Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-06 02:13:00
The recent protest at the Bea Mountain Mining Company in the Western Liberian town of Kinjor in Grand Capemount County has sparked a wave of unanswered questions and concerns. Reports of protesters armed with locally made single barrel guns and petrol bombs have raised suspicions regarding whether the protest was a peaceful demonstration or an act of terrorism.
On Tuesday, March 6, 2024, the protest turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals and injuries to several others. The protesters, armed with weapons and explosives, attacked the concession town, setting fire to a school, police station, and company equipment. The company’s management stated that they had not received any prior grievances or demands from the community before the protest erupted.
The primary reason behind the protest was reportedly the delay in the relocation of citizens from the area, a matter that the company had addressed in stakeholder meetings. Unlike previous protests related to labor issues and mineral development agreements, this protest was carried out before any specific demands were presented by the protesters.
Local traditional leaders and citizens of Kinjor distanced themselves from the violent protest, attributing the actions to individuals from outside the host community. The company, Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, had entered into a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with the Government of Liberia in 2013, allowing them to conduct exploration and mining activities within a designated area.
The recent protest originated in Matambo, within the Company’s MDA area, where gold exploration was ongoing. The community had agreed to a relocation plan as part of a land lease agreement with the company, but disagreements arose regarding the purchase of additional land for relocation purposes. Despite the involvement of various government agencies and community representatives in the agreement process, tensions escalated following the replacement of local lawmakers after the 2023 elections.
Allegations surfaced that certain lawmakers had incited the communities to raise issues with the company, claiming that its operations should halt until their demands were met. Lawmaker Mohammed Dosii and others were accused of fueling the protests and encouraging violence against the company and its employees in Cape Mount. The involvement of these lawmakers further aggravated the situation, leading to property damage and unrest in the region.
The protest at the Bea Mountain Mining Company highlighted the complex relationship between mining companies, local communities, and government authorities. The need for transparency, effective communication, and adherence to agreements is crucial to avoiding such violent confrontations in the future. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together towards sustainable development and mutual benefit in resource-rich regions like Grand Capemount County.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
