President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is expected to visit ArcelorMittal’s operational sites in Nimba County on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, as part of an official tour aimed at evaluating the company’s contributions to local development, infrastructures and workers’ welfare.
The visit will include an inspection of ArcelorMittal’s mining facilities and engagements with local stakeholders. According to the Executive Mansion, President Boakai seeks to gain firsthand insight into the company’s activities and the socio-economic impact of its operations on surrounding communities.
However, the president’s visit may be met with public unrest. Youth groups in Nimba have announced plans to stage a protest during the visit, citing what they call ArcelorMittal’s “persistent failure” to fulfill its corporate social responsibility obligations.
Jeremiah Gayford, Verity Nimba contributor, said the protest is intended to draw President Boakai’s attention to ongoing concerns over the company’s community engagement and development efforts.
The youth groups allege that despite years of mining operations in the region, local communities have seen little tangible benefit in terms of infrastructure, education, and job opportunities.
Tensions between the local population and ArcelorMittal have flared in the past over similar issues, and Wednesday’s protest could further highlight the growing demand for accountability from concession companies operating in Liberia.
Security arrangements are expected to be heightened ahead of the visit, with both government officials and local leaders calling for a peaceful and constructive dialogue during the president’s tour.
