Massive Protest at Bea Mountain 

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Leads To The Alleged Disappearance of Two Police Officers

The demand for the removal of Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) country general manager, Mr. Debar Allen, intensified as traditional leaders began protesting yesterday evening, Tuesday, February 14, 2024, at Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County, blocking every entrance to the company. But the authority close to the company termed their actions as illegal, calling them as few hands of criminals with the intention to undermining the company operation

During the protest, two police officers from the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) were reported missing along with a company vehicle, allegedly taken to a shrine for violating traditional proceedings.

Mr. Morris Kiazolu, who claimed to be the ringleader of the protests, confirmed the confiscation of the company vehicle but denied any involvement in the kidnapping of the police officers, citing it as a traditional matter beyond his authority to address.

“Debar Allen is the obstacle for Grand Cape Mount County at Bea Mountain; he must leave, or we will continue the protest until all of us die,” stated Mr. Kiazulu. 

According to him, the protest  was peaceful but police assigned at the facility started shooting  tear gas and live bullets which  led to the action taken by the traditional men. 

He further accused Mr. Allen of using a small group of people to undermine their demands by bribing them to speak against the protest instead of addressing their grievances.

Prior to the protest, citizens of Cape Mount, along with workers of BMMC, jointly submitted a 38-point petition against the company. The petition, addressing various concerns, including the removal of Mr. Debar Allen and the establishment of a new country management team by the Liberian government, emphasizes the need for compliance with the Decent Work Act and obligations under the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).

In their petition, they requested that the new team be led by qualified Cape Mountaineans such as Mr. Sando Wayne, Mr. Henry Vincent, and other Liberians, to ensure adherence to labor laws and agreements with ultimatums  to address their plights. 

Calling on an official  police spokesperson contact, “0770800122” the responder  who claims to be Moses Carter  termed  the report as unconfirmed.

According  to him, they are in contact  with the Police Commander of Grand Cape Mount County  to give them clear  information before confirming. 

He noted,  the county authorities including the superintendent  are currently  meeting  to get back to them.

However,  several  efforts have been made to get to the management of Bea Mountain Mining Company but yielded no fruit. 

Investigation continues. 

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