MAKINTO TOWN, Liberia — Fenceline communities surrounding ArcelorMittal Liberia’s mining and railway operations in Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa counties have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peaceful and constructive relations with the company, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation as key to community development.
The commitment was made during a community engagement meeting held in Makinto Town on September 10, 2026, bringing together 28 stakeholders, including local chiefs and youth representatives from nine fenceline communities, and representatives of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML).
The meeting provided an opportunity for community leaders to raise concerns about security and other issues affecting their communities while exploring ways to strengthen cooperation with the company.
Speaking on behalf of local chiefs, Makinto Town Chief Patrick Beglar said communities surrounding AML’s mining and railway operations should work collaboratively with the company because both sides share an interest in maintaining a peaceful and stable environment.
Beglar stressed the importance of constructive engagement, particularly when communities seek assistance from AML beyond the company’s statutory obligations.
He said dialogue provides communities with an opportunity to raise concerns, seek clarification and request support without creating unnecessary tension between residents and the company.
Beglar also highlighted what he described as the role of communities in helping protect AML’s infrastructure and assets.
According to him, residents have on several occasions assisted in identifying and apprehending individuals suspected of stealing company property or engaging in other illegal activities along the railway corridor and surrounding communities.
However, he expressed concern that some individuals apprehended over alleged offenses later return to the communities without facing what local leaders consider appropriate legal consequences.
Beglar called for stronger coordination among AML Security, contracted security providers and community leaders in addressing such incidents.
He emphasized that communities should continue cooperating with security personnel while ensuring that people accused of wrongdoing are handled through appropriate legal and judicial processes.
According to Beglar, stronger cooperation and accountability would help deter criminal activities, protect company assets and maintain peaceful relations between AML and communities along its operational corridor. -Press release
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