The Civil Society Network of Liberia (CSNL) condemns violence by few citizens, which led to the loss of lives and properties at Bea Mountain Mining Corporation
The group is calling on State Securities to investigate and bring the perpetrators to book.
Since the commencement of the company’s expansion, it has employed over four thousand workers and more than six thousand contractors; most of whom are Liberians which has also increased the company’s tax portfolio to Liberia.
The CSNL said, if investigation is not conducted to bring the perpetrators to justice, as a means of deterrence, it has the proclivity to drive away investors, and scare away investments in Liberia.
It can be recalled that on February 29, protestors from Grand Cape Mount County in Kinjor went on a rampage, attempting to damage Bea Mountain’s properties, but were prevented by heavy resistance from the Liberia National Police (LNP).
Residents of Grand Cape Mount County led a violent protest against Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, for allegedly engaging into unfair labor practices.
A few of the residents then called on the Management of Bea Mountain to remove Mr. Debar Allen as General Manager of Bea Mountain for a son of the county to occupy the job.
According to the Investigation conducted by the CSNL, the violent protests was in violation of an MOU Agreement reached by citizens of Gola Konneh District and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, halting all protests against BMMC for a period of four years adding, “We also gathered that the protest was incited by some prominent sons of Grand Cape Mount County for their personal aggrandizements.”
The CSNL said its investigation also established that Grand Cape Mount County District 2 Representative, Mohammed Dosil was publicly seen facilitating the violence in Kinjor against Bea Mountain Mining Corporation.
“Representatives Dosil must be brought to account for his role in the Kinjor violent fracas, which cost the loss of lives and properties. No one is above the law. He and all those behind the Kinjor violence must be investigated and prosecuted,” the Network stressed.
The Network said it is disappointed that the Liberia National Police is yet to arrest and charge all those who orchestrated the violence against Bea Mountain Mining Corporation which disrupted the peace, caused the deaths of few persons and the destruction of the company’s facilities.
The Civil Society Network of Liberia said it believes in the protection of civil rights and the compliance of the MDA Agreement with the Government of Liberia adding, “We will not support people to use the citizens to vent out their personal interests. Our investigation discovered that some individuals with vested interests are also behind fueling the conflicts between Bea Mountain and the citizens of Kinjor.”
The CSNL reckoned that ii is appalling and disgustful that few residents of Grand Cape Mount County will see the General Manger of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, Debar Allen as the obstacle to the company’s compliance to the terms and conditions spelled out in the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) between the Government of Liberia and the company.”
“We believe that the existence of any alleged unfair labor practices at BMMC must be investigated by the Liberian Government, instead of holding Allen responsible for such. Hence, the Ministry of Labor needs to launch an investigation into alleged unfair labor practice, in order to restore peace and harmony among the workforce of BMMC,” CSNL expressed.
