On Thursday, August 8, 2024, a group of Liberian citizens recently repatriated from the Budumburam Refugee Camp in Ghana staged a peaceful protest at the residence of President Joseph Boakai.
The demonstration was triggered by what the returnees claim is the failure of Liberian authorities to provide the resettlement packages they were promised.
The Budumburam Refugee Camp had been a refuge for many Liberians who fled the country’s 14-year civil war, which took over 250,000 lives.
Following the Ghanaian government’s decision to demolish the camp, these individuals were repatriated to Liberia.
Having been back in Liberia for three months, the returnees expressed frustration over what they perceive as neglect by the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC).
Among the demonstrators were children aged five to ten, holding placards with messages like “Are we not Liberians?” We need our money.”
According to the returnees, the LRRRC had committed to providing financial support of US$300 for each household head and US$225 per child.
However, they allege that approximately 90 percent of them have yet to receive the promised funds despite repeated efforts to follow up with the Commission.
One elderly protester shared that while he had received a cellphone and a 25kg bag of rice, he was still waiting for other items that had been promised, such as slippers and cooking oil.
“I received my phone and a 25kg bag of rice, but I’m still waiting for my oil, slippers, and other things the LRRRC promised,” he said.
The returnees gathered at President Boakai’s residence to seek redress for their grievances, expressing gratitude for his efforts in facilitating their return but emphasizing their urgent need for further assistance.
“We’ve reached out to the LRRRC numerous times to address our concerns, but nothing has been resolved. That’s why we’re here today. We’re thankful to President Boakai for bringing us home, but our needs still haven’t been met,” explained one protester.
Many of these returnees, who had been away from Liberia for more than thirty years, are relying on the resettlement packages to rebuild their lives.
They believe that the funds promised by the LRRRC are essential for them and their families to get back on their feet.
A younger protester expressed his anger, alleging that the government, through the LRRRC, has been collecting funds on their behalf but has failed to distribute the money.
“Initially, we were told we’d receive $1,500, then it dropped to $700, and now they’re saying $300. These people are collecting money in our name and keeping it for themselves,” he said with frustration.
The returnees also claimed that the LRRRC began making payments to a few of them around July 25, 2024, but after paying only about 25 individuals, the entire process was abruptly halted without explanation.
This protest at President Boakai’s residence underscores the growing discontent among the returnees, who are calling on the government to urgently address their concerns and ensure the promised resettlement assistance is fully provided.
As the situation develops, there is increasing pressure on the LRRRC and the Liberian government to respond to the grievances of these citizens who have returned home after decades abroad.
