Liberia: Gov’t’s Demolitions Displace Families as Sick Child’s Life Hangs In Balance

Monrovia — A wave of government-led demolitions across Monrovia has left hundreds homeless, but for Mrs. Josephine D. Gailor, the crisis is deeply personal—threatening the life of her 9-year-old son battling Sickle Cell Anemia.

By Augustus D.R. Bortue, [email protected]

The ongoing exercise, aimed at reclaiming alleyways and public lands allegedly occupied illegally for decades, has sparked widespread outrage as entire communities are flattened with little warning.

Among those affected is Mrs. Gailor, whose home and small business in Harmon Field, Duport Road, Paynesville, were demolished—forcing her and her son, Alexander J. Gailor, to relocate under distressing conditions to Zubah Town.

In an emotional interview over the weekend, she described the demolition as sudden and chaotic.

“We were not given prior notice. We just saw bulldozers destroying homes, shops, and market places. We left without taking anything,” she recounted.

Her son, who has battled sickle cell since the age of two, now faces a dangerous disruption in treatment. The condition—marked by severe pain, infections, and high mortality in low-income settings—requires consistent medication, nutrition, and care.

“My son got seriously ill at two years old. At ELWA Hospital, doctors confirmed he has sickle cell. Since then, I have followed strict medical advice—penicillin, vaccines, good food—but now I can’t continue,” she said.

Already strained, the family’s situation worsened after her shop—her only source of income—was destroyed. Her husband, Everett B. Gailor, who resides in Canada, is currently unemployed and unable to provide steady support.

“I am worried about my son’s survival. I cannot afford his medication anymore,” she lamented.

The impact has been immediate. Alexander has dropped out of school at the Jesco Learning Center and is currently receiving treatment at the Jorkpen Town Diagnostic Clinic after falling ill.

“I pray that God will not let me lose my only son because of these financial constraints,” she added through tears.

Across affected communities, frustration is mounting.

Wilson M. Toe described the timing as “problematic,” pointing to widespread unemployment and economic hardship.

“People are hungry. Even paying rent is difficult. Our priority should be jobs,” he said, urging the government to reconsider or pause the exercise.

Samuel T. Wilson echoed concerns, arguing that authorities have long known about these settlements and should have provided compensation or temporary shelter.

“Removing people from homes they have lived in for years without support is painful and embarrassing,” he said, warning of potential security risks tied to unresolved land disputes—particularly involving diaspora claims.

Anthony K. Baker offered a more nuanced view, acknowledging the government’s right to reclaim public land but criticizing inconsistencies within the judiciary.

“Government is for the people. There must be compassion,” he stressed, calling for better communication and adequate notice.

However, not all voices oppose the exercise.

Paul C. Williams defended the demolitions as necessary for enforcing the rule of law.

“Any country without rule of law cannot be considered civil. Though painful, the law must take its course,” he said.

Similarly, Sheik Sekou Konneh noted that the demolitions are rooted in legal processes, not arbitrary decisions, but questioned the timing amid economic hardship. He called for relocation support and compensation for affected families.

As bulldozers continue to roll through parts of Monrovia, the unfolding crisis has laid bare a national dilemma—how to enforce legality without deepening human suffering.

For families like the Gailors, the stakes are not just about land—but survival.