MONROVIA – Chief Imam Ali Krayee of Liberia has issued a strong appeal for calm and national unity following renewed violence over the long-running Red Light land dispute in Paynesville. Speaking in Monrovia over the weekend, the Imam called on Muslims and all Liberians to fully respect the Supreme Court’s ruling, stressing that politicizing the dispute or resisting lawful eviction orders places the country’s peace at risk. He reminded the public that the Supreme Court is the final arbiter of justice and that its decisions must be obeyed, regardless of any dissatisfaction.
The disputed property, located in the densely populated Red Light commercial zone, has been the subject of a bitter ownership battle for years. In August 2025, the Supreme Court affirmed the Keita family as the legitimate owners and ordered sheriffs to carry out an eviction. The ruling followed multiple legal challenges between the Keita and Kamara families, both of whom are prominent members of the Muslim community. Despite the clarity of the court’s decision, attempts to enforce the eviction have repeatedly met violent resistance, disrupting business and alarming residents in one of Liberia’s busiest market districts.
Violence erupted again on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, when a group of men armed with cutlasses, stones, and petrol bombs obstructed a court sheriff dispatched to enforce the court’s order. The confrontation brought commercial activities to a halt as shop owners closed their stores, banks locked their doors, and pedestrians fled for safety. Police officers deployed swiftly and arrested several individuals believed to have instigated the violence. Business activities later resumed, but tension remained high across the community.
This latest outbreak followed a similar incident on Saturday, November 1, when seven individuals, six men and one woman, were arrested after allegedly brandishing dangerous weapons and inciting chaos during a previous eviction attempt. Videos of the confrontation circulated widely on social media, prompting rapid police intervention. The suspects were later charged in court and remanded at the Monrovia Central Prison pending further legal proceedings.
Imam Krayee expressed deep concern over the recurrent unrest, calling it a dangerous trend that undermines the rule of law. He revealed that senior Muslim figures, including former Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh, had earlier intervened, appealing to both families to respect the law and comply peacefully with the court’s ruling. According to the Imam, the essence of Islamic teachings is obedience to lawful authority and commitment to peace—values he said must guide the Muslim community during moments of tension.
In his message, the Chief Imam condemned the use of violence, stating firmly that no religious, ethnic, or community group has the right to destabilize the state under the guise of defending property interests. He emphasized that land matters, while sensitive, should never escalate into confrontation with state authorities. “We must not challenge the law or politicize court decisions. Liberia can only move forward when we respect the institutions that sustain our democracy,” he warned.
Residents of Red Light remain divided over the dispute. Some argue that the enforcement of the ruling is necessary to uphold judicial credibility, while others claim that the decision was reached without full consideration of historical ownership records. Businesses, meanwhile, are increasingly worried that the recurring clashes will drive customers away and weaken commercial activity in one of the nation’s most vital economic corridors.
Civil society groups and human rights advocates have also weighed in, urging the Liberia National Police to show restraint during enforcement operations while also calling on residents to avoid provoking confrontation. These groups argue that the cycle of evictions and resistance highlights broader challenges in land administration and property rights across the country, issues that often fuel tension in urban and rural communities alike.
Police authorities, for their part, have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing all lawful court orders and maintaining public order. They warned that anyone found obstructing official duties or engaging in acts of violence would face prosecution. The LNP stressed that the rule of law must prevail, encouraging citizens to seek legal remedies instead of resorting to street-level resistance.
As the situation evolves, all eyes are on the Supreme Court, community leaders, and security forces to ensure that the eviction process proceeds peacefully and without further disruption. Imam Ali Krayee’s intervention is being widely seen as an important step toward de-escalation. Yet with emotions still raw and distrust lingering, sustaining peace in Red Light will require continued dialogue, patience, and a collective commitment to respecting the law.
