Liberia, July 15 -- Editor's Note: This story is the first of a two-part series on an illegal logging agreement between Vambo and Marloi townships in Grand Bassa County, and African Trades Entrepreneur Enterprises Incorporated.

VAMBO - Officials of Grand Bassa County have signed an illegal deal with a company to pave a dusty road through two townships in the county in exchange for logs. Forestry authorities have denounced the agreement, which is not backed by law and is reminiscent of logging practices that left communities more impoverished and helped fuel the Liberian Civil War.

Report By James Harding Giahyue, with New Narratives

The company, African Trades Entrepreneur Enterprise Incorporated, will construct some 75 kilometers of r...