Ganta, Nimba County — Tensions are escalating in Nimba County as aggrieved landowners, represented by the Ganta Support Group, have issued a stark warning to the government. They threaten to take matters into their own hands and reclaim their disputed properties by force if the ruling of the ECOWAS Court is not enforced.
The ECOWAS Court recently ruled in favor of the landowners, establishing that their right to property under Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights had been violated. Additionally, the court highlighted that the Republic of Liberia breached Article 1 of the same charter by failing to take appropriate actions to prevent the violation of the landowners’ rights.
Daouda Keita, the lead lawyer for the aggrieved landowners, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. “If the government does not enforce the ECOWAS Court ruling, my clients are prepared to take control of their properties by any means necessary,” Keita stated, hinting at potential violent actions.
The Ganta Support Group’s grievances stem from long-standing land disputes in Nimba County, which have remained unresolved despite multiple legal interventions. The ECOWAS Court’s ruling is seen as a crucial step toward justice for the landowners, who have faced numerous challenges in reclaiming their properties.
“We have exhausted all legal avenues, and the ECOWAS Court’s decision is a clear affirmation of our rights,” said one of the aggrieved landowners. “If the government continues to ignore this ruling, we have no other choice but to take action.”
This situation has sparked widespread concern among residents of Nimba County, with many fearing that the threatened actions could lead to violence and instability in the region. Community leaders and local authorities are urging the government to act swiftly to implement the court’s decision and prevent further escalation.
“The government must respect the rule of law and uphold the ECOWAS Court’s ruling to ensure peace and stability in our county,” said a community elder. “Ignoring this issue will only lead to more conflict and suffering for our people.”
The Nimba land dispute has been a contentious issue for years, and the recent developments highlight the urgent need for a resolution.
