Maritime & Trade Security: Liberia-flagged Front Eagle’s Strait of Hormuz collision dispute was mediated by China’s Guangzhou Maritime Court, with both sides agreeing to apply Chinese law and submit to the Chinese court—another reminder of how shipping legal routes can shift outcomes. Drug Trafficking & Maritime Enforcement: Liberia’s IB Atlantic IV, at the center of a multi-country drug chase, has been arrested in Ivory Coast and is now in Ivorian custody; LiMA is working to secure a Sea Shepherd escort back to Liberia as questions remain over cargo. Gold Sector Governance: Liberia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy launched gold trade regulations introducing a Gold Traceability System and mandatory Gold Traceability Vouchers from Oct. 1, 2026 to curb illicit trafficking and tighten oversight. Energy & Budget Planning: Government convened an Energy and Environment Sector Working Group session to shape the 2027 national budget, bringing together key energy, environment, and city agencies. Fisheries & Media Capacity: EJF trained 12 Liberian journalists to improve fisheries reporting, focusing on illegal fishing, human rights at sea, and protection of the Inshore Exclusion Zone. Hospitality Skills for Jobs: Vice President Koung dedicated Liberia’s first purpose-built National Hospitality Training Center in Paynesville, aiming to boost tourism workforce readiness. Donor-Funded Project Audits: Liberia’s GAC published 34 audit reports on donor-funded projects with about US$300m in annual disbursements, covering sectors from energy to fisheries. Coffee Value Chain: ITC, FUNL, and IITA completed a field assessment tied to EU coffee projects, including progress on improved practices and seedling distribution. Sanitation Upgrade: Sie D. Anderson renovated and reopened a public latrine in Wroto Town, addressing years of unsafe sanitation practices.