By Fiona Benson
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.
The eviction, is allegedly planned to be executed by the Ministry of National Defense of residents, who have reportedly encroached on government acquired lands.
Plenary reached the decision following a communication from Nimba County Electoral District #2 Representative, Nyan G. Flomo, who raised “an urgent national concern” affecting his
constituents, and the people of Liberia.
In his communication, Rep. Flomo informed the House of disturbing reports suggesting that the Ministry of National Defense, is attempting to evict peaceful residents from their homes on a parcel of land the Ministry claimed fall within the Sanniquillie Military Barracks, and are therefore government’s property.
Flomo said, 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.
Rep. Flomo also said any entity, including the government must substantiate land claims with verifiable documentary evidence such as deeds, survey maps, or other legal instruments.
Flomo reported that the eviction attempts, if true, risk causing fear, instability, and undue hardship for citizens, who may also have legitimate claims.
He said 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.
Rep. Flomo therefore, requested that the House mandate the Ministry of National Defense to:
substantiate Its claim by presenting all relevant documentary evidence proving ownership, and boundary demarcation of the land in question, clarify the eviction procedure by submitting a comprehensive report detailing: whether a court-ordered eviction process has been initiated, the legal basis for the eviction under the Land Rights Act or other laws, the mechanisms for notice, dialogue, grievance redress, and fair treatment provided to affected residents.
Flomo also underscored the need for ensuring respect for the laws of Liberia by both citizens and government institutions is 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.