Liberia: Former Timber Workers, Others Distance Themselves from Illegal Street Protest

MONROVIA – The representatives of the twenty-seven former Logging Companies who were affected by Executive Order Number one have reacted strongly to the recent unlawful street protest carried out by some unscrupulous Individuals claiming to be former Timber workers on the grounds of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) on February 16, 2026.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, February 23, 2026 at the United Workers Union of Liberia Head Office around the New Georgia Junction in Barnesville, outside Monrovia, Jesse Blaine, Chairman, Technical Committee of the former Timber Workers, strongly condemned the protest.

‘‘Let us say that no legitimate former Timber Workers who appreciates the efforts of the government in paying our benefits will take to the street. We

see their action as being politically motivated only intended to undermine the true intent of the government for the payment of our benefits which has been stalled for the past twenty years and dissuade the president in serving his people with humility,’’ Chairman Blaine  stated.

Chairman Blaine humbly  informed the Government of Liberia(GoL) that they as former Timber Workers and their  collaborating Unions, the United Workers Union of Liberia and National Timber Wood, Construction and Allied Workers Union of Liberia distance themselves from the February 16, 2026 illegal street protest and called on all former workers to remain law abiding while they constructively engage authorities of the MFDP.

He said while they oppose the recent street protest, they  are pleased to commend President ,Joseph Nyuma Boakai   through MFDP for committing to the settlement of their  benefits.

‘‘We want to make it categorically clear that we have no intent to protest because we believe in social dialogue and the rule of law in settling whatsoever grievances we may have,’’  he added.