The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has called for an impartial investigation into a violent clash between protesting workers and police officers at the ArcelorMittal concession in Yekepa, Nimba County.
In a statement, CENTAL Executive Director Anderson Miamen described the incident as “alarming” and warned that failure to address it transparently could erode public trust in both government and corporate institutions.
The confrontation reportedly began when workers of AFCONS, a subcontractor of ArcelorMittal Liberia, staged a protest over labor grievances. The demonstration escalated into violence, leaving several injured, a police officer reportedly disarmed, and 27 protesters arrested.
Videos circulating on social media show workers accusing the company, the Ministry of Labor, and the Liberia National Police of misconduct. Allegations include contaminated drinking water, failure to honor incentive agreements, and the use of tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. Protesters also criticized Assistant Labor Minister for Standards Emmanuel Zorh, accusing him of bias in handling the dispute.
The Ministry of Labor, however, has described the strike as unlawful. In a recent statement, it warned that employees who fail to return to work risk dismissal, arguing that the demands raised are not supported by employment contracts or Liberia’s Decent Work Act.
Miamen cautioned that such developments weaken accountability and undermine confidence in governance. He urged an independent inquiry to examine the root causes of the workers’ grievances, the conduct of law enforcement, and broader labor practices within concession areas.
CENTAL stressed that the Yekepa incident underscores persistent governance challenges in Liberia’s extractive sector. The organization emphasized that concession agreements must not only deliver economic benefits but also protect the rights and dignity of workers and communities.
Reaffirming its commitment to collaborate with government, civil society, and private sector actors, CENTAL said a credible investigation followed by concrete reforms would demonstrate Liberia’s commitment to justice, fairness, and responsible corporate governance.
