Author: Kerkula Blama

The United States has extended the validity of Liberian B1, B2, and B1/B2 visas from 12 months to 36 months and removed the reciprocity fee. The new policy, effective immediately, allows multiple entries and is expected to ease travel and strengthen ties between Liberia and the U.S.

Liberia’s global influence continues to rise as the nation is nominated to chair the UN Sanctions Committee on Sudan and co-chair those on the DRC and Yemen, pending approval by the Security Council’s permanent members. A remarkable shift from being once sanctioned to now helping decide sanctions on the world stage.

The LDEA has declared its former Grand Bassa County Commander, S/Agt. Alfred Lackay, wanted for allegedly transferring over US$10,000 from a suspected drug dealer’s phone. The agency warns the public not to engage with him in its name and urges anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the LDEA or LNP immediately.

Ruth Nimely, the young woman accused of stealing over L$2.7 million from a local women’s savings group, has reportedly been released from detention. Her release, said to be facilitated by a legal representative, comes while police investigations are still ongoing. Nimely later posted a cryptic message online, sparking mixed public reactions.

President Joseph N. Boakai has declared Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as National Youth Day, a working holiday to be observed nationwide. The celebration, themed “Recognizing the Gains; Building Resilience for Liberia’s Future,” will take place in Buchanan City, bringing together youth from all 15 counties to celebrate unity, innovation, and national service.

The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court has fined Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman $300 USD for contempt after he failed to obey a court order. Judge Peter Gbeneweleh warned that failure to pay within 72 hours will lead to his arrest.

Prosecutors have filed a motion to overturn the court ruling that cleared Miss Liberia 1st Runner-Up Kindness Wilson of assault charges. They argue the Monrovia City Court erred in dismissing the case for delay, insisting the state was active and ready to present its final witness when the judge threw out the matter. The prosecution calls the dismissal “legally untenable” and vows to pursue every legal remedy to have it rescinded.

President Boakai has dismissed Wilmot Paye as Mines and Energy Minister and appointed R. Matenokay Tingban as his replacement, in what the Executive Mansion calls a move to “strengthen governance and accountability.”

Alassane Ouattara has won a fourth term as Ivory Coast’s president in a landslide victory that saw him claim nearly 90% of the vote.
But the opposition says the process was a “civilian coup d’état” after key figures like Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam were barred and called for a boycott. Turnout stood at just 50.1%, marking one of the country’s calmest yet most disputed elections in years.

All charges against Kindness Wilson have been dismissed by the Monrovia City Court, bringing an end to the viral slapping case. The judge ruled there were no grounds to proceed, clearing her of all allegations. Wilson later shared an emotional post reflecting on the ordeal, calling it one of the hardest moments of her life.