A facility of ArcelorMittal Liberia has been besieged by traditional masquerades, locally known as ‘country devils’, as residents heightened protests, thus hampering the normal operations of the company in Yekepa, Nimba County.
Reports from Gompa said the devils invaded the concession areas, causing all workers to run away while besieging the premises of ArcelorMittal Liberia.
The devils’ action, which also caused serious panic among the residents according to information, was triggered by the company’s refusal to adhere to the terms of the conditions within the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) between them and the Liberian Government.
A local media reported furthered that the devils’ actions were intended to resist the renewal of the MDA between the government and ArcelorMittal, on grounds that the company is allegedly refusing to pay Nimba County its portion of the Social Development Fund.
However, the devils’ protestation followed after several residents of mines-affected communities in Nimba County joined in one accord against the extension of ArcelorMittal’s operations through a petition to the Legislature.
The mines-affected communities, in a communique, voiced their grievances, citing concerns ranging from environmental degradation to blatant disregard for community rights, thus pleading with the lawmakers to reject the extension of the MDA for the county.
The communities frowned at ArcelorMittal’s alleged consistent failure to fulfill its obligations under the existing agreement with the government, and asserted, “Promises of sustainable mining practices have fallen by the wayside, leaving behind broken commitments and distrust.”
In their communique, one of the violations highlighted ArcelorMittal’s alleged disregard for the Community Land Right Act, as well as encroaching upon ancestral lands and disrupting the fabric of community life, coupled with Mittal’s actions to downplay their cries.
“The environmental toll of ArcelorMittal’s operations cannot be overstated. From the depletion of biodiversity to the destruction of vital ecosystems, the consequences of unchecked mining activities have been dire for the communities.
Health ailments, loss of livelihoods, and a compromised quality of life have become the norm in areas where ArcelorMittal operates,” they said.
They then called upon the government to reject ArcelorMittal’s extension request and prioritize the well-being of its citizens over corporate interests.
Meanwhile, the communities are advocating for a shift towards a multi-user service approach for the train track, aimed at attracting foreign investment within Liberia’s mining industry, which, they argued, would foster competition, promote transparency, and ultimately benefit the nation as a whole.
The aggrieved community members reiterated that they are prepared to defend their rights, and therefore called upon all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and concerned citizens, to join their struggle for justice and environmental sustainability.
