In a dramatic display of frustration and desperation, members of the National Traditional Council of Liberia staged a peaceful protest on Saturday, December 7, at the entrance to the President’s residence in Rehab, Monrovia. The protest, which drew attention from residents and passersby, was aimed at demanding immediate action over the council members’ prolonged salary delays, which they claim have lasted for eight months.
The protesters, many of whom were dressed in traditional attire to signify their cultural identity and role as custodians of Liberia’s heritage, gathered together just opposite the President’s home in hopes of being noticed by him. The council members accused Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin of deliberately withholding their salaries, leaving them and their families in dire financial straits.
Speaking to reporters, one of the aggrieved council members, Sando Sulu, expressed his deep disappointment with the government, particularly the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which oversees the welfare of traditional leaders across the country. “We have been patient for too long,” he said. “For eight months, we have not received a dime. We have reached out to the Internal Affairs Minister several times, but he refuses to pay us. We have also appealed to other government officials, but our cries have fallen on deaf ears.”
Sulu further highlighted the devastating impact of the unpaid salaries on their families and communities. “Many of us cannot afford to send our children to school. They have been sitting at home for months. Some of us don’t even have food to eat. We are traditional leaders, yet we are now being forced to beg just to survive. This is unacceptable,” he lamented.
Another protester, Madam Oretha Bango, the Supervisor of Maintenance also accused the government of neglecting the very individuals who serve as the backbone of Liberia’s cultural heritage and governance at the grassroots level. “We are the ones who maintain peace in our communities. We resolve conflicts and ensure that traditions are upheld. Yet, we are treated as though we do not matter,” she said.
According to the protesters, their efforts to seek redress through formal channels have been ignored. They claim to have written multiple letters to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other relevant authorities, all of which have gone unanswered. “We have done everything we can to resolve this matter quietly. But now, we are left with no other option but to bring our grievances directly to the President,” said Madam Cecelia who happened to be the H/R for the group.
The National Traditional Council of Liberia plays a crucial role in the governance structure of the country. Its members act as intermediaries between the government and rural communities, helping to implement policies and address local disputes. However, their inability to perform these duties effectively due to financial constraints has led to growing tensions in their communities.
Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin, who has been at the center of the controversy, has yet to respond to the allegations. Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.
For the protesters, the peaceful demonstration at the President’s residence is their last hope. “We are here because we believe the President will listen to us,” said Madam Bongo. “He is the leader of this country, and we trust that he will ensure that justice is done.”
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the Office of the President regarding the protest. However, the demonstration has sparked widespread discussion among Liberians, with many calling for swift action to address the grievances of the traditional leaders.
The protesters have vowed to continue their peaceful demonstration until their demands are met. For now, their message is clear: the government must prioritize the welfare of its traditional leaders, who remain integral to the country’s peace and stability.
