In Liberia, opposition parties are forming alliances ahead of elections. Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress chose Charlyne Brumskine as his running mate, strengthening ties with the Liberty Party. The Unity Party allied with Senator Jeremiah Koung of the Movement for Democratic Reconstruction. Coalitions are crucial in Liberian politics, as no party has won the presidency outright since 2006. Six opposition parties recently joined the ruling Coalition of Democratic Change, while other alliances are expected. Factionalism within alliances presents challenges, as seen with the Liberty Party and the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction. Despite the opposition's efforts, President George Weah is considered the frontrunner due to his coalition's strength and incumbency.

Liberia's referendum on dual citizenship, held on December 8, 2020, has sparked debate over its citizenship laws, which currently restrict citizenship to Black people and prohibit dual citizenship for adults. The law's origins trace back to the country's formation by freed slaves and natives, aiming to protect against exploitation. President George Weah supports constitutional change to allow dual citizenship, which would affect his son, Timothy, an American citizen. Critics like PhD student Tennen Dalieh Tehoungue argue that without stronger institutions, opening citizenship could lead to exploitation. The 2015 Constitutional Review Conference voted to maintain the current citizenship status quo. Concerns also revolve around land ownership laws, which restrict land ownership to citizens, potentially disadvantaging Liberians economically. The referendum's outcome is uncertain, as preliminary results do not indicate the required two-thirds majority for passage. The article also includes a correction regarding the misstated preliminary results of the referendum.

In Gbapolu County, Liberia, the senatorial elections were disrupted when the town chief seized ballot boxes to prevent women from voting, leading to violence against female candidate Botoe Kanneh and her supporters. This incident underscores the challenges women face in Liberian politics, where they have been historically underrepresented. Despite former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's efforts, women's representation remains low under President George Weah. Cultural traditions and violence against women in elections are barriers to political office. The article also discusses the lack of enforcement of laws intended to increase women's political participation, such as the Affirmative Action for Equitable Participation and Representation bill, which was not passed. The recent events have sparked investigations and condemnation, with hopes that Kanneh's projected victory may signal a positive change for women's representation in Liberia.

In Gbapolu County, Liberia, the senatorial elections were disrupted when the town chief seized ballot boxes to prevent women from voting, leading to violence against female candidate Botoe Kanneh and her supporters. This incident underscores the challenges women face in Liberian politics, where they have been historically underrepresented. Despite former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's efforts, women's representation remains low under President George Weah. Cultural traditions and violence against women in elections are barriers to political office. The article also discusses the lack of enforcement of laws intended to increase women's political participation, such as the Affirmative Action for Equitable Participation and Representation bill, which was not passed. The recent events have sparked investigations and condemnation, with hopes that Kanneh's projected victory may signal a positive change for women's representation in Liberia.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite strike due to unpaid wages, insufficient hazard pay, and unmet demands for better working conditions. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout, the strike commenced on April 1st. NARD's president, Dr. Uyilawa Ikhuaihesuyi, expressed disappointment over the government's failure to fulfill past promises. The strike is a response to months of unpaid salaries, poor working conditions, and the government's neglect of the healthcare system, which is understaffed and underfunded. The Nigerian healthcare system faces challenges, including a doctor-to-patient ratio far below WHO recommendations, inadequate facilities, and significant financial losses due to medical tourism. President Muhammadu Buhari's continued medical trips abroad have also been criticized, especially as he left for a check-up just before the strike. The strike is not expected to impact the Covid-19 vaccination campaign significantly. NARD is in talks with the government to resolve the issues, but many Nigerian doctors are emigrating to other countries, exacerbating the healthcare crisis.

The article discusses the absence of war crimes prosecutions in Liberia despite the estimated 250,000 deaths during the civil wars between 1989 and 2003. It highlights a Finnish court's special session in Monrovia to try Gibril Massaquoi, a resident of Finland accused of war crimes in Liberia, which underscores the inaction of Liberian courts. Survivors like Arthur Bondo, a former child soldier, and campaigners like Adama Dempster advocate for a Liberian war crimes court to provide justice and prevent future atrocities. The article also touches on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations, the political controversies surrounding them, and the current government's mixed messages on establishing a war crimes court. It mentions other cases where Liberian warlords were tried abroad, such as Mohammed Jabateh and Thomas Woewiyu in the US, and Alieu Kosiah in Switzerland. The article concludes with differing perspectives on the need for a war crimes court among Liberians.

In northern Nigeria, 317 schoolgirls were kidnapped from the Government Girls School in Jangebe, Zamfara state. The abduction was carried out by gunmen who arrived on motorbikes and on foot. This incident is part of a series of kidnappings in the region, which have raised concerns about the safety of schools and may lead to lower school enrollment. The Nigerian government has been criticized for allegedly paying ransoms, which may incentivize further kidnappings. Dr. Olamide Samuel of SOAS University of London attributes the insecurity to the proliferation of unregistered firearms and the reliance on military responses. President Buhari has called for a reconsideration of ransom policies and emphasized the government's commitment to rescuing hostages without resorting to force that could endanger lives. The frequency of kidnappings has led to a desensitization towards the issue among the population, contrasting with the massive outcry during the 2014 Chibok kidnappings.

In Liberia, significant shifts are occurring in political alliances as the country approaches elections. Senator Prince Johnson and his party, the Movement for Democratic Reconstruction, have withdrawn their support for President George Weah and the ruling Congress for Democratic Change party. This move is attributed to Weah's failure to honour an agreement regarding the employment of more citizens from Nimba in top government positions.

Liberia has implemented free education policies to alleviate financial burdens on students and increase accessibility. A new scholarship program exempts high school students in three counties from paying tuition fees. This follows a 2018 policy providing free undergraduate education at public universities. However, these policies have led to funding challenges, with the University of Liberia losing $2.9 million annually and facing protests over poor conditions and unpaid wages. The Liberian Ministry of Education did not comment on these issues. Critics argue that the government must prioritize education funding and redirect money from other budget areas. A proposed bill to fund education through taxes on tobacco and alcohol failed to pass. Students are divided on the effectiveness of free education policies, with some grateful for the financial relief and others skeptical due to funding shortfalls.

The article discusses the structural challenges faced by Liberian artists in the music industry, particularly focusing on the low earnings from live performances due to piracy, expensive mobile data, and lack of streaming culture. It highlights the case of Bucky Raw, a prominent Liberian artist, and the leaked chat about his management's fee demands. The article outlines the financial struggles of artists, the high costs of production, and the disparity in payment between local and foreign artists performing in Liberia. It also touches on the role of corporate sponsors like MTN in funding music events. The writer, Dounard Bondo, calls for structural changes to improve the monetization of music and provide better income opportunities for Liberian artists, while also addressing issues like music piracy and the need for better performance venues.

The article discusses the challenges faced by Liberian health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing parallels with the 2015 Ebola epidemic. Health workers, represented by the National Health Workers Union of Liberia (NAHWUL), struggled with inadequate equipment, delayed salaries, and poor working conditions. Despite legal restrictions on union activities, NAHWUL, with support from Public Services International (PSI), has been advocating for better pay, working conditions, and recognition of health workers' rights. The union has also been involved in training and capacity-building initiatives, including virtual communication and sexual harassment awareness. The government's response to union demands has been largely uncooperative, leading to strikes and stay-at-home actions. The article also touches on the issues of pension rights and the government's reluctance to engage with the union. The piece is part of a collaboration with PSI and supported by Union to Union and Swedish trade union Kommunal.

The article by Dounard Bondo focuses on the plight of disadvantaged individuals in Liberia, known derogatorily as 'zogos'. These individuals, predominantly men, struggle with homelessness, violence, drug addiction, and lack of access to basic amenities. The article highlights the stories of two such men, Mohammed Saliba (Pacon) and Prince Barclay (Fifty), who live on the streets of Monrovia and face daily discrimination and the stigma of being labeled as criminals. The article also touches on the false perception that all zogos are former child soldiers from Liberia's civil war, which exacerbates their marginalization. Despite some outreach efforts, there is a lack of follow-up and adequate mental healthcare for these individuals. The Carter Center is mentioned as working with the Liberian government on mental healthcare policy, but it does not work directly with zogos. Local NGOs try to assist, but their efforts are hampered by insufficient funding and resources. The article concludes with the men's desire to leave the streets but acknowledges the challenges they face without proper support and rehabilitation.

The article discusses the complexities of Liberian citizenship laws, particularly the prohibition of dual citizenship for adults. It highlights the case of Sarah and Alvin Jalloh, who faced challenges due to these laws. The Liberian supreme court's 2019 ruling allowed naturalized citizens abroad to retain their Liberian citizenship until a court trial decides otherwise. President George Weah welcomed this decision, which aligns with his support for dual citizenship. The Liberian senate, however, believes a constitutional referendum is needed to resolve the issue permanently. The article also explores the societal divide on dual citizenship in Liberia, the economic implications, and the fears and hopes associated with it. It mentions the potential economic benefits, citing Ghana's success with its 'Year of Return' initiative, and concludes with Sarah's optimistic outlook despite the unresolved status of dual citizenship in Liberia.

The article discusses the sentencing of Alieu Kosiah by a Swiss court to 20 years in prison for his involvement in war crimes during Liberia's civil wars. This marks the first instance of a Swiss non-military court trying war crimes. The article also mentions that this follows a pattern where foreign courts have convicted several individuals associated with Liberia's civil war. Additionally, the article begins to mention Gibril Massaquoi, a Sierra Leonean, suggesting that his case might also be discussed in relation to war crimes and legal proceedings in Finland.

The article discusses the shift in President George Weah's stance regarding the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia. Initially supportive of the court's creation, President Weah has now deferred the decision to the Liberian legislature. This move has drawn attention to the legislative body, which includes members of parliament who are former warlords, such as Prince Johnson and George Boley. The presence of these individuals in the legislature raises questions about the potential for conflict of interest and the overall political will to establish the court.

The article discusses the failure to implement the 2009 recommendations of Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which included prosecutions for war criminals and reparations for victims. It highlights a 2021 Swiss court ruling that awarded damages to plaintiffs against a Liberian warlord, marking a step towards reparations. The Liberian Senate's recent recommendations for a reparations trust fund and the challenges in defining victims and securing adequate funding are examined. The article also touches on foreign interventions, including prosecutions of Liberian war actors by foreign courts and the US's stance on Liberian warlords in government positions. It emphasizes the need for reparations to go hand in hand with justice and addresses the root causes of the war to prevent recurrence. President Weah has promised to consider the Senate's recommendations, which may offer some form of justice to war victims through reparations.

The article discusses the increased costs of air travel within West Africa, particularly highlighting the impact of Covid-19 on ticket prices and mandatory testing. It notes that a round trip from Lagos to Monrovia, which used to cost $450-$500, now costs $650-$700, with an additional $300 for Covid-19 tests. The article references the $7 billion loss faced by the African aviation industry in 2020 as reported by IATA. It also touches on the challenges of travel in West Africa due to poor infrastructure and high costs, exacerbated by the pandemic. The piece mentions the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative by the African Union, aimed at opening up regional air markets, but notes their inadequate implementation. Efforts to reduce Covid-19 testing costs and the introduction of the African Union's Covid-19 passport 'travelstart' are also discussed. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for sovereign nations to make decisions to reduce costs to facilitate trade and travel in the region.

The article discusses the conflict between cultural practices and human rights in the context of two cases in Nigeria and Liberia. In Nigeria, a hospital was sued for performing a life-saving blood transfusion on a child against the wishes of his Jehovah's Witness mother, but the court ruled in favor of the hospital. In Liberia, the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is examined. Despite being illegal in many countries, FGM is not banned in Liberia due to cultural traditions and political reluctance. The article highlights the case of Liberian journalist Mae Azango, who faced threats for her anti-FGM reporting. The author argues that cultural and religious beliefs should not override the right to life, and calls for the abolition of FGM and the protection of minors from such practices.

Liberia is experiencing a conflict between its telecommunications regulator and two major telecom companies, Orange and Lonestar Cell MTN, over pricing. The companies have raised prices citing new surcharges imposed by the government, which has led to a significant increase in the cost of voice calls and data for consumers. The Liberia Telecommunication Authority accused the companies of illegal price-fixing and profiteering, demanding a reversal of the price hike. The companies argue that the surcharges make their services unaffordable for many Liberians and threaten to reduce their operations or leave the market, which could impact Liberia's tax revenue and economic stability. This comes as Liberia is still recovering from the Ebola epidemic and the Covid-19 pandemic, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line.

The article discusses the Liberian Movie Union's efforts to combat piracy to foster growth in the local movie industry. In August 2020, a task force seized pirated movies and demanded the inclusion of Liberian films in shops. Despite these efforts, the Liberian market is dominated by foreign films, particularly from Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, and the Philippines. The Union blames piracy and marketers for the low consumption of Liberian movies. A 2019 statement by the Union, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, and the Intellectual Property Office of Liberia banned the sale of discs with multiple movies and required legal authorization for film distribution. However, the article suggests that piracy is not the only issue; other factors include consumer preferences, movie quality, and the lack of distribution channels and online presence for Liberian films. The author, Dounard Bondo, argues that addressing these structural issues is crucial for the Liberian movie industry's growth.

Liberia's Senate passed a bill to prevent sitting lawmakers from contesting other vacancies in the National Legislature, aiming to reduce the number of costly by-elections. Critics argue the bill infringes on lawmakers' rights and favors senators, as it doesn't restrict them from running for the presidency. The article suggests uniform terms and elections for the legislature and presidency to reduce election frequency and costs, and potentially improve the relationship between the presidency and the legislature. The bill awaits further action from the House of Representatives.