US$100 Million Lawsuit Against BMMC Opens in Court

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ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: A landmark environmental lawsuit seeking at least US$100 million in damages against the management of BMMC opened before Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice on Monday, June 29, 2026, with 35 affected communities accusing the company of causing widespread pollution of the MAFA River and devastating the lives of thousands of residents.

By Persie Folley

The civil action, filed in March 2026 by the 35 MAFA River Affected Communities through the Consortium of Legal Practitioners, Inc., alleges that BMMC’s operations contaminated the river, resulting in serious health complications, deaths, environmental destruction, and the loss of livelihoods for communities that depend on the waterway.

The plaintiffs are seeking a minimum of US$100 million in compensatory and environmental damages, excluding punitive damages, interest, and legal costs.

According to the complaint, the communities are demanding US$85 million in compensatory damages, including US$30 million for medical treatment and hospitalization, US$20 million for wrongful death and funeral expenses, US$10 million for pain, suffering, and disability, US$5 million for emotional distress, US$15 million for loss of livelihoods such as fishing and farming, and US$5 million for property damage caused by alleged contamination.

The lawsuit also seeks US$15 million in environmental and equitable relief, including US$10 million for cleanup and ecological restoration of the MAFA River, US$3 million for long-term environmental monitoring, and US$2 million to establish a medical monitoring and preventive healthcare fund for affected residents.

In addition, the plaintiffs are asking the court to award punitive damages, arguing that the amount should reflect the company’s financial capacity, the alleged seriousness of the environmental harm, and the number of people reportedly affected.

Speaking ahead of the opening of the case, Chairperson of the 35 MAFA River Affected Communities, Mr. Boima Manobah, described the lawsuit as a fight for justice after years of suffering.

“This case is not just about money. It is about justice for our people, whose lives, health, and livelihoods have allegedly been destroyed. We believe the court will give every party a fair hearing, and we remain hopeful that justice will prevail,” Manobah said.

Lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Dr. Arthur T. Johnson, said the legal team is prepared to present evidence supporting the communities’ claims.

“Our clients deserve their day in court. We intend to present evidence to demonstrate the extent of the alleged environmental damage and its impact on the affected communities. We trust the judicial process and are confident the matter will be decided based on the law and the facts,” Johnson stated.

Community leaders have also appealed to elected officials, government appointees, legal professionals from Grand Cape Mount County, and other citizens to support the affected communities as the legal proceedings continue.

The case is expected to attract significant national attention because of its potential implications for environmental accountability, corporate responsibility, and community rights in Liberia.

BMMC has not yet publicly responded to the allegations in court. Under Liberian law, the company is presumed entitled to a full legal defense, and the allegations contained in the lawsuit remain unproven unless established before the court.

The proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as both parties present their respective cases before Criminal Court “C.”