintaining the rule of law and public confidence in the judiciary. For practitioners, it signals potential shifts in judicial administration and enforcement, and underscores the importance of advocating for due process and constitutional safeguards amidst reform efforts. Any move to dismantle constitutional rights, even in the name of reform, could set a dangerous precedent, eroding the very foundations of legal certainty and individual liberties that attorneys are sworn to uphold. The legal context implicitly refers to Liberia's Constitution, which enshrines fundamental rights, and the legal framework governing the judiciary, including statutes related to judicial conduct, anti-corruption, and court procedures. The

14 Oct
Liberia
Legal News

Liberia: State Enterprise Watchdog to Gain New Powers

indicates the head of the Supreme Court of Liberia, which sits at the apex of the judicial hierarchy and is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and overseeing the lower courts. The challenges mentioned—corruption, jury tampering, political interference, and prolonged proceedings—point to systemic issues within the Liberian legal system that impact the administration of justice and necessitate a careful, constitutionally compliant approach to reform. The primary parties involved are the Chief Justice of Liberia, the Liberian justice system as an institution, and the public whose confidence is reportedly waning. The

14 Oct
Liberia
Legal News

Liberia Ex-Ministers: Saudi Aid Conviction for Rice Theft

In Liberia, the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) issued a statement on Tuesday, following a mixed verdict delivered on Friday, October 9, at Criminal Court C in Monrovia, where a jury convicted former foreign minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and other ex-officials of stealing Saudi aid rice. The LCC's statement, titled "Justice Without Political Interference; Reconciliation Without Impunity," urged the government, courts, and political class to ensure justice is governed by evidence and law, free from political interference, intimidation, and public pressure, while also cautioning against impunity. The jury found eight of the thirteen defendants guilty, including former Foreign Affairs Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah and former Internal Affairs Minister Varney A. Sirleaf, with three acquitted and verdicts on two others inconclusive. Notably, the jury was reportedly split on several counts for Kemayah, who was found guilty on all five charges: theft of property, economic sabotage, misapplication of entrusted property, abuse of office, and criminal conspiracy. This case carries significant legal weight as it highlights Liberia's ongoing struggle with public sector corruption and the imperative for judicial independence. The LCC's intervention underscores the societal demand for a justice system free from political manipulation, particularly in high-profile cases involving former government officials. The mixed verdict and the reported split among jurors also bring into sharp focus public and civil society perceptions of the fairness and integrity of the judicial process, which can profoundly impact the rule of law and investor confidence. The excerpt also alludes to the Chief Justice's consideration of scrapping jury trials, a potential systemic reform that, if implemented, would fundamentally alter criminal procedure in Liberia. The legal context for this matter involves Liberia's Penal Law, under which charges such as theft of property, economic sabotage, misapplication of entrusted property, abuse of office, and criminal conspiracy are codified. The proceedings took place in Criminal Court C, which is part of Liberia's common law-based judicial hierarchy, where juries traditionally play a role in determining facts in criminal cases. The Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) acted as the prosecution, indicating a governmental commitment to combating corruption and recovering illicitly obtained assets. The Chief Justice's reported contemplation of changes to the jury system suggests a potential shift towards a more judge-centric fact-finding process, which would represent a substantial procedural departure from current practice. Key parties involved include the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), former Foreign Affairs Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, former Internal Affairs Minister Varney A. Sirleaf, other unnamed ex-officials, the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT), and Criminal Court C in Monrovia. The Liberian Chief Justice, though unnamed, is also a significant figure due to the reported consideration of judicial reforms. The outcome of the sentencing or any appeals for the convicted individuals is not reported in the excerpt. Practitioners in Liberia should closely monitor any developments regarding judicial independence and potential reforms to the jury system, as these could significantly impact criminal defense strategies and the overall administration of justice. Attorneys advising clients in public service or those involved in the distribution of humanitarian aid must emphasize stringent compliance with anti-corruption laws and ethical conduct to mitigate the risks of prosecution for offenses like economic sabotage or misapplication of funds. The LCC's public statement serves as a crucial reminder of the intense public and civil society scrutiny that high-profile corruption cases attract, necessitating robust, transparent, and legally sound processes.

14 Oct
Liberia
Legal News

Charlyne Brumskine: Liberian Elected ECOWAS Court President

ABUJA, Nigeria — Liberian lawyer and law professor Charlyne M. Brumskine was elected president of the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday, a week after she was sworn in as one of five new judges on the regional bench. Her fellow judges chose her on 13 October 2026 to lead the Abuja-based court, the judicial arm of the West African bloc, for a two-year term. The election makes Justice Brumskine, the first Liberian woman to sit on the court, the head of an institution that rules on disputes between member states, ECOWAS institutions and individuals, including human rights complaints brought by ordinary citizens of the region. “With profound humility and a deep sense of duty, I address you as the newly elected President of this distinguished judicial institution,” she said in her acceptance address. “I am sincerely grateful to my esteemed colleagues for the confidence they have each reposed in me. I accept this responsibility fully conscious of the obligations it entails and the expectations that accompany leading a regional judicial institution entrusted with interpreting and applying community law and protecting human rights.” She said she saw the presidency as a duty rather than an honour. “I regard this office not as a personal distinction, but as an opportunity to serve the courts, the ECOWAS community, and ultimately the people of West Africa,” she said. What the president does As president, Justice Brumskine presides over the court’s hearings and deliberations and directs its judicial business, including assigning cases and scheduling proceedings. She also chairs the Bureau of the Court, which sets its strategic direction, work programme and budget priorities, and she oversees the Registry and the court’s administration. Beyond the courtroom, she is the court’s public face. She represents it externally, presents its activity report and budget to the statutory bodies of ECOWAS, and works with national judiciaries, other regional and continental courts, bar associations and civil society groups to widen access to justice. A central part of that role is persuading member states to comply with and enforce the court’s judgments, a long-standing challenge for the institution, which has no enforcement arm of its own and depends on national governments to carry out its rulings. A court open to citizens Established under ECOWAS treaty provisions and operational since 2001, the court interprets and applies the bloc’s laws and settles disputes over them. Its reach widened significantly in 2005, when a supplementary protocol allowed individuals to bring human rights cases directly before it without first exhausting remedies in their national courts. That feature has made the court one of the most accessible regional human rights forums in Africa. Citizens, journalists and civil society groups have used it to challenge arbitrary detention, restrictions on free expression and other alleged abuses by their own governments. Justice Brumskine takes office at a delicate moment for the bloc. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, all under military rule, formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025, placing their citizens outside the court’s jurisdiction and testing the community’s cohesion. Five new judges sworn in Justice Brumskine was among five judges inducted on Tuesday, 6 October, at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja for the 2026–2030 term. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, administered the oath of office. The other new judges are Désiré Henri Aihou of Benin, Awa Bah of The Gambia, Henrietta Uzoamaka Didigu of Nigeria and Yaouza Ouro-Sama of Togo. They replace five judges whose four-year mandates have ended: Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves of Cape Verde, Sengu Mohamed Koroma of Sierra Leone, Dupe Atoki of Nigeria, Gberi-Bè Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and Edward Amoako Asante of Ghana. The judges el

14 Oct
Liberia
Legal News

ADWANGA Liberia: Justice Conference for Survivors Addresses Gendered Violence

The Aiding Disadvantaged Women and Girls Association (ADWANGA) opened a three-day conference in Monrovia, Liberia, from October 12–14, to examine how the nation can address the lasting effects of gender-based violence, strengthen public accountability, and ensure meaningful access to justice and reparations for civil conflict survivors. This conference highlights a critical ongoing national dialogue in Liberia regarding transitional justice, particularly the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) and the broader scope of reparations beyond mere legal accountability. It underscores the evolving understanding of justice to include survivor-centered approaches, recognition of harm, and support services, which has significant implications for future legal frameworks and judicial processes. The discussions aim to move beyond traditional legal accountability to encompass holistic survivor needs, including rebuilding lives and ensuring non-recurrence of violence. The legal context for this discussion is Liberia's ongoing efforts to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC), which would operate within the Liberian legal framework, potentially drawing on international criminal law principles for crimes like gender-based violence. The concept of reparations, while often associated with international justice mechanisms, is being explored for its integration into domestic legal and policy frameworks, requiring consideration of existing statutes, constitutional provisions related to human rights, and potential new legislation. The conference also touches upon public accountability, a cornerstone of good governance and rule of law, implicating various government institutions and their oversight functions. Key parties involved include the Aiding Disadvantaged Women and Girls Association (ADWANGA) and its Founder and Executive Director Amelia M. Cooper, alongside government officials, international partners, researchers, legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and survivor advocates. The Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, and the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC) are implicitly central institutions whose future actions will be shaped by these discussions. Attorneys and legal professionals in Liberia should closely monitor the developments surrounding the establishment and mandate of the War and Economic Crimes Court, particularly how it will address conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence and economic harm. They should also pay attention to policy discussions on reparations and survivor-centered justice, as these may lead to new legal aid initiatives, victim support programs, and changes in how claims for harm are processed. Understanding the evolving definition of "justice" in this context will be crucial for advising clients, advocating for survivors, and engaging with emerging legal institutions and frameworks.

14 Oct