L.I.S Chief Stephen Zargo Set to Resume Role After Three-Month Suspension

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – February 12, 2025 - Stephen J. H. Zargo, Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), is poised to return to office on Thursday, February 13, 2025, following a three-month suspension ordered by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai. The suspension, enacted on November 13, 2024, for unspecified administrative reasons, concluded after a review period, reigniting discussions about governance and accountability within the agency.

President Boakai’s abrupt suspension of Zargo last November cited “administrative reasons,” though the government has not publicly detailed the allegations or findings. Sources close to the administration suggest the move followed internal audits of LIS operations, including visa processing protocols and staff management. During Zargo’s absence, Deputy Commissioner General Elijah F. Rufus assumed acting leadership, maintaining day-to-day operations.

Zargo, a lawyer and former security adviser, previously earned praise for digitizing LIS workflows and curbing corruption in VISA, and residence permits issuance. However, challenges persist, including staff shortages and irregular migration trends.  Zargo has not yet issued a public statement about his return on Thursday.