By: Aaron Kubahn Email: aaronkubahn2015@gmail.com 0888832186/0776049985
Monrovia, March 14, 2025 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has nominated Mr. Elijah F. Rufus as the new Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), replacing suspended Commissioner General Stephen Zargo.
Commissioner-Designate Rufus previously served as Deputy Commissioner for Administration and Acting Commissioner General of the LIS following Zargo’s suspension.
A copy of the suspension letter to Zargo, acquired by DN News, cited his handling of a writ of Ne Exeat Republica involving an unnamed individual under court action. According to the letter dated November 13, 2024, President Boakai stated that Zargo exercised improper judgment and failed in his duty to uphold the responsibilities required of his position. As a result, he was suspended from duty without pay for three months and instructed to hand over office materials and assets to his deputy.
To the dismay of many, Zargo, whose suspension was set to end on February 13, 2025, did not return to his position before the nomination of a new Commissioner General on March 14, 2025.
Pundits believe that Zargo’s replacement may have been influenced by factors beyond the content of his suspension letter.
The appointment of Rufus marks a significant change in leadership at LIS, with expectations that he will implement necessary reforms and strengthen the agency’s role in immigration enforcement.
Meanwhile, the President also made appointments in other key sectors, naming Mr. Mohammed M. Sheriff as Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation, Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr. as Acting Director General of NaFAA, and Mr. Abner W. Yonly to the Liberia Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Additionally, several county attorneys were appointed under the Ministry of Justice to strengthen the legal framework across Liberia.
In his announcement, President Boakai urged the newly appointed officials to demonstrate diligence, professionalism, and integrity in service to the nation. Where applicable, the appointments are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
The nomination of the new LIS Commissioner General, Elijah F. Rufus, is also subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. Once confirmed, Rufus is expected to begin addressing pressing immigration concerns, including border security, the issuance of travel documents, and the enforcement of immigration laws. His appointment comes at a time when Liberia has just launched its Visa on Arrival service, a milestone achievement for the government.
