Liberia Roundup: Arrests, suspensions, pest infestations

Central Bank Governor suspended

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has suspended the Central Bank Governor and appointed an acting successor following a compliance audit implicating several former officials in financial impropriety. The government has made several arrests and launched an audit of the previous administration, causing tension. Former officials have described the audit as a witch-hunt. President Boakai has also reactivated the government's Economic Management Team to ensure coordination of fiscal and monetary policy and propose solutions to tackle economic uncertainties. According to AllAfrica, the suspended Governor holds a tenured position but may be removed based on cause. The former president has accused the government of weaponising the judiciary to target his officials, while the government maintains it has sufficient evidence to prove its charges against the accused persons.

Police on manhunt for wife killer

Police in Nimba County are searching for a man who shot and killed his wife in the town of Gbapa. The motive for the murder is unknown. In a similar incident, a man from Mali killed his Liberian girlfriend in Guinea. He is awaiting trial in Guinea, Daily Observer reports.

Weah's allies released on bail

Three former officials of the George Weah Government in Liberia were released on bail after being imprisoned on charges of economic sabotage and theft. They were granted bail by a Resident Circuit Court Judge after intervention from their lawyers. Two of the defendants are still missing since the arrest warrant was issued. The FrontPageAfrica reports that the defendants obtained a criminal insurance bond worth $12 million from an insurance company in Monrovia. There were reported threats against judges by the Legal Advisor to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai regarding the release of the former officials.

Arrests

Former Liberian finance minister Samuel Tweah and four other officials have been arrested for defrauding the government. George Weah has vowed to resist any attempts to indict them, claiming it's a political move by the current administration. Former president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf emphasized the importance of due process. The government denies accusations of witch-hunting and promises a fair audit of corruption, according to The Africa Report. President Boakai's suspension of the Central Bank governor is criticized as a violation of the rule of law. Independent analysts support the arrests and call for accountability to address the culture of impunity.

Pest infestations cause havoc

Pest infestations are threatening agricultural livelihoods in Kpaymue, Liberia. Farmers are experiencing crop losses and struggling to support their families. The infestations are attributed to climate change and lack of knowledge about pest management practices. The New Dawn Liberia reports that experts are working on proposals to support farmers and address the issue. Similar pest infestations are being reported across the African continent.