Protest or terror attack?

The recent protest at the Bea Mountain Mining Company in the Western Liberian town of Kinjor in Grand Capemount County has left lots of unanswered questions.

With reports of some protesters allegedly armed with locally made single barrel guns and Petro bombs raises questions as to whether it was a mere protest or act of terrorism.

By Othello B. Garblah

Tuesday, March 6, 2024:-At least two persons have been confirmed dead, while several others were left injured, when the protesters allegedly armed with locally made single barrel guns, petrol bombs, and batons attacked the concession town setting ablaze a school, police station, and company equipment.

They had no pending demand to press home before the protest, according to the company’s management.

BMMC said it received no petition or grievance from the community prior to the violent protest.

Sources say the protest began at Matambo, another community where MMMC is currently carrying on exploration.

Sources say the primary reason for the protest among other things is the alleged delay in relocation of citizens from the area, something the company is said to have clarified in several stakeholder meetings. 

Authorities say unlike previous protests led by the host community over labor and demand that BMMC live up to its mineral development agreement signed in 2013, the latest protest was carried out before the protesters could put forward their demands.

The protesters used petrol bombs to set the police station, school, and some company equipment on fire. The protesters erected roadblocks as they confronted security forces in what was seen as a cat-and-mouse battle as live bullets were fired.

On Monday, local traditional leaders, and citizens of Kinjor wrote a letter denying their involvement in the recent brutal protest, blaming citizens from outside the host community for the latest protest.

“Currently, there have been no new demands since the last protest over labor issues. So, we did not see this other protest coming. It was after the protest before we saw a letter making other demands which are not on the table.” BMMC Serhan Umurhan said.

So, what’s in the BMMC MDA?

Bea Mountain Mining Corporation entered MDA with the Government of Liberia in September 2013. Under the MDA the Company is permitted to conduct exploration and mining activities with 537 square kilometers.

However, Section 10.2 of the MDA required, that if the company intends to conduct its activities on private property, the Company to negotiate with private landowners.

The recent protest started in Matambo, a town within the Company MDA area, where the company has engaged in exploration activities for gold. But in Matambo, the deposit is close to the village thus requiring the relocation of the village. 

In early 2023, BMMC entered into a land lease agreement with the Bangoma community for 3000 acres of land in Matambo. Before entering the lease, the company facilitated the survey of the Bangoma land and financed the processing of the customary deed. The lease is for five (5) years renewable for another five (5) years. As part of the consideration, the Parties agreed to a relocation plan.

Contrary to the lease agreement, the community asked the company to purchase additional land from another town to carry out the relocation. All documents were signed.

The community was represented by their lawyer, Cllr. Sinufu Sheriff. The entire process (determination of the relocation site, houses designs, and compensation) was monitored and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Mines & Energy, the National Bureau of Concession, and the Liberia Land Authority.

There are photos and or documents available to prove the exhaustive process carried out involving community representation and participation. 

Fast forward, after the elections in October 2023, almost all the members of the Legislators from Cape Mount were replaced. In other words, all the members who went to elections lost.

The new lawmakers have never met with company despite all efforts made by the company to reach out to them.

However, it is alleged that Representative Mohammed Dosii and other lawmakers including Senator Dabbah Vaplah approached the communities and ignited them to raise issues with the company.

They are said to be on record telling the people that the Company’s operations must stop until they meet several demands.

For obvious reasons lawmaker Dosii moved to Kinjor and other parts of the Cape Mount to transport violent protestors – who destroyed several properties and other valuables owned by BMMC. Dosii is seen on recording inciting the people against the company and other Liberians who worked for the company in Cape Mount.