Sinoe County Electoral District #2 Representative, Samson Q. Wiah, has called on the authorities of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to promptly investigate a recent shooting incident and alleged intimidation of citizens in Jedepo Nyennawiliaken and surrounding communities in Sinoe County.
According to the lawmaker, on Sunday evening about 7:45pm, he received disturbing reports of a major security incident in which AFL personnel allegedly took over parts of the town and discharged live ammunition, leaving residents terrorized and forcing many to flee into nearby bushes.
Addressing the press, Rep. Wiah explained that the original mandate of the AFL deployment in the area was to remove illicit miners from protected forest zones and prevent poaching activities, particularly within and around Sapo National Park.
He said local leaders initially supported the deployment, recognizing the importance of biodiversity conservation and forest preservation.
However, Rep. Wiah alleged that reports later emerged of AFL personnel deserting their assigned posts and lingering within civilian communities, contrary to their mandate.
He said complaints were formally forwarded to senior AFL authorities, with assurances that corrective action would be taken.
Despite these assurances, he noted that similar incidents reportedly occurred in other towns, including Batikeng (Jerepok Batikeng).
The lawmaker further alleged that some AFL personnel had abandoned their mission of removing miners and instead engaging into improper conduct within local communities, including interacting with illicit miners. He described these actions as “sad and troubling for the country.”
Rep. Wiah detailed that the most recent incident coincided with traditional Grebo cultural rites, during which adolescent boys are formally admitted into manhood following established customs and community protocols.
He explained that during the festive season, traditional leaders gathered in Nyanagoleke, where the rites were underway.
According to him, AFL personnel allegedly entered the area under the influence of alcohol and attempted to interfere with the traditional process. He claimed that when traditional authorities instructed community members to remain indoors as part of customary practice, AFL personnel resisted and subsequently opened fire, allegedly discharging dozens of rounds throughout the town.
He stated that over 80 spent shells were reportedly recovered, bullets penetrated buildings, and traditional leaders including Zoes and Bodios were allegedly chased, beaten, and some apprehended. The situation, he said, resulted in widespread panic and displacement of residents.
Rep. Wiah said his office immediately deployed a resource officer to the area to gather firsthand information and evidence. He alleged that during community engagements, some AFL personnel admitted wrongdoing and apologized to residents.
Condemning the incident in the strongest terms, Rep. Wiah called on the Chief of Staff of the AFL, the Minister of Defense, and the Minister of Internal Affairs to take swift action, stating that the alleged conduct undermines public trust and the integrity of the government.
He further called for a thorough, independent investigation, recommending that any personnel found culpable face court-martial proceedings in keeping with military law and ethics. He stressed that the AFL’s role is to protect citizens, not intimidate them, and urged that soldiers be redeployed strictly to their designated operational areas within the park.
The Sinoe lawmaker also emphasized the need for enhanced training for military personnel, particularly in respecting traditional authority, cultural practices, and local governance structures. He alleged that during the incident, AFL personnel reportedly resisted instructions from local officials, including commissioners, mayors, and chiefs.
Rep. Wiah further called on the AFL to assess and repair damages caused during the incident and compensate affected communities where necessary.
Recalling Liberia’s painful history of civil conflict, he warned that such incidents risk reopening old wounds and must be addressed decisively to preserve the peace the country has enjoyed since 2005. “The government must act fast to bring this situation under control,” Rep. Wiah concluded. “Liberians deserve peace, respect for their traditions, and protection under the law.”