LIBERIA: ATTEMPT TO MUZZLE THE YOUTHS OF NIMBA IN THEIR QUEST FOR COMPETITION IN MINING SECTOR.

The youths of Nimba County, particularly those in communities affected by the mining operations of Arcelor Mittal, are said to be going through a period of tribulations as some officials of the past government and even some local authorities including business barons have brandished menace of imprisonment against said youths whose actions of advocacy is goading some individuals who are touting in the mining sector.

Pious DOLO, a leading member of Sehyi, Zor and Gba Advocacy group in Saniquillie region, Nimba County, was incarcerated by a baron who is very influential in Nimba, and said to have a long standing relationship with those who are goaded by the advocacy group.

The lawsuit which landed DOLO to jail stipulates that he has been owing business baron Floyd THOMAS since 26 years now.

A week ago the Sehyi, Zor and Gba Advocacy group of Saniquillie presented a petition to lawmakers at the Capitol Building in Monrovia.

The group, in the petition, is asking the lawmakers not to allow a company to have a monopoly on mining in their county as this is only going to increase their suffering instead of alleviating it.

The petition elaborated on several points that triggered their action, going from health hazard to bad labor practices while passing through modern slavery.

“We are actively trying to appeal to the Government of Ambassador Joseph Boakai that the promise the president made following his inauguration that he will revisit all mining contracts to make sure it benefits the local population is the right thing to do. The imprisonment of one of our members will not deter us.” Francis SAYE, a member of the group, told Daily Watch.