Liberia's former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor will receive medical care at her residence under court-imposed restrictions as her drug trafficking case continues.
Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has been moved from Monrovia Central Prison to her residence under house arrest and travel restrictions. Criminal Court “C” Judge Ousman F. Feika issued the order on compassionate medical grounds, allowing Howard-Taylor to receive care outside of detention. The court emphasized that this release does not signify an acquittal or termination of the ongoing criminal proceedings against her.
Howard-Taylor faces multiple charges, including importation and unlicensed exportation of controlled drugs, money laundering, and conspiracy, related to an alleged transnational cocaine-trafficking operation. Her legal team had raised concerns about her health, prompting the request for medical attention outside of jail. The court mandated that she surrender all travel documents and will be subject to limitations on visitors, with only a designated family member and her physician permitted access.
The ruling requires Howard-Taylor to remain at her Tubman Boulevard residence until the conclusion of her criminal case, unless the court modifies the order. The government is to provide 24-hour security at the residence and maintain visitor logs. A caregiver, preferably a family member, must reside with her and cannot be replaced without court approval. Approved hospital appointments and medical visits are the only exceptions to her confinement.
Why it mattersFormer Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is affected by the court's decision to place her under house arrest and restrict her movements due to ongoing drug trafficking charges.
Read in ASJ →Tension mounts in Bomi County after a container was moved onto company property, with claims of official involvement and a disputed presidential mandate.
Tension is reportedly mounting at the Western Cluster Liberia (WCL) concession in Bomi County after unidentified individuals attempted to occupy part of the company’s operational area. The incident occurred Thursday when a group reportedly entered the concession in Tubmanburg and attempted to move a 40-foot container onto the premises. Journalists observed the container being transported, but its ownership, contents, and the authority for its movement could not be immediately established.
Local residents and eyewitnesses alleged that some current and former county officials were behind the move, claiming authorization from higher government levels, though no documentary evidence was presented. One eyewitness claimed an unnamed former official warned of police action if WCL resisted, stating the area was sought for a wood-processing enterprise. The driver reportedly said local authorities instructed him to place the container on the premises, but it remains unclear which authority issued such an instruction.
Western Cluster reportedly resisted the attempted occupation and informed its Monrovia headquarters. The Ministry of Mines and Energy was contacted and maintained that the concession area remains legally under WCL’s control, advising the company to report unauthorized entry. The incident raises questions over control of the concession and the authority behind the attempted occupation. As of Thursday, the identities of those involved, the container's intended use, and official authorization remained unclear.
Why it mattersInvestors and businesses face uncertainty over property rights and official authorization for operations in Liberia's mining concessions.
Read in ASJ →Liberia successfully led the Ten Elected Members of the UN Security Council for August, shaping global peace and security debates.
Liberia has completed its term as Coordinator of the Ten Elected Members (E10) of the United Nations Security Council for August 2026. During its tenure, Liberia hosted UN Secretary-General António Guterres for discussions on humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank. The nation also chaired meetings to align consensus on the Libyan political process and security in West Africa and the Sahel.
Ambassador Lewis G. Brown II led negotiations with the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals regarding judicial archives and downsizing. Liberia also championed expert briefings on the Ukraine crisis and advocated for the release of detained UN personnel in Yemen. The country pushed for reforms in Security Council Subsidiary Bodies to improve alignment between the E10 and the Permanent Five members.
The E10 alliance formally commended Liberia for its leadership in steering the Council’s thematic priorities. Pakistan has now assumed the E10 Coordination role for September. Liberia's engagement has elevated its diplomatic standing and demonstrated its commitment to international peace and multilateral cooperation.
Why it mattersLiberia's leadership at the UN Security Council influences global peace and security discussions, affecting international relations and diplomatic standing.
Read in ASJ →The company commissioned two new school buses and a heavy-duty truck to improve education and plantation logistics.
The Liberia Agricultural Company (LAC) has introduced two new school buses and a TATA truck to enhance its educational and operational services across its Grand Bassa County plantation. General Manager Naveen Madan commissioned the vehicles over the weekend, ahead of the upcoming academic and operational year. LAC operates eleven schools serving approximately 7,750 students, with 45% being girls, and also admits students from surrounding communities and runs an adult literacy program.
The new buses are intended to improve student transportation, reducing travel time and potentially allowing more time for study. LAC management anticipates the expanded fleet will offer greater flexibility and minimize vehicle downtime, ensuring reliable school transport. The company also commissioned a heavy-duty TATA truck for rubber collection and other logistical tasks, signaling an investment in both educational support and plantation efficiency.
During the commissioning, General Manager Madan urged drivers to maintain the vehicles and cautioned students against damaging property. He emphasized responsible use of the new assets for their intended purposes. Madan stated that this investment is part of a broader strategy to improve services for employees, students, and nearby communities, with further enhancements anticipated.
Why it mattersEmployees' children and students from surrounding communities will benefit from improved school transportation, reducing travel time and potentially increasing study opportunities.
Read in ASJ →All 41 candidates from ArcelorMittal Liberia High School successfully passed the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, marking a second consecutive year.
ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) High School in Yekepa, Nimba County, has achieved a 100% pass rate for the second year in a row in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Liberia confirmed that all 41 students presented by the school passed the regional examination, continuing a strong academic performance trend.
Charlesetta Harris Peters, AML Head of Social Services, attributed the success to the collective efforts of students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the company's management. She stated that the results reflect AML's dedication to providing quality education for the children of its employees and surrounding communities. The company's education program focuses on teacher training, administrative development, and improved instructional practices to enhance learning outcomes.
These results provide the 41 graduates with opportunities for higher education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. AML views these consecutive perfect pass rates as evidence of the importance of collaboration among students, educators, and families. The company reaffirmed its commitment to investing in educational programs to develop young Liberians and strengthen human capacity within its operational areas.
Why it mattersThe 41 graduates are directly affected by this success, as it provides them with opportunities to pursue higher education and career development.
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