MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs has written a letter to Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Minister/Attorney General of the Ministry of Justice, concerning the violent protest action that took place in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County, resulting in the death of three citizens. The letter, dated Friday, May 11th, 2024 and signed by Hon. Sylvester M. Grigsby, the Ministry of State, states that the President agrees with the recommendation to contribute US$5,000 each to the families of the three victims, amounting to a total of US$15,000.
However, in response to the government’s letter, Hon. Millias Z. Sheriff, Consultant/Liaison to the victims’ families, expressed his strong dissatisfaction, deeming the compensation offer as ridiculous. He highlighted that the three victims were peaceful and unarmed citizens who were killed by the Liberian National Police (LNP) in Kinjor on February 29, 2024 while advocating for the interests of the Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC).
Sheriff criticized the initial justification of the “USE OF NECESSARY FORCE” by the LNP against unarmed citizens and the subsequent offer of compensation. He labeled the government’s actions as wicked, heartless, and insensitive, emphasizing their lack of concern for the welfare of its citizens and their compromised nature of doing business to the detriment of Liberians.
Sheriff vowed to pursue justice for the victims and their families, expressing an unwavering commitment to engage both the government and BMMC through all available means. He asserted that they would explore every possible avenue to ensure that justice is served.
Charles Yates, a journalist from Grand Cape Mount County, echoed Sheriff’s sentiments, describing the government’s letter as totally unacceptable to the people of Cape Mount. He questioned the lack of punishment for the Bea Mountain Mining Company and denounced the government’s actions as provocation. Yates warned that if justice is not served, the people of Kinjor may resort to further actions, including possible retaliation.
The government’s compensation offer has drawn severe criticism from Hon. Millias Z. Sheriff and Charles Yates, who both perceive the gesture as insufficient and indicative of the government’s disregard for the lives of its citizens. As the outcry against the government’s response intensifies, the pressure for a thorough investigation and fair resolution of the Kinjor incident grows stronger. It remains to be seen how the government will address these concerns and whether justice will be delivered to the victims and their families.
It can be recalled that on Thursday, February 29, a protest took place at the Bea Mountain Mining Company in Grand Cape Mount County, resulting in the loss of two lives and leaving several others wounded. The incident highlighted the underlying discontent surrounding mining operations in the area.
The demonstration initially began as a peaceful gathering of local residents who voiced grievances against the mining company’s activities. However, the situation escalated rapidly when clashes erupted between officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the aggrieved citizens. The conflicting reports indicate that the confrontation turned violent as the police attempted to disperse the crowd.
Tragically, two individuals lost their lives during the unrest, succumbing to the injuries sustained in the clashes. Furthermore, several others suffered varying degrees of injuries, exacerbating the already tense atmosphere surrounding the incident.
