Sinoe County Electoral District #2 Representative, Hon. Samson Q. Wiah, has called for an immediate and independent investigation into an alleged shooting incident and intimidation of civilians by personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) in parts of Sinoe County.
Speaking to reporters, Rep. Wiah said he received reports on Sunday evening, around 7:45pm, of a serious security incident in Jedepo Nyennawiliaken and nearby communities, where AFL personnel allegedly discharged live ammunition and took control of parts of the town, causing fear and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.
According to the lawmaker, the AFL was originally deployed to the area to remove illicit miners from protected forest zones and to curb poaching activities in and around Sapo National Park. He noted that local authorities and community leaders initially welcomed the deployment, citing the importance of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
However, Rep. Wiah alleged that complaints later emerged that some AFL personnel had abandoned their assigned posts and remained within civilian communities, contrary to their mandate. He said these concerns were formally communicated to senior AFL authorities, who reportedly assured that corrective measures would be taken. Despite those assurances, similar incidents were later reported in other communities, including Batikeng (Jerepok Batikeng).
The lawmaker further alleged that some soldiers were no longer focused on removing illegal miners but were instead engaging in improper conduct within communities, including associating with illicit miners. He described the situation as troubling and damaging to public confidence.
Rep. Wiah said the most recent incident occurred during traditional Grebo cultural rites, marking the initiation of adolescent boys into manhood. During the ceremony, traditional leaders had gathered in Nyanagoleke, where customary protocols required residents to remain indoors.
According to the representative, AFL personnel allegedly entered the area under the influence of alcohol and attempted to interfere with the cultural process. He claimed that when traditional authorities enforced customary restrictions, the soldiers resisted and allegedly opened fire, discharging numerous rounds throughout the town.
He further alleged that more than 80 spent shell casings were recovered, bullets struck buildings, and several traditional leaders, including Zoes and Bodios, were chased, beaten, and some detained. The incident reportedly caused widespread panic and displacement of residents.
Rep. Wiah said his office dispatched a resource officer to the affected communities to gather firsthand information. He claimed that during subsequent engagements, some AFL personnel admitted to wrongdoing and apologized to residents.
Condemning the incident, the lawmaker called on the AFL Chief of Staff, the Minister of Defense, and the Minister of Internal Affairs to take swift action. He urged a thorough investigation and recommended that any personnel found culpable be subjected to court-martial proceedings in line with military law and ethics.
“The AFL exists to protect citizens, not to intimidate them,” Rep. Wiah said, adding that soldiers should be redeployed strictly to their designated operational areas within the park.
He also stressed the need for enhanced training of military personnel, particularly in respecting traditional authority, cultural practices, and local governance structures. He alleged that during the incident, AFL personnel reportedly ignored instructions from local officials, including commissioners, mayors, and chiefs.
In addition, Rep. Wiah called on the AFL to assess and repair damages allegedly caused during the incident and to compensate affected communities where appropriate.
Recalling Liberia’s history of civil conflict, the lawmaker warned that such incidents could reopen old wounds if not decisively addressed.
“The government must act fast to bring this situation under control,” he said. “Liberians deserve peace, respect for their traditions, and protection under the law.”
