MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Defense, Security, and Internal Affairs to investigate allegations of purported eviction of residents in Sanniquillie City, Nimba County, allegedly planned to be executed by the Ministry of National Defense.
Plenary reached the decision following a communication from Nimba County Electoral District #2 Representative, Hon. Nyan G. Flomo, who raised what he described as a matter of urgent national concern affecting his constituents and the people of Liberia.
In his communication, Hon. Flomo informed the House of disturbing reports suggesting that the Ministry of National Defense is attempting to evict peaceful residents from homes and parcels of land the Ministry claims fall within the Sanniquillie Military Barracks and are therefore government property.
He emphasized that while the Land Rights Act of 2018 recognizes government ownership of certain lands, the same law outlines a clear legal process for the management and recovery of such properties. Hon. Flomo noted that any entityβ including the governmentβmust substantiate land claims with verifiable documentary evidence such as deeds, survey maps, or other legal instruments.
According to the lawmaker, the reported eviction attempts, if true, risk causing fear, instability, and undue hardship for citizens who may also have legitimate claims. He stressed the need for transparency, due process, and adherence to the rule of law, noting that previous attempts by his office to initiate dialogue with the Ministry had not yielded results.
Hon. Flomo therefore requested that the House mandate the Ministry of National Defense to:
1. Substantiate Its Claim by presenting all relevant documentary evidence proving ownership and boundary demarcation of the land in question.
2. Clarify the Eviction Procedure by submitting a comprehensive report detailing:
a) Whether a court-ordered eviction process has been initiated;
b) The legal basis for the eviction under the Land Rights Act or other laws;
c) The mechanisms for notice, dialogue, grievance redress, and fair treatment provided to affected residents.
The lawmaker underscored that ensuring respect for the laws of Liberiaβby both citizens and government institutionsβis a core responsibility of the Legislature, and that no citizen should face displacement without due process. Plenary endorsed the request and forwarded the matter to the relevant committees for immediate investigation and reporting.
