MARGIBI –The Liberian government has taken legal action against former union leaders of the Salala Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (SAWUL) following violent protests at the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) in Margibi County on June 27, 2024.
By Yaway Jaivey
Former union President Mary P. Boimah and Secretary Lawrence Gorgbor, along with six other individuals, have been charged and are facing a range of serious offenses, from criminal conspiracy to armed robbery and arson.
The protests, largely fueled by a group of disgruntled rubber tappers, were ignited by claims that SRC management failed to compensate workers for five days of lost wages after a prior demonstration. The workers had been demanding improvements in labor conditions, medical care, and better rights for employees at the plantation.
The Violence That Shook SRC
What started as a protest quickly escalated into chaos. Frustrated workers stormed the SRC’s administrative headquarters, causing extensive damage. Protestors ransacked offices, looted supplies, and set fire to the NASSCORP office, while also targeting the home and vehicle of plantation manager Sangeeth Sathyan.
The destruction was staggering. Estimates from the SRC management suggest property damage around US$275,210, with an additional loss of US$510,000 in revenue due to the disruptions caused by the protests.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) charged eight individuals with crimes related to the unrest. Among them, Boimah and Gorgbor are facing criminal conspiracy charges, while the other defendants have been accused of arson, armed robbery, and theft. The police reports allege that the accused were actively involved in violent acts, including threatening management and destroying property.
The case has drawn considerable attention, with the government proceeding under the Ministry of Justice to ensure the law takes its course. In an ongoing investigation, the Margibi County Grand Jury added charges of armed robbery and arson to the list against Boimah and Gorgbor.
This came after the defendants’ initial bond, set at US$550,420 by SKY International Insurance Corporation, was withdrawn. The bond was reflective of the damages caused, which, under the law, requires an amount double the estimated destruction.
Boimah and Gorgbor were rearrested in March 2025, after their bond was revoked. While their legal representatives insist on their innocence, the government has remained firm in its stance, emphasizing that these charges are part of a broader effort to address the violence and protect public safety.
While this case has garnered widespread attention, it is important to note that Boimah’s history of involvement in violent protests predates the SRC incident.
In 2019, she led a group of protesters in Weala Town, where they set fire to two police stations in response to the death of a local motorcyclist. The protests escalated further, with demonstrators burning the Baypolu Magisterial Court, blocking highways, and destroying several properties. This past history has played a significant role in the government’s decision to pursue legal action against Boimah.
Legal experts stress that the prosecution of this case is solely under the jurisdiction of the government and the judiciary, with no individual or outside influence capable of altering the course of justice. Court officials have clarified that legal proceedings must follow established processes, and any interference outside formal channels would be improper.
Sources close to the government reveal that the authorities are determined to press forward with the prosecution due to the severity of the actions and the potential for more violent unrest. They view Boimah’s history as an additional factor in their decision to pursue charges to the fullest extent of the law.
As the case unfolds, it has sparked wider discussions about the role of labor unions in advocating for workers’ rights, the challenges in addressing social grievances, and the measures that must be taken to prevent violence during protests. For now, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to holding those responsible accountable for their actions at the SRC, underscoring the importance of upholding law and order in a democratic society.
