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Dakpannah U-Thant Nicholas Smith

Dakpannah U-Thant Nicholas Smith is a Liberian journalist, writer, political commentator, and disability rights advocate whose work centers on social justice, inclusion, and public awareness. Born in Monrovia, Liberia, he is a person with albinism and a strong voice for disability rights and equal opportunity.
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Liberia Marks 23 Years Since Accra Peace Deal With Renewed Call for Justice and Reconciliation

Marking the 23rd anniversary of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Liberia’s PeaceGen project has kicked off nationwide community dialogues. Bringing together survivors, youth, and government officials, the discussions explore memory, reconciliation, and accountability, highlighting recent legislative steps toward establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court to secure lasting peace.

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Liberia Alcohol Policy Conference Renews Push for Strong National Law

Issah Ali, Head of Secretariat of the West African Alcohol Policy Alliance (WAAPA), emphasized the critical stage Liberia is at in controlling alcohol and urged stakeholders to ensure the adoption of comprehensive alcohol-control legislation by the third year post-policy adoption.

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Community-Led Care Solutions Unlock Opportunities for Women in Mali

Community-led care solutions in Bamako are helping reduce the heavy burden of unpaid domestic work on women, freeing time for education, entrepreneurship, leadership and civic participation. By investing in practical, locally driven support, communities can advance gender equality, strengthen women’s independence and build more resilient local economies.

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IEO, Helping Hands Mark Pakistan Independence Day

During Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations at the IEO Independent Living Centre, disability-focused organizations Inclusion and Empowerment Organization (IEO) and Helping Hands for Relief reaffirmed their partnership to promote independence, equal opportunity, and full social participation for persons with disabilities. The visit showcased IEO’s rehabilitation and skills-training services and concluded with a renewed commitment from both organizations to deepen cooperation on inclusion and empowerment.

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Precious Rue’s Appointment Signals Push for Professional, Gender-Inclusive Leadership at LDEA

President Boakai’s appointment of Ms. Precious Rue as the LDEA’s Deputy Director General for Operations is a vital step forward for female leadership in Liberia’s security sector. Backed by years of frontline law-enforcement experience, international training, and academic achievement, her well-earned elevation dismantles misogynistic rumors and strengthens the nation’s fight against drug trafficking.

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Liberian Government Removes Registration Fees for Public Primary School Pupils

Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah announced that children enrolling in public schools from Kindergarten to Grade 6 will not be required to pay registration fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, as part of the government's effort to make primary education more accessible to all children, especially those from families facing financial difficulties.

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Howard-Taylor Defends CDC Record in Bong, Challenges Moye’s Claims of Marginalization

Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has pushed back against claims that Bong County was neglected under the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) administration. Highlighting unprecedented political influence and major infrastructure, health, and education investments during the Weah-led government, she urged leaders and voters to focus on factual development records rather than political rhetoric.

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The Hidden Fatigue of Living With Vision Loss

The daily life of someone with vision loss is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges they face, they manage to perform routine activities with remarkable skill. Their ability to rely on memory, sound, touch, and careful observation showcases their strength and determination in overcoming the obstacles posed by their condition.

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WONGOSOL Urges Swift Government Action as Violence Against Women Intensifies

The ongoing crisis of violence and abuse against women and girls in Liberia demands immediate attention and action. WONGOSOL, a coordinating body for women's organizations, has been advocating for stronger responses for over two decades. As the country grapples with this crisis, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of women and girls and to ensure that justice is served for all victims.