Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County: The situation at the New Liberty Gold Mine (BMMC) in Liberia is a powder keg, and the Liberian government’s inaction is playing with fire. Every day that passes without justice and accountability increases the risk of further violence and instability.
The recent report in Luzerner Zeitung, October 12, 2024, exposing the dire situation at the mine demands immediate and decisive action from the Liberian government, its people, and the international community. The report reveals a disturbing pattern of negligence, exploitation, and violence that threatens to derail Liberia’s fragile post-war progress, undermine its hard-won peace, and severely damages its prospects for attracting future development assistance and investment.
The Situation:
The New Liberty mine, operated by Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC), stands as a stark example of the “resource curse” plaguing many resource-rich nations. Despite Liberia’s abundant mineral wealth, its people, particularly those in mining-affected communities, continue to suffer from poverty, environmental degradation, and social unrest.
This echoes historical patterns in Liberia, where resource wealth has fueled corruption, conflict, and instability instead of benefiting the population. The Luzerner Zeitung report, coupled with ongoing concerns highlighted in Liberian news outlets such as The New Dawn, highlights several alarming issues.
Safety Violations:
BMMC has consistently disregarded safety regulations, putting workers’ lives at risk. The tragic deaths of three protesters—students and job seekers from Kinjor Town and surrounding communities, some who had traveled from across Liberia hoping for a better futureat the hands of government security forces underscore the gravity of the situation and highlight the company’s blatant disregard for human life. These young men, full of dreams and aspirations, were brutally gunned down while demanding the jobs and opportunities that BMMC had promised.Their deaths leave a void that can never be filled and a community shattered by grief and anger.
The company’s operations have resulted in severe environmental pollution, jeopardizing the health and livelihoods of local communities and threatening Liberia’s rich biodiversity. The continued degradation of the environment around Kinjor Town, including the pollution of waterways and the destruction of farmlands, robs communities of their livelihoods and threatens their very existence. The pollution from the mine is a slow poison, seeping into the land and water, robbing communities of their health and livelihoods.
Worker Exploitation:
Workers at the mine face exploitative labor practices, including low wages, inadequate safety equipment, and suppression of their right to organize, denying them the basic dignity and fair compensation they deserve. BMMC’s failure to provide decent work conditions and fair wages trap communities in a cycle of poverty and dependence.
Government Inaction: Despite documented evidence of BMMC’s violations, the Liberian
government, particularly President George Weah and his administration, including the Minister of Mines and Energy and the Minister of Justice, have failed to take decisive action. This inaction, coupled with the violent suppression of protests, has eroded public trust, fueled social unrest, and created a climate of impunity that discourages investment and development.
This pattern of disregard for legislative oversight and human rights concerns, reminisce, raises serious concerns about corruption and undue influence within the government, potentially undermining Liberia’s development progress and discouraging
international support. Failure to hold BMMC accountable and ensure justice for the victims only serves to amplify these concerns.
The Ministry of Labor’s recent announcement to impose fines on BMMC is a welcome step, but it is not enough. Fines alone will not bring back the lives lost or repair the damage done to communities and the environment. Decisive action is needed to hold BMMC accountable and ensures that such tragedies never happen again. Furthermore, the increased deployment of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to the mine site is a deeply troubling development. It raises serious concerns that the government intends to use force to silence dissent and protect BMMC’s interests, rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of its citizens.
This deployment evokes painful memories of a time when the military was used to suppress dissent and violate the rights of the Liberian people. We cannot allow history to repeat itself.
Call to Action:
To President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Liberian Government:
Investigate and Prosecute: As a matter of urgency, and in compliance with your constitutional duty to uphold the law and protect the rights of citizens, we demand that you establish an independent commission, with international observers, to investigate the protester deaths within two weeks and publish findings publicly. Those responsible for the unlawful use of force must be held accountable. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of your constitutional obligations and will have serious repercussions for Liberia’s international standing. If this demand is not met, we will mobilize nationwide protests and call for international sanctions against complicit government officials.
Enforce Regulations: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must conduct a full
environmental impact assessment of the New Liberty mine within 60 days and release the results publicly.
The Ministry of Labor must immediately inspect the mine for compliance with the Labor Law, specifically sections [insert relevant section numbers], and issue a public report within 30 days. Failure to comply with these regulations must result in fines, suspension of operations, or revocation of BMMC’s license
Protect Workers’ Rights: Ensure that workers at the mine are afforded their fundamental labor
rights, including the right to a safe working environment, fair wages, and freedom of association as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Facilitate the formation of an independent worker union at the New Liberty mine.
Respect Separation of Powers: Uphold the principle of separation of powers and act on the recommendations of the House of Representatives regarding the New Liberty mine. Failure to do so undermines Liberia’s democracy, violates the core tenets of good governance, and sends a negative signal to international partners and investors, who rely on a predictable and just legal framework.
We demand that the legislature convene an emergency session to address this crisis and hold the executive branch accountable.
Demilitarize the Mine Site: We demand the immediate withdrawal of the AFL from the New Liberty mine site. The government must ensure the safety and security of community members and those exercising their right to peaceful protest, and not create an environment of fear and intimidation. We call for independent civilian oversight of any security presence at the mine site to prevent abuses and ensure accountability.
To the People of Liberia:
Demand Accountability: Hold the government and BMMC accountable for their actions.
Demand transparency and justice for the victims of the New Liberty mine tragedy. Do not allow those in power to prioritize corporate interests over the well-being of the Liberian people.
Exerciseyour right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression to voice your concerns and demand change.
Organize and Mobilize: Organize peaceful protests and advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about the situation and demand change. Use social media and traditional media to amplify your voices and put pressure on the government and BMMC. Support organizations working to protecthuman rights and promote sustainable development. University students across Liberia and internationally, we urge you to organize protests and solidarity actions to amplify the voices of the affected communities.
Support Affected Communities: Provide support and solidarity to the communities affected by the mine’s operations. Demand that BMMC provide reparations to the families of the deceased protesters and communities harmed by their operations. Work together to build community resilience and advocate for sustainable and equitable development alternatives.
To the International Community:
Monitor and Pressure: Closely monitor the situation in Liberia and pressure the government to take decisive action to address the crisis at the New Liberty mine. Publicly condemn the use of lethal force against protesters and demand accountability. Use diplomatic channels and public statements to express concern and urge the Liberian government to uphold its international human rights obligations.
We specifically urge the United States Ambassador to Liberia to publicly express concern and demand action.
Support Civil Society: Provide financial and technical support to Liberian civil society
organizations working to promote human rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Support independent media outlets in Liberia to ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are heard. Specifically, we urge organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to investigate and report on the situation.
Hold BMMC Accountable: Hold BMMC accountable for its actions in Liberia and ensure that it adheres to international standards of corporate social responsibility, including the UN Global Compact, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Consider sanctions and divestment if BMMC fails to comply.
We call on the US embassy, European Union, ECOWAS, MRU to use their leverage to demand change and divest if necessary.
We caution international investors and bank loaners that BMMC is a high-risk investment due to its disregard for human rights, environmental regulations, and the safety of its workers.
The presence of armed forces at the mine site further underscores the instability and risk associated with this investment.
Condition Aid and Investment: Donor countries should condition aid to Liberia on concrete
progress in addressing the issues raised in the Luzerner Zeitung report. We call on the World Bank to …suspend any loans or projects related to the mining sector in Liberia until the government demonstrates a commitment to responsible resource governance. International investors should prioritize responsible investment and due diligence, considering the human rights and environmental record of companies like BMMC. Make it clear that continued inaction will jeopardize Liberia’s access to development assistance and discourage responsible investment.
Consequences of Inaction:
Failure to address the crisis at the New Liberty mine will have severe consequences for Liberia:
Erosion of Democracy: The executive branch’s disregard for the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers threatens to undermine Liberia’s fragile democracy and deter international support for its democratic institutions. This will make it difficult for Liberia to attract development assistance and foreign investment, which are crucial for economic growth and poverty reduction.
Increased Social Unrest: Continued government inaction and corporate impunity will fuel social unrest and potentially lead to further violence, creating an unstable environment that discourages investment and development. This instability will jeopardize Liberia’s post-war recovery and
hinder its progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, environmental protection, and good governance.
Lost Development Opportunities: The negative impacts of the mining sector, including environmental damage, social conflict, and the erosion of public trust, will hinder Liberia’s longterm development prospects and make it less attractive to responsible investors. Experts estimate that Liberia could generate a fair amount in annual revenue from responsible and transparent management of its mineral resources. The country is losing out on vital funds that could be used for education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The economic costs of environmental degradation and social conflict will far outweigh any short-term gains from unsustainable mining practices.
Rollback of Post-War Progress: The crisis at the New Liberty mine risks rolling back the hardwon progress made in Liberia since the end of the civil war, jeopardizing the country’s peace and stability and undermining efforts to attract development assistance and investment. This will have a devastating impact on the lives of ordinary Liberians, who have already endured years of conflict and hardship.
Damage to International Reputation: Continued inaction will further damage Liberia’s international reputation and portray the country as a risky and unreliable destination for investment, hindering its economic growth and development potential. This will make it difficult for Liberia to attract the resources and partnerships it needs to build a sustainable and prosperous future.
Call for national Dialogue and a New Vision:
To chart a new course for responsible resource governance in Liberia, we call for a national
dialogue involving government representatives, civil society organizations, affected communities, BMMC, and international partners. This dialogue should aim to develop a new vision for the mining sector that prioritizes community benefits, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic development. It is an opportunity for Liberia to learn from past mistakes and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all its citizens. This dialogue must address the root causes of the crisis at the New Liberty mine, including the lack of transparency and accountability in the mining sector, the weak enforcement of regulations, and the failure of the government to protect the rights of its citizens. We propose the formation of a multi-stakeholder committee, including representatives from affected communities, civil society organizations, government agencies, and independent experts, to oversee this process. This committee should be convened within the next month and aim to produce concrete recommendations for reform within six months. We urge international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank to support and facilitate this dialogue process.
Memorialization and Amplifying Victim Voices:
We urge the government and BMMC to support the creation of a memorial to honor the memory of the slain protesters and to serve as a constant reminder of the human cost of irresponsible mining practices. We also call on journalists and human rights organizations to ethically gather and amplify the voices of affected community members, ensuring their safety and informed consent, to shed light on the human rights abuses and environmental damage caused by the New Liberty mine. The stories of those who have lost loved ones, livelihoods, and their health must be heard and amplified. [Include powerful quotes from community members or religious leader,
UN Intervention:
We urge the UN Human Rights Council to conduct an independent inquiry into the human rights situation at the New Liberty mine and call on relevant UN Special Rapporteurs, such as the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, to investigate the situation and issue public statements. The international community must hold the Liberian government and BMMC accountable for their actions and
ensure that justice is served.
Will Liberia allow the blood of its citizens to be spilled in the name of corporate greed? The time to choose is now.
Even the Government of Liberia’s Ministry of Labor investigation acknowledged and
confirmed the serious safety lapses and labor violations at the New Liberty mine, echoing the concerns raised in the Luzerner Zeitung report. This government acknowledgment underscores the urgent need for action and accountability.
Demand Transparency in the Fine Process: We demand full transparency in the process of
imposing and collecting fines on BMMC. These funds must be used to directly benefit the affected communities and not be lost to corruption.
Call for a Moratorium on New Mining Licenses: We call for an immediate moratorium on the
issuance of new mining licenses until the government demonstrates a genuine commitment to responsible resource governance, the protection of human rights, and the preservation of the environment.
Call for a Review of the Mining Law: Liberia’s mining law must undergo a comprehensive
review to ensure it adequately protects the rights of communities, safeguards the environment, and promotes equitable sharing of benefits from resource extraction. This law must be aligned with international best practices and standards of transparency and accountability.
The New Liberty mine has become a symbol of exploitation and injustice, a gaping wound on the heart of Liberia. It’s time to heal that wound and build a future where the wealth of the land benefits
all its people, not just a privileged few. Join us in demanding justice, accountability, and sustainable development for Liberia.
The world is watching, Liberia. Will you choose the path of justice, accountability, and sustainable development, or will you allow corporate greed to continue to plunder your resources and oppress your people?
The choice is yours.
Justice for Kinjor Town and the workers! Hold BMMC Accountable! Protect Liberia’s
Future!
