SANNIQUELLIE, NIMBA COUNTY – A protest by aggrieved workers of AFCON, a subcontractor to ArcelorMittal Liberia, erupted into violence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, prompting the arrest of 27 individuals and leaving eight police officers injured, authorities have confirmed.
The demonstration, which began near Yekepa, involved workers demanding payment of alleged unpaid salaries and improved working conditions. AFCON is currently engaged in construction works tied to ArcelorMittal’s multi-billion-dollar iron ore concentration plant project in Nimba County.
According to police, what started as a peaceful assembly quickly escalated after a security officer was reportedly overpowered, assaulted, and temporarily disarmed. The firearm allegedly seized during the confrontation has since been recovered, security officials disclosed.
Nimba County Police Commander ACP Larmie Mendin said the 27 arrested protesters were transferred to Sanniquellie for further investigation. He confirmed that eight officers of the Liberia National Police sustained injuries during the clashes and are receiving medical care.
Commander Mendin called on workers to remain calm and pursue their grievances through lawful channels. He emphasized that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, violence and attacks on security personnel would not be tolerated.
Amid rising tension, the Nimba County Legislative Caucus issued a press release on Thursday, February 19, expressing “deep regret and grave concern” over the violent turn of events involving what it described as aggrieved laid-off workers of AFCON operating within Nimba County.
The Caucus said it was “profoundly saddened” by reports that several individuals, including officers of the Liberia National Police, sustained injuries during the unrest. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all those injured and wish them a swift and full recovery,” the statement read. The lawmakers also acknowledged the detention of individuals identified as alleged ringleaders and urged that their legal rights be fully respected as investigations proceed.
At what it termed a “tense moment,” the Caucus issued an urgent appeal for calm and restraint. It called on affected workers and residents of Nimba County to remain peaceful and allow the rule of law to prevail, stressing that escalation would only undermine efforts toward resolution.
In response to the incident, the Caucus announced the immediate dispatch of a high-level fact-finding delegation to engage key stakeholders. The delegation, according to the statement, will hold consultations with aggrieved workers, AFCON management, ArcelorMittal Liberia officials, community leaders, and security authorities to assess the situation and recommend solutions.
The lawmakers thanked the citizens of Nimba County for their patience and civility and pledged to work with the executive branch and the company to secure a peaceful and equitable settlement to the labor dispute.
Meanwhile, prominent social justice advocate Martin Kollie strongly criticized ArcelorMittal Liberia in the wake of the protest. In a public statement, Kollie alleged widespread labor abuses across mining and concession areas in Liberia.
“Liberian workers are being abused across mines, plantations, and concession areas,” Kollie asserted. He claimed that despite more than two decades of iron ore exports by the company, communities in mining regions continue to lack safe drinking water, quality education, and basic healthcare services.
Kollie further argued that workers in concession areas are subjected to poor wages and unpaid benefits while the company continues large-scale operations. He described the situation as unjust and called for urgent reforms to protect labor rights.
The activist also referenced what he described as a controversial “US$200 million signature bonus,” alleging that such arrangements have diverted attention away from the welfare of ordinary workers.
