MONROVIA – The Consortium of Rubber Sector Actors of Liberia (CRSAL) took to the streets on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, in a peaceful protest aimed at drawing attention to the export ban on unprocessed rubber and calling for the resignation of Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetan.
CRSAL, representing various stakeholders in the rubber sector, emphasized their belief in the free market system and its principles of competition, which they argue are essential for promoting and sustaining free trade. They urged the government to allow the rubber sector to operate on the basis of a “willing seller and willing buyer” arrangement, stressing that this approach would benefit both the sector actors and the country as a whole.
The protesters highlighted the importance of free trade in the growth, development, and sustainability of powerful economic nations in today’s world. They argued that lifting the export ban on unprocessed rubber would greatly improve the lives of rubber sector actors and their families, as well as benefit the broader Liberian population.
CRSAL’s call for Minister Nuetan’s resignation stems from their dissatisfaction with his handling of the situation. They believe that new leadership is needed to address the challenges facing the rubber sector and ensure its growth and prosperity.
The protest underscores the growing discontent among stakeholders in the rubber sector over the government’s policies and decisions regarding the exportation of unprocessed rubber. It also highlights the importance of the sector to Liberia’s economy and the livelihoods of many Liberians.
As the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by CRSAL and other stakeholders, the future of Liberia’s rubber sector remains uncertain. However, the protesters remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that positive changes will be made to support the growth and development of the sector.
