President Johnson-Sirleaf 18 Jan removed all non- statutory members of Liberia’s public corporation boards citing poor governance and performance amid ongoing debate over levels of public corruption; reappointments expected shortly. Govt 22 Jan signed $2.6b iron ore exploration deal with China Union, 1 of largest ever single foreign investments in Liberia.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) named perpetrators and “persons of interest” set to appear before commission for role during 1999-2004 conflict. But TRC dealt early blow by President Johnson-Sirleaf’s failure 18 Dec to make appearance in response to allegations of her role in conflict; her office reportedly objected to public hearing, inadequate security. Some 200 escaped from UNMIL-guarded maximum security prison in Monrovia 1 Dec; majority still at large. UNSC 19 Dec voted to renew arms embargo, sanctions on key figures in civil war and mandate of expert monitoring panel.

UN peacekeepers 7 Nov increased patrols along Côte d’Ivoire border following unsubstantiated reports of incursions by rebel fighters.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission 13 Oct survey stressed threat of return to civil war posed by rising land tensions, also governance failures and unemployment. Followed 6 Oct armed stand-off between communities locked in year-long land dispute, Voinjama district. Son of Charles Taylor and U.S. citizen Chuckie Taylor convicted in Miami for torture during involvement in Liberia’s 1999-2004 civil war.

UN Special Representative Løj 3 Sept announced second stage of UNMIL drawdown, to 12,000 troops, to begin Oct. Anti-Corruption Commission officially approved 12 Sept, but marred by controversy after opposition, civil society opposed appointment of commission head, claiming links to president. Son of former President Charles Taylor began trial in Miami late Sept for atrocities during father’s rule, in landmark U.S. case into torture committed overseas.

UNSG Ban Ki-moon 15 Aug recommended UNMIL mandate extended to Sept 2009 and police units expanded due to security risks. Controversy over Senate presidency after 5 Aug vote to suspend temporary president Nyenabo, later ruled unconstitutional by Supreme Court. Anti-corruption commission set up 22 Aug following donor, opposition calls to fight graft.

Govt 9 July acknowledged deteriorating security, police criminality as violent crime reportedly peaked early July. Justice minister 4 July disclosed plans to combat security service inefficiency.

At least 19 farm workers killed in 7 June attacks in Margibi, Grand Bassa counties linked to land dispute between 2 senators; Senator Kaine charged with murder, awaits trial. UN arms embargo, monitoring panel extended to 20 Dec.

Ex-VP Moses Blah testified against ex-President Charles Taylor – on trial for role in Sierra Leone conflict – at SL special court despite death threats; gave evidence of troop atrocities and Libyan support. Prosecutor said Taylor held billions in foreign accounts. General Julu and retd Colonel Dorbor on trial for alleged coup plot against Sirleaf govt acquitted 2 May.

UN SRSG Ellen Margrethe Løj 14 Apr stressed fragility of peace, continued reliance on UNMIL for security amid concerns over planned UNMIL drawdown impact. Paris Club creditors 18 Apr agreed $254m debt relief for Liberia, conditional on IMF-set reforms. 2 Apr UNMIL report alleged corruption among court officials.