Nimba County – Traditional leaders in Nimba County have reached an agreement to dismantle all roadblocks erected in protest against Arcelor Mittal Liberia’s operations in the county.
This decision paves the way for constructive dialogue between the affected communities and the company.
Normal operations of the world iron ore mining giant had been disrupted for several days in Nimba County due to sustained protests by host communities, backed by their traditional societies.
The communities, predominantly from Sehyi, Yarmein, and Zor Chiefdoms, accused the company of failing to honor the terms outlined in the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) signed with the Government of Liberia, as well as neglecting its social corporate responsibilities towards the communities.
Their demands included the improvement of road infrastructure connecting the communities, increased employment opportunities for locals, restoration of facilities in Yekepa, and resolution of environmental, water, sewage, and health concerns.
In response to the escalating protests, the Ministry of Internal Affairs swiftly intervened, dispatching Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Minister of Internal Affairs, along with a delegation from the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Concession (IMCC).
Their intervention facilitated the cessation of the protests and the removal of roadblocks by the traditional leaders.
A well-attended town hall meeting convened in Gbaleayee Town, Yarmein District, on Saturday, May 11, provided a platform for all stakeholders to voice their grievances. Minister Nyumalin and the IMCC engaged with various groups, including women, youth, advocacy and civil society organizations, chiefs, and traditional leaders, among others.
Following extensive consultations, the Minister reached an agreement with the traditional leaders to halt the protests and dismantle the roadblocks.
Additionally, ArcelorMittal committed to initiating immediate road rehabilitation efforts, while dialogue would ensue to address the remaining demands.
The affected communities were urged to establish a committee tasked with engaging ArcelorMittal’s management on a point-by-point basis for each demand. The first round of discussions was scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 12, in Yekepa.
Minister Nyumalin emphasized the importance of fostering social cohesion through dialogue between the communities and the company.
However, he expressed disapproval of leveraging traditional societies for protest purposes, emphasizing that while the government holds concessions accountable, it does not condone substituting tradition for the rule of law.
Saturday’s engagement saw the participation of key figures including Honorable Edwin Dennis, head of the National Bureau of Concession, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Mines & Energy, Representative Nehker Gaye of Electoral District Number Three, Representative Nyan Flomo of Nimba District Number Two, and local government officials from Nimba County, among others.
Credit: Willie N. Tokpah/ Contributing Writer
