The ongoing impasse, the LMA warns, is affecting revenue generation, administrative coordination, and sanitation oversight at the markets.
Monrovia – A dispute over control of market facilities has escalated as the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) is demanding District Seven Representative Emmanuel Dahn relinquish the keys to several market offices and facilities in accordance with a court ruling.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
In a petition delivered to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon on Tuesday, June 3, the LMA accused Rep. Dahn of unlawfully withholding keys to the facilities despite a ruling from a competent court requiring their return to the association.
The petition was read and presented by Adina Sesay on behalf of the LMA leadership, during a peaceful protest staged by marketers at the Capitol Building in Monrovia.
“This act of defiance not only undermines the authority of our judiciary but also places the well-being of our market community at risk,” the LMA petition stated.
According to the LMA, Rep. Dahn has ignored the ruling of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court, which granted full authority of the contested market properties to the leadership of the Liberia Marketing Association.
The marketers allege that the lawmaker has continued to maintain possession of the keys, preventing LMA staff and officers from entering the facilities and resuming normal operations.
The contested facilities reportedly include offices, market stalls, and public restrooms located in key areas where hundreds of marketers operate daily. The ongoing impasse, the LMA warns, is affecting revenue generation, administrative coordination, and sanitation oversight at the markets.
Speaking to reporters following the petition presentation, Adina Sesay expressed frustration over what she described as Rep. Dahn’s disregard for both the court and the suffering of ordinary Liberians.
“These facilities were constructed with public and donor support to benefit the marketers and improve their working conditions. Yet we have an elected official who is using power to subvert the rule of law,” Sesay said.
She noted that several attempts had been made by the LMA to resolve the matter amicably, including written communication and personal outreach to the lawmaker, but without success. “We are peaceful people. We don’t want a confrontation. But this situation is becoming intolerable,” she added.
In addition to urging the legislature to intervene, the marketers are calling on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh, and Justice Minister Oswald Tweh to ensure that the court’s ruling is respected.
“This is no longer just a matter between LMA and a representative. It is now a test of our justice system. If court decisions can be ignored by lawmakers with impunity, then we are heading down a dangerous path,” said William Sumo, a market elder who accompanied the petition delegation.
The marketers warned that if the matter is not addressed within a reasonable time frame, the association will begin a sustained campaign to protect the rights of its members, including mass protests and legal actions. They stopped short of detailing specific steps but made it clear that the patience of the marketers is wearing thin.
Receiving the petition, House Speaker Richard Koon acknowledged the concerns raised by the LMA and promised a swift legislative response.
“I have heard your complaint and we will look into it. Please give us one week. We will bring it to the attention of plenary when we meet next Tuesday. Again, I can assure you that it will form part of our agenda for discussion,” Speaker Koon told the delegation.
Speaker Koon added that the legislature, as an institution, has a duty to promote and protect the rule of law, and that any lawmaker found in violation of a court ruling will be held accountable according to legislative ethics and national law.
Rep. Dahn couldn’t be reached for comments.
The ongoing conflict has attracted attention from civil society groups and human rights organizations, some of which have begun issuing statements condemning the standoff. The Center for Market Women’s Empowerment (CMWE) released a brief statement on Wednesday, urging all sides to respect legal processes and prioritize the livelihoods of ordinary market vendors, many of whom are single mothers and sole providers for their families.
The Liberia Marketing Association is one of the most influential and widespread trade organizations in the country, with thousands of members operating in both rural and urban communities. Many of its members rely entirely on daily sales for income, making access to functional, well-managed market facilities essential to their survival.
