3 towns to boycott Nimba senatorial by-election
Citizens from three towns are threatening to boycott the pending Senatorial by-election in Nimba over alleged neglect and lack of development in their areas.
By S. Matthew M. Quoi, Jr.
Nimba, Liberia, April 1, 2025 – Citizens of Gilipa, Nyenikpala, and Tinsu, Nimba County have announced their intention to boycott the upcoming April 22, 2025, Senatorial by-election and all subsequent elections in Nimba.
Their decision stems from what they describe as years of neglect and abandonment by government. They have labeled government’s failure to address their concerns as “diabolical and inhumane.”
In a strongly worded press statement issued recently in Gilipa, the aggrieved citizens expressed frustration, citing a lack of basic infrastructure and essential services. They noted that despite being taxpayers and active contributors to the county’s development, their towns have never benefited from any government-sponsored projects.
The affected towns, located in District #8, Nimba County, collectively have approximately 2,500 residents. The citizens lamented that their roads have not been rehabilitated for decades, making transportation a daunting challenge. They have vowed to abstain from voting unless their roads are repaired, healthcare facilities improved, and access to safe drinking water provided.
According to community leaders, Gilipa, Nyenikpala, and Tinsu have suffered systemic neglect since their establishment along the St. John Riverbank. They argue that, unlike other communities in Nimba County that receive government interventions, they have been entirely overlooked. The road that connects these towns was last developed in 1979 by the late Fulton Dumbah of Bong County. Since then, no effort has been made to improve or maintain it.
The poor road network has had dire of consequences, particularly in emergencies. Citizens recounted numerous tragedies that have resulted from inaccessibility of healthcare facilities. Just to name a few, the late wife of Phillip P. Suah reportedly fell along the Gilipa to Duo Road while seeking medical care after falling ill with a fever. She was rushed to Ganta United Methodist Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Another tragic case occurred on September 3, 2024, when a pregnant woman in labor lost her life while attempting to reach a health center via the Gilipa to Sokopa road. These incidents underscore the dangers of poor infrastructure in the area.
Beyond the poor road conditions, residents continue to drink water from the St. John River, which serves as a boundary between Nimba and Bong County. They describe this as an ongoing health crisis, as the river water is often contaminated. Without clean drinking water, the communities are at constant risk of waterborne diseases.
The citizens have made it clear that their patience has run out. They stress that their towns have existed for decades without government intervention, and they can no longer remain silent.
“If our concerns cannot be addressed, we will remain steadfast in our decision and refuse to participate in the 2025 Nimba Senatorial by-election and all future elections because we have suffered enough,” they declared.
They are calling on the Nimba County local administration and national government to prioritize their development. Despite their grievances, they assert their loyalty to Nimba County, rejecting any notion that their Kpalleh ethnicity should be a factor in their neglect. They maintain that they are Liberians and deserve equal treatment.
Meanwhile, the current lawmaker of District #8, Rep. Saye Sylvester Mianah, has yet to respond to concerns expressed by his constituents. Gilipa, Nyenikpala, and Tinsu fall under his jurisdiction, but he has remained silent on the matter.
Rep. Miannah, who replaced Mr. Larry Youhnquoi in the 2023 General Elections, has faced increasing criticism from citizens of his district. Many accuse him of poor leadership and lack of tangible contribution to the district’s development. As the current chair of the Nimba County Legislative Caucus and Chairman of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) at the House of Representatives, his inaction has fueled frustration among residents.
The citizens argue that a leader primary responsibility is to address the concerns of his people, but note that Mianah has failed in his duty. They believe he should be at the forefront of their advocacy, pushing road rehabilitation, healthcare improvement, and water access.
In contrast, Nimba County Superintendent, Madam Kou Meapeh Gono, has acknowledged concerns expressed by aggrieved citizens. She has assured them that plans are underway to address their grievances. While she did not provide a specific timeline, she urged the citizens to remain peaceful and patient as the county administration seeks solutions.
With the by-election fast approaching, the standoff between the government and the residents of Gilipa, Nyenikpala, and Tinsu continues to escalate. The citizens remain firm in their demand for development, refusing to be swayed by mere promises. They argue that past assurances had led to no concrete action, and this time, they demand results before casting their votes.
The citizens’ bold stance has sparked discussions among political analysts and civil society organizations. Some argue that their actions could set a precedent for other neglected communities to demand accountability. Others worry that boycotting elections could lead to further political marginalization, as it may weaken their representation in government.
Nevertheless, the people of Gilipa, Nyenikpala, and Tinsu remain resolute. They insist that their demands are not unreasonable, they are simply asking for what every citizen deserves: accessible roads, healthcare, and clean drinking water. Until these basic needs are met, they say, their votes will remain withheld.
As the April 22 by-election nears, all eyes will be on Nimba County’s District #8 to see whether the government will heed the demands of these aggrieved citizens or risk a voter boycott that could have significant political implications. For now, the people of Gilipa, Nyenikpala, and Tinsu stand united in their fight for a better future. Editing by Jonathan Browne
