By D. Abraham Cooper Sr.
Grand Gedeh Correspondent, Verity
July 31,2025
On Wednesday, July 30,2025, residents of Juluzon and Jarwondee woke up to the news of tensions been erupted between the both towns due to a longstanding land dispute.
It can be recalled that this longstanding Land dispute has been between the both towns since the coming of Burkinabee in the Gbarzon region in 2021.
According to the town chief of Juluzon, Mr. George Satue, the case on several occasions was forwarded to Court and at the end the Juluzon community won after the investigation.
But latest fighting shows that the conflict still remains unresolved even though the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) later placed a halt to the both towns to refrain from working in the forest while declaring the disputed area as a customary land.
A recent ruling by Judge George Wah of the seventh Judiciary Circuit Court
declared the land as community property and handed the matter back to local authorities.
“This land, our people turned it over to us before they died and we have been working there for long time and no problem, but because Burkinabee people come here with plenty money so they bringing fighting among us.”
Meanwhile, in Juluzon,a permanent resident James Togba is sounding the alarm on the ongoing land crisis.
He said that Since 2021, the land dispute has led to farming bans, hunger, and even reported deaths of people from the both towns.
James Togba is calling on the Superintendent, youth leaders, and civil society organizations to launch public education campaigns on land rights and demarcation laws to prevent future conflict.
In another development, a local Juluzon landowner says he has spent eight years battling encroachment on his family’s land. Though seven people were recently arrested following an on-site investigation, but the violations continue.
Efforts to begin joint demarcation were rejected by the opposing party, who also claim ownership.
For his part, the city mayor of Jarwondee Arthur J. Satoe and other local leaders are working to resolve the deep-rooted land conflict between the families .
Both groups claim ownership of a customary land area, but neither holds legal deeds.
In response, Mayor Satoe said he alongside with civil society groups, formed a Peace Media Committee. The committee verification was confirmed by elders, who revealed that the land had long ago been given to Jarwondee.
The mayor narrated that tension reached a boiling point recently with the arrest of nine boys during a dispute over land demarcation. Jarwondee residents rejected the proposed demarcation point, demanding it be shifted to a different location. The Town Chief expressed frustration with governance delay into the situation.
He also accused an individual only identify as Nathaniel of undermining peace efforts by ignoring tradition and involving outsiders. Community elders are now urging a return to traditional methods and full respect for local customs.
As Jarwudee seeks peace, all eyes remain on government and community leaders to guide the way forward.
The incident led to the damaging of a motorcycle and network receiver in Jarwondee .
The Liberia National Police has arrested nine Burkinabe four of them from Juluzon and five from Jarwondee and later forwarded them to the headquarters of the LNP in Zwedru awaiting proper investigation.
