The arrests, carried out by officers of the Liberia National Police’s Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and Police Support Unit (PSU), came after clashes in Gbarma left several local officials and citizens injured and others held captive.
Monrovia – Four individuals, including two traditional leaders, have been arrested in connection with recent violence in Gbarma Town, Gbarpolu County, following a standoff over the enforcement of traditional bush school practices.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The arrests, carried out by officers of the Liberia National Police’s Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and Police Support Unit (PSU), came after clashes in Gbarma left several local officials and citizens injured and others held captive.
The incident is linked to ongoing tension surrounding the government’s enforcement of an eight-month suspension on bush school activities across Liberia.
The action is part of a cultural reform aimed at aligning traditional practices with national education policies.
According to reports, the arrests were ordered by Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin, who traveled to the county to mediate the dispute. He emphasized that tradition cannot be used as a shield to perpetrate violence.
“There is no time where leaders will hide under the canopy of tradition to cause harm on others. It is time to develop Liberia,” Minister Nyumalin stated.
Those detained include Head Master Gballah Fallah, a former clan leader, and Aarona Sheriff, a former Clan Chief. Also arrested were two youths found in possession of a screwdriver and scissors during a reconciliation meeting—items police considered potential weapons amidst high tension.
Police say over 500 youths were involved in the standoff. The possession of weapons by some individuals during negotiations was seen as a threat to ongoing peace talks between the government and traditional authorities.
The reconciliation effort included a direct dialogue held in both Gbarma Town and the sacred “Zoe Bush,” where classified traditional matters were addressed. Senator Amara Konneh was among the attendees.
As a resolution, Minister Nyumalin announced a 14-day ultimatum—effective immediately—for the closure of all bush school activities in the area.
“By May 28, 2025, all bush activities must end. This is the most reasonable agreement that we all have decided on,” he declared.
To support peaceful compliance, the Minister pledged 50 bags of rice and L$50,000, cautioning that the celebration of the agreement should not take place within Gbarma Town.
He also warned traditional leaders against politicizing cultural practices, stating that political interference has long hindered development in the region.
“Politics has taken us nowhere. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai will not support anyone who uses politics to tear us apart,” he warned.
The suspension of bush school activities, announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in March, runs from April 30, 2025, to January 2026.
