Jorpolu Clan – After years of mounting frustration and unresolved grievances, peace has finally been restored to Gbarmue in Jorpolu Clan.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Huiren Mining Company Inc. and the affected communities marks the resolution of a prolonged dispute.
This agreement comes on the heels of a growing discontent that reached a boiling point when frustrated residents set fire to the town’s only bridge, halting vital access to Jackson Village, where the mining operations are based.
For months, the tension had been simmering in the community, especially in Gbarmue town, where locals felt that their needs and concerns had been consistently ignored by the company.
The protest, which saw the bridge consumed in flames, was a desperate call for justice and change. Local authorities, including Bong County Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris, District Representative Josiah Marvin Cole, and the Liberia National Police’s Bong Detachment, swiftly intervened to mediate and prevent further escalation.
Their intervention proved to be pivotal in steering the situation toward a peaceful resolution. A series of meetings between Huiren Mining and the community eventually led to the signing of a new MOU on February 16.
With clear commitments on environmental protection, employment, and community development, the agreement has ushered in a new chapter of cooperation between the company and the community.
A Fresh Start for Gbarmue
The signing ceremony, attended by key figures such as Superintendent Norris, Representative Cole, and Bong County Attorney Jonathan Flomo, was a powerful symbol of reconciliation. For the residents of Gbarmue, this moment signified more than just a legal contract— it represented a renewed sense of trust, hope, and collaboration.
“This agreement is the beginning of a new chapter for us,” said Fatu Binnay, the Commissioner of Jorpolu Clan. “It brings hope for better living conditions and stronger cooperation between our communities and the company.”
The new MOU is comprehensive, addressing the pressing issues that have long plagued the relationship between Huiren Mining and the people of Gbarmue. It includes a number of concrete commitments, which are expected to have lasting positive effects on both the community and the company’s operations.
Key Commitments from the MOU:
- Environmental Protection: Huiren Mining has pledged to adhere strictly to environmental laws to mitigate its impact on the surrounding area. In turn, the community will be actively involved in monitoring and reporting any environmental violations.
- Employment and Economic Opportunities: A core aspect of the agreement is the company’s commitment to prioritizing local hires for technical roles, offering fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for skill development. This provision is expected to create both immediate and long-term employment opportunities for the local workforce.
- Community Development: The company has agreed to fund vital infrastructure projects in Gbarmue. This includes the renovation of the town’s school and the construction of additional hand pumps to improve access to clean water. Additionally, Huiren Mining will rehabilitate crucial roads connecting the town to other areas, improving both accessibility and transportation for the local population.
- Regular Community Contributions: Starting on April 1, 2025, the company will contribute USD 5,500 every five months to the affected communities. This amount will be managed by a community oversight committee, ensuring that the funds are used transparently and effectively for ongoing development projects.
For many residents, the new MOU is seen as a turning point, one that finally acknowledges their concerns and sets a path toward a more equitable relationship.
The previous agreement from 2018 had failed to live up to expectations, leaving the community feeling betrayed and unheard. This new MOU, however, signals a shift from a contentious relationship to one based on mutual respect and shared benefits.
A Model for Future Cooperation
While the new MOU tackles immediate concerns, it also lays the groundwork for future collaboration. Section 6 of the agreement emphasizes the importance of dialogue and dispute resolution, with a clear process for addressing any future issues that may arise.
This provision ensures that both the company and the community have a transparent and fair method for resolving conflicts.
“I’m hopeful that this agreement will be respected by both parties,” said Joseph B. Mulbah, the Paramount Chief of Jorquelleh District 3. “It’s not just about fixing the past, but about building a sustainable future for our people.”
As the signatures were placed on the agreement, both the company and the community expressed their commitment to honoring the terms laid out in the MOU.
For both parties, the hope is that this new partnership will pave the way for prosperity, creating a balanced and lasting relationship that benefits both the company’s operations and the local community.
For Gbarmue and the surrounding areas, this agreement is seen as a long-awaited victory. While challenges may still lie ahead, there is now a renewed sense of optimism. The community, once divided and frustrated, now looks toward a future built on collaboration, dialogue, and shared success.
