IPNEWS: Sinoe County Electoral District #2 Representative, Hon. Samson Q. Wiah, has issued a strong call for an urgent and independent investigation into an alleged shooting incident and reported acts of intimidation involving personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) in Jedepo Nyennawiliaken and surrounding communities in Sinoe County.
The lawmaker disclosed that on Sunday evening at approximately 7:45 p.m., he received alarming reports indicating that AFL soldiers allegedly took control of parts of the town and discharged live ammunition, triggering widespread fear and forcing residents women, children, and elders to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
Speaking to the press, Rep. Wiah clarified that the AFL deployment to the area was originally sanctioned to remove illegal miners from protected forest zones and curb poaching activities in and around Sapo National Park. He noted that local leaders initially welcomed the deployment, recognizing the importance of protecting Liberia’s natural heritage and biodiversity.
However, the Representative alleged that the mission was later grossly compromised, as some AFL personnel reportedly abandoned their assigned posts within the park and instead loitered within civilian communities, contrary to their mandate.
He said formal complaints were submitted to senior AFL authorities, who assured local leaders that corrective measures would be taken. Despite these assurances, similar incidents were reportedly repeated in other communities, including Batikeng (Jerepok Batikeng).
Rep. Wiah further alleged that certain soldiers shifted from law enforcement to misconduct, engaging with illegal miners and conducting themselves in ways he described as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable for a professional national army.”
According to the lawmaker, the most recent incident occurred during sacred Grebo traditional rites, a culturally significant ceremony marking the transition of adolescent boys into manhood. He explained that during this period, traditional leaders—including Zoes and Bodios—had gathered in Nyanagoleke to conduct the rites in line with long-established customs.
Rep. Wiah alleged that AFL personnel, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, unlawfully entered the area and attempted to interfere with the cultural process. He said that when traditional authorities instructed residents to remain indoors as required by custom the soldiers allegedly defied the directive and opened fire, discharging dozens of rounds indiscriminately across the town.
He revealed that over 80 spent shell casings were reportedly recovered, bullets penetrated homes and public structures, and respected traditional leaders were chased, beaten, and in some cases arrested, causing mass panic and displacement of residents.
In response, Rep. Wiah said his office immediately dispatched a resource officer to the affected communities to collect firsthand accounts and physical evidence. He alleged that during subsequent community engagements, some AFL personnel admitted wrongdoing and issued apologies to residents.
Condemning the incident in the strongest possible terms, Rep. Wiah called on the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, the Minister of National Defense, and the Minister of Internal Affairs to take swift and decisive action. He warned that such conduct gravely undermines public confidence in state institutions and tarnishes the integrity of the government.
The lawmaker demanded a thorough, impartial investigation and recommended that any soldier found culpable be subjected to court-martial proceedings in accordance with military law and professional ethics. He stressed that the AFL exists to protect citizens not terrorize them, and called for the immediate redeployment of soldiers strictly to their designated operational zones within the park.
Rep. Wiah also underscored the urgent need for enhanced training for military personnel, particularly in respecting traditional authority, cultural norms, and local governance structures. He alleged that during the incident, soldiers reportedly defied instructions from local officials, including commissioners, mayors, chiefs, and other statutory leaders.
Additionally, the Representative urged the AFL and relevant government institutions to assess and repair damaged properties and ensure appropriate compensation for affected individuals and communities.
Reflecting on Liberia’s painful history of civil conflict, Rep. Wiah warned that incidents of this nature risk reopening old wounds and must be addressed decisively to safeguard the peace the nation has enjoyed since 2005.
“The government must act swiftly and decisively,” Rep. Wiah concluded. “Liberians deserve peace, respect for their traditions, and protection under the rule of law.”
