MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Mr. Anderson Miamen, the Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), has spoken out on mining issues in Liberia, emphasizing the need for concessions to benefit the people rather than a select few self-interest-seeking public officials.
Sharing his views on his official Facebook page today, Mr. Miamen drew attention to recent incidents in Nimba County, where communities affected by Mittal Steel’s operations have reportedly faced mistreatment. He also mentioned a tragic incident in Grand Cape Mount County that resulted in loss of life and property.
Backdrop of Recent Mining Protests in Liberia:
Recent protests in Liberia’s mining sector have highlighted ongoing issues of labor practices and community grievances.
1. Mano Palm Oil Industries Limited (MPOI) Protest:
On Tuesday, May 7, workers from MPOI in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount Counties staged a protest, alleging bad labor practices and inhumane treatment by the company. The workers demanded that MPOI leave the area, setting up roadblocks and calling for government intervention through the Ministry of Labor.
2. Bea Mountain Mining Company Protest:
On Thursday, February 29, a protest at the Bea Mountain Mining Company in Grand Cape Mount County turned tragic, resulting in the loss of two lives and several others wounded. Tensions between the Liberia National Police (LNP) and protesters, who were voicing grievances against the company’s operations, escalated into a violent confrontation. Reports indicate that clashes erupted as police attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to the unfortunate loss of lives.
These incidents underscore the deep-seated discontent surrounding mining operations in Liberia and the urgent need for improved labor practices and community relations within the sector.
However, Mr. Miamen expressed concern over the recurring issues in Liberia’s concessions sector, despite the presence of institutions tasked with monitoring these concessions. He lamented the poor treatment of workers by mining and other companies, particularly those classified as contractors or ordinary staff.
He criticized concessionaires and their partners in government for getting richer at the expense of the true owners of Liberia’s resources, who continue to live in poverty. Mr. Miamen suggested that many companies prefer to bribe public officials rather than allocate resources to those who truly need them.
Mr. Miamen called for an end to this practice, stating that the people of Liberia deserve to live decently, just like their elected and appointed officials. He urged public officials to stop accepting bribes from companies and to prioritize the interests of the Liberian people.
In conclusion, Mr. Miamen emphasized that the current situation cannot continue and called for urgent action to ensure transparency and accountability in Liberia’s mining sector.
