The Liberian government, through the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, has permanently revoked the operating licenses of Americans for African Adoptions (AFAA) and its affiliate, Cradle of Hope orphanage, due to serious child abuse and welfare violations. This decision followed an extensive investigation by the Liberia National Police, which uncovered numerous allegations of child mistreatment, including physical abuse and neglect, at the AFAA orphanage.
The police report revealed that staff members at AFAA routinely subjected children to physical punishment, including forcing them to lift heavy chairs and beating them with wooden spoons. Additionally, AFAA failed to report sexual abuse incidents within the orphanage. The Ministry’s letter, dated February 19, 2024, confirmed the revocation of AFAA’s accreditation, citing the findings from the police investigation.
While AFAA has lobbied for reinstatement, the Ministry of Gender rejected this request, emphasizing the safety and best interests of Liberian children. Furthermore, the Ministry assured that measures would be taken to care for the children previously under AFAA’s care, including evaluating cases for potential reunification with their biological parents or placement in safe homes. The Ministry has also banned all key AFAA staff from working in adoption or childcare services in Liberia.
Despite the serious nature of the findings, the Ministry has not disclosed the full police report, and the public remains uncertain about the full extent of the actions taken to protect the children involved or to hold the responsible parties accountable.
General News
UEMOA National Workshop in Bissau Focuses on 2040 Vision and Strategic Plan for Economic Integration
The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) held a national workshop in Bissau on March 20, 2025, to present and discuss the “UEMOA 2040 Perspective Vision” and the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. The workshop, attended by over fifty technicians from various sectors, aimed to engage participants in understanding the new benchmarks set for UEMOA’s future development and the steps required for successful implementation.
The Commissioner of UEMOA, Paul Koffi KOFFI, highlighted that the development of these strategic documents followed a participatory approach, involving all key stakeholders such as government, private sector, civil society, and financial partners. He emphasized the importance of aligning national development plans with the UEMOA 2040 Vision and called for collaboration from all parties to ensure successful implementation.
Koffi KOFFI outlined the main challenges identified by UEMOA populations, including security, governance, and economic transformation, particularly focusing on industrialization and reducing non-tariff barriers to enhance intra-community trade. He also stressed the significance of free movement and improving public finance management to reach the common market goals.
Guinea-Bissau’s Finance Ministry Technical Advisor, Mohamed Baldé, underlined the importance of the workshop, noting that it would help align national policies with UEMOA’s integration goals, ensuring that the country’s development initiatives are consistent with broader regional strategies.
Cape Verde to Honor Freedom Fighter Osvaldo Aranda de Azevedo on Independence Day
The President of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, announced that Osvaldo Aranda de Azevedo, a national independence freedom fighter, will be honored as part of the country’s 50th Independence Day celebrations. The tribute recognizes Azevedo’s contributions as a writer, artist, and journalist who played a key role in the struggle for independence.
Speaking at Azevedo’s burial ceremony in Ribeira Brava, President Neves emphasized the importance of recognizing other historical figures from São Nicolau, such as Dr. Júlio Dias and medical captain Camões, for their contributions to the island. He also highlighted the need to preserve historical sites like the old Marica cemetery, which holds significant ties to the abolition of slavery.
Additionally, during his visit to the Ribeira Brava Health Department, the President acknowledged improvements in healthcare services but stressed the need for better specialist consultations and improved transport connectivity to support medical evacuations. He pledged to work with authorities to enhance historical preservation efforts and healthcare infrastructure across Cape Verde.
Liberia Land Authority Introduces Secure Land Deeds to Combat Fraud
The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) has introduced a new land deed form with
enhanced security features to curb illegal land sales and ensure lawful ownership.
Announced by LLA Chairman Samuel F. Kpakio on March 21, 2025, the
initiative aims to restore public trust in land governance.
With support from Swiss partners, LLA staff have been trained to verify land
deeds, a process that will be decentralized to county offices. Additionally, a
moratorium on public land transactions has been imposed in specific areas,
requiring all landholders to submit their agreements for verification by March 31,
2025.
Kpakio also announced reforms, including a land valuation system in
collaboration with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), comprehensive audits
by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and Internal Audit Agency (IAA),
and the creation of specialized land dispute resolution units. The Legal Division
will be strengthened to tackle fraudulent land transactions, and a Compliance Unit
will be formed to enforce legal land dealings.
Kpakio emphasized that these reforms represent not just change but a renewal of
Liberia’s land governance system, ensuring secure land rights and promoting
transparency.