The citizens of Behquelleh Clan in Jorquelleh District #3, Bong County, Liberia, initiated a peaceful protest against Da Tang Gold Mining Company in March 2025. Their grievance stemmed from the company’s alleged neglect of the clan despite utilizing a major road within their territory for seven years without providing any commensurate benefits to the community. The core demand of the protesters was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the company, formalizing their relationship and outlining the company’s responsibilities towards the affected communities. The citizens felt excluded from any existing agreements between the company and other communities, despite the company’s heavy reliance on the Kpayah-Jenepleta road for its operations since commencing activities in Zota District in 2018.
To emphasize their demands, the residents erected roadblocks in Kpayah Town, effectively barring all company vehicles from traversing the crucial Kpayah-Jenepleta road. This strategic move aimed to pressure the company into acknowledging their concerns and engaging in meaningful dialogue. A key point of contention was the deteriorating condition of the road. The community criticized the company’s inadequate maintenance efforts, which they perceived as mere patchwork – filling potholes with a front-end loader instead of undertaking proper road reconstruction. This highlighted the community’s desire for long-term infrastructural development rather than temporary fixes.
A town hall meeting was convened in Kpayah Town to address the issue, with an invitation extended to the company’s representatives. However, they failed to appear, further fueling the community’s frustration. During the meeting, the citizens reiterated their demand for an MoU that would serve as a legally binding document outlining the responsibilities and obligations of both the company and the affected communities. The absence of the company representatives underscored the perceived disregard for the community’s concerns and further solidified their resolve.
Representing District Four where the company operates, Representative Robert Flomo Womba attended the town hall meeting and urged the protesting citizens to maintain peace. He attributed the company’s absence to alleged security concerns expressed by its Chinese operators. He disclosed his efforts to arrange a meeting with the company representatives in Gbarnga, in collaboration with Representative Josiah Marvin Cole of District Three. However, Hon. Cole insisted that the company representatives must meet directly with the affected communities in their own territory. This difference in approach between the two representatives highlighted the delicate balance between negotiation and direct engagement with the affected populace.
The town hall meeting was adjourned for a short break. However, during this break, Rep. Womba departed for Gbarnga. Upon reconvening, Hon. Cole presented $1,000 USD, purportedly provided by Rep. Womba on behalf of the company. This money was presented as an incentive for the residents to cease their protest, dismantle the roadblock, and agree to further discussions on Saturday. This attempt at appeasement, however, backfired.
The elders of Behquelleh Clan, after deliberation, rejected the $1,000 USD, emphasizing that their protest was not motivated by financial gain but rather a pursuit of long-term development for their community. This decisive action underlined the community’s commitment to principle over immediate financial compensation. While Hon. Cole subsequently suggested distributing the money amongst the attendees for transportation costs, the citizens remained resolute. They refused to remove the roadblock, signifying their unwavering stance and determination to secure a commitment from the mining company towards the sustainable development of their community.
Following the meeting, Representative Josiah Marvin Cole expressed his unwavering support for the protesters. He revealed that he had invited the company’s operators to engage in dialogue with the affected community on three separate occasions, all of which were declined. Hon. Cole’s public support legitimized the community’s protest and reinforced their position. Given the company’s repeated refusal to engage in dialogue, he endorsed the community’s decision to block the company’s access to the road. This public display of solidarity further strengthened the community’s position and signaled the seriousness of their grievances.
The protest by the Behquelleh Clan against Da Tang Gold Mining Company exemplifies the complex dynamics between extractive industries and local communities. The company, a licensed Class B gold mining entity operating in Gbakonah, Zota District since 2018, found itself facing resistance from a community demanding recognition, respect, and a commitment to sustainable development. The incident underscores the importance of proactive engagement with local communities, transparent communication, and a commitment to equitable benefit-sharing in resource-rich regions. The community’s resolute stance, their rejection of financial appeasement, and their demand for a legally binding agreement signify a growing awareness of their rights and a determination to hold corporations accountable for their impact on local communities. The events of March 16, 2025, in Kpayah served as a clear message: the community prioritizes long-term sustainable development over short-term financial gains, and they are willing to stand their ground to achieve it.
