Liberia is set to hold a run-off election between Vice President Joseph Boakai and former footballer George Weah, marking the country's first democratic transition since 1944. The election follows a seven-week delay due to legal challenges by Boakai's Unity Party against the electoral commission. The run-off comes after neither candidate secured the required majority in the first round. The election is significant for Liberia's democratic progress, with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stepping down after 12 years. The economy, affected by low commodity prices and a depreciating currency, remains a critical issue for the candidates. Weah, popular among the youth, faces criticism for vague promises, while Boakai is challenged by his association with the current administration's perceived shortcomings.

Liberia is preparing for its presidential and House of Representatives elections on October 10, the first since 2003 without UN peacekeepers. Key candidates include ex-warlord Prince Johnson, footballer George Weah, and businessmen Alexander Cummings and Benoni Urey. The international community is concerned about potential electoral violence as Liberian security forces take over election security. The UN, African Union, and ECOWAS have urged for peaceful elections.

Hurbain Souomi, an 11-year-old Ivorian child, returns home after six years in a Liberian refugee camp, separated from his family due to violence following the 2010 presidential election in Ivory Coast. The Red Cross has facilitated the reunion of 300 children with their families since 2011. The Souomi children, including Hurbain's brothers Thierry and Oscar, are welcomed back to their village by their grandfather, Lah Keuhoua Justin. The article highlights the emotional toll on both the children and their foster families in Liberia, as well as the efforts of the Red Cross in reuniting families.

In Monrovia, Liberia, young men like Emmanuel Howard and Joseph Yarpkawolo work as human billboards, painted head-to-toe to advertise for clients ranging from government agencies to private individuals. This unique form of street advertising, popularized in the early 1990s, has become a vital source of income for many, especially in a country with high unemployment rates. Emmanuel Ben, founder of Emmanuel Creation, has capitalized on this niche market, employing 35 workers and serving clients like DHL, Total, and the Liberia Revenue Agency. Despite the challenges of standing for hours in the heat, the body painters find pride and financial stability in their work, drawing significant public attention and even going viral online.

Liberia is preparing for a presidential election with a diverse array of candidates, including a football superstar, a former warlord, and a soft drinks millionaire. The election aims to find a successor to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first elected female leader. Key issues include tackling corruption, economic development, and maintaining peace. Notable candidates include George Weah, Joseph Boakai, Mills Jones, Charles Brumskine, MacDella Cooper, and Alexander Cummings. The economy and corruption are central election issues, with candidates proposing various reforms to address these challenges.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf steps down as Liberia prepares for elections on October 10, marking the first vote without UN peacekeepers since 2003. Key candidates include ex-warlord Prince Johnson, footballer George Weah, and businessmen Alexander Cummings and Benoni Urey. The international community emphasizes the importance of peaceful elections, while local security forces assure protection for candidates. The election is seen as a significant milestone in Liberia's post-conflict transition.

Liberian President George Weah faces criticism for alleged attempts to intimidate the media, with concerns raised by the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Press Union of Liberia. Defamation suits against the newspaper Front Page Africa and the departure of BBC correspondent Jonathan Paye-Layleh highlight the tense environment for journalists. Weah has attempted to reassure the media of his commitment to press freedom, but fears of reprisals and economic challenges persist.

Liberian President George Weah faces criticism for his extended absence from the country, attending international events and watching his son play football in Qatar. Critics, including opposition figures, accuse him of neglecting his presidential duties and misusing public funds, while some citizens defend his actions. The controversy arises amid economic challenges and preparations for the 2023 elections, with Weah seeking re-election despite accusations of failing to fulfill his promises.

Liberians are facing a severe rice shortage, with long queues forming to purchase the staple food amid rising prices and supply-chain disruptions exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. The price of rice has nearly doubled over six months, and the government, along with the UN, attributes the shortage to delayed shipments. The World Bank reports that over a fifth of Liberia's population lives on less than $2.15 per day. The UN World Food Programme confirms the shortage is due to delays in rice consignments and is impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. The Liberian commerce ministry has urged calm and discouraged panic-buying, promising that more supplies are en route and that the current stock will last until the next shipment arrives. Liberia, still recovering from civil wars and the Ebola crisis, faces high inflation and cash shortages, ranking low on the UN's Human Development Index, with a presidential election approaching in October 2023.

Joshua Blahyi, formerly known as General Butt Naked, notorious for his brutal actions during Liberia's civil wars, now dedicates his life to rehabilitating ex-child soldiers. Blahyi, who once led fighters and committed atrocities, has become an evangelical preacher and established a compound to help former child soldiers reintegrate into society. Despite his efforts, calls for a war-crimes court in Liberia are growing, with Blahyi himself advocating for accountability to ensure lasting peace. The article highlights the ongoing impact of the civil wars and the challenges of rehabilitation and reconciliation in Liberia.