The Ministry of Internal Affairs comes under attack here, for doing nothing to resolve land disputes in Grand Kru County.
By: Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, Liberia, March 6, 2025—The Ministry of Internal Affairs is facing growing criticism for its continued silence on the escalating land dispute between the Wedabo Zoloken and Gblebo Trehn communities in Grand Kru County, southeast Liberia.
The long-standing conflict, which turned violent on February 17, 2025, resulted in gunfire, property destruction, and several injuries. But despite the severity of the situation, the Ministry has yet to take any concrete steps, raising concerns among local leaders about its inaction.
In an exclusive interview with The New Dawn, Grand Kru County District #1 Representative Nathaniel Zoe Bahway expressed deep disappointment in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to him, after being informed of the situation, he immediately called Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin to request his intervention. However, to his surprise, the minister told him that he was out of the country and could do nothing.
Rep. Bahway also reveals that the Ministry has remained silent on the situation to date despite the fact that he (Bahway) chairs the Committee on Internal Affairs in the House of Representatives.
“I have not seen any of the partners of Internal Affairs stepping in. Only some of my fellow lawmakers called me, saying they would come to help, but none of them have shown up to date,” the Grand Kru lawmaker laments.
While lawmakers held a caucus meeting to strategize on resolving the crisis, Bahway notes that no concrete action has followed. Nonetheless, he vows to take the initiative by himself, stating that he has already begun efforts to calm tensions.
“When I heard about the violence, I didn’t just sit back. I followed up by calling the Inspector General of Police, the House of Parliament, and the county police commander to request immediate intervention.”
Bahway continues that from the efforts of the police and authorities in the county, about nine persons have been arrested, as the police continue investigations to determine the root causes of the violence.
He condemns the use of violence over land disputes, emphasizing, “This is not a time for war.”
However, he stresses that national government’s intervention is necessary to conduct a proper investigation and bring the matter under control.
“My prayer now is to calm the situation before asking the Land Authority to conduct the final demarcation and put an end to this age-old problem,” Bahway adds.
The ongoing dispute dates back to 1970 when former Superintendent Francis Nyemah investigated the contested land and established a buffer to prevent farming activities until a formal boundary demarcation could take place.
However, tensions resurfaced in 2013 when the Zoloken community allegedly attempted to offer the disputed land to Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL), a multinational concession company that harvests palm oil, but the situation was resolved.
Similarly, the situation escalated on February 17, 2025, resulting in gunfire that left several people injured.
Among the victims is Benjamin Toe, who is currently receiving medical treatment in Monrovia.
Benjamin recounted the attack, stating that he was shot by an unknown gunman carrying a single-barrel gun. “I was coming out of my house when the individual fired at me and then ran into the bush,” he said. So far, doctors have removed seven bullets from his body, with several more still lodged in critical areas. Editing by Jonathan Browne
