By Grace Q. Bryant
Some Liberian returnees who recently arrived from Ghana, after spending years in refugee camps, are voicing frustration over unmet promises of government’s assistance, which they say is crucial for their reintegration into society.
These returnees who staged a protest at the headquarters of the LRRRC over the weekend expressed that financial aid, housing, and basic resources have not met their needs.
Emmanuel Derris, Co-Chair of the Returnees Leadership, shared his experience in an interview, describing the support they received as inadequate.
“We thank the President of Liberia for bringing us home from Ghana, but it has not been easy. Many of us were only given US$300 per family, and this amount barely covered immediate needs, let alone long-term expenses,” Derris explained.
He added that the delay in receiving the payment worsened their situation, while some returnees arrived as early as May and June, the $300 disbursement only came in September.
Derris noted that many families had to borrow just to survive until then.
With temporary accommodations reaching capacity, returnees relocated to Johnsonville and organized peaceful protests to highlight their struggles. “We had no other choice but to take action. Many of us were squatting with families or friends, but this put strains on both us and the people helping us,” he said.
Currently, over 400 returnees are scattered around Monrovia, while others reside in rural areas. Derris mentioned that a network of returnees has been formed to share resources, but the community remains stretched thin.
Derris said that the returnees’ leadership made it clear they are not accusing the Liberian Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) of wrongdoing, they are instead urging the government and the public to support reintegration efforts. “We are not here to complain about corruption or politics. We simply want a fair chance to rebuild our lives”, He said.
According to reports from the returnees, they were promised more than just financial aid; they expected educational support for children, vocational training, and assistance to start small businesses.
Beatrice Gaye, a returnee, described the challenge of rebuilding her life. “They promised us $1,000 in total to help us start over, but we only received $300,” she said.
She added that her son remains out of school, and they are struggling to secure stable housing. Currently staying in an unfinished building, Madam Gaye appeals to the government and NGOs for additional funds to start a business and support her son’s education.
Despite these concerns, government officials have yet to respond. Returnees say they sent a letter of appreciation to the government and relocation agency, expressing gratitude for being repatriated. A second letter, detailing their current challenges and needs, is pending delivery to President Boakai’s office, awaiting endorsement from the LRRRC.
Another returnee, Mohammed Sheriff, echoed Gaye’s sentiments. “We were initially provided food for two months, but since then, we’ve been left to fend for ourselves. The USD$300 is hardly enough for food, rent, and other necessities,” he explained.
He added that the aid was insufficient for survival. Sheriff emphasized that they were initially promised USD$1,000 but have only received $300.
He hopes that government and partner organizations, such as the Liberian Red Cross, can step in to bridge these gaps.
“We’re appealing to the government to assist us as promised. Many of us have skills and are eager to work; we just need help to get started,” Sheriff said.
Returnee Melvin Brown also highlighted the financial difficulties, noting that despite receiving $200 last month, it was insufficient to cover daily needs, rent, and other essentials.
Brown, a plumber, shared his desire for steady work but mentioned that no job opportunities have materialized despite previous assurances.
The returnees collectively seek government’s support for over 400 individuals, primarily in Monrovia, while also highlighting the struggles faced by those in remote areas.
Brown mentioned that a letter of appreciation was sent to the government on October 9, 2024, expressing gratitude for the assistance so far, though additional support promised by the LRRRC has yet to materialize.
While the returnees appreciate the initial support from the government and agencies like LRRRC, they appeal for more substantial assistance in housing, employment, and resources to build self-sufficiency.
Brown emphasized that their request is not based on dissatisfaction with the LRRRC but rather on their urgent need for help from the government and the Liberian community at large.
