MONROVIA — Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely has raised serious concerns over what he described as the widespread illegal detention and harassment of peaceful Liberians and foreign residents at several security checkpoints across the country.
By Obediah Johnson
According to the senator, the constitutional right of citizens to freely move about the country, a core principle of Liberia’s democratic system, is being undermined by the conduct of state security personnel assigned at these checkpoints.
He noted that rather than serving their intended purpose of protecting lives and property, many checkpoints have become barriers to lawful movement and sources of hardship for ordinary citizens and foreign residents.
Senator Nimely observed that the growing number of checkpoints across Liberia is not designed to enhance national security, but instead appears to serve as a means for joint security officers to collect money for personal gain. He alleged that officers from the Liberia National Police (LNP), Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), National Security Agency (NSA), and the Liberia Immigration Service, who are assigned at these checkpoints, are exploiting travelers.
“The checkpoints in this country are too many and they are meaningless to the security of this country. They are only meaningful to the pockets of our security (assigned there). The checkpoints are too many and the harassment are too much. Men are checking women in small, small rooms. If you do not find what you looking for and you find money, they take the money and you have to negotiate with that person. A woman loss L$1million in Grand Gedeh county and to date, she never got her money back,” he stated.
The Grand Gedeh County lawmaker further disclosed that the movement of about 60 passengers, including Liberians and foreign residents, was reportedly curtailed by state security officers at the Salala checkpoint in Nimba County.
According to Senator Nimely, 58 of the passengers experienced delays due to the screening of two individuals who were identified as members of the Mandingo tribe. He expressed concern that while security officers at checkpoints routinely screen foreign residents and travelers, they often fail to issue any official documentation or provide clear justification for such actions.
As a result, he observed that many foreign residents are compelled to pay money at each checkpoint before being allowed to proceed to their destinations. He claimed that motorists are also forced to give money to security personnel stationed at checkpoints in order to pass.
“The citizens of this country who elected me to be here were detained at the checkpoint unless they pay. I saw about 20 motorcycles with passengers going to Grand Gedeh and about 10 others coming from Grand Gedeh. That checkpoint detained the people unless they pay. You have to pay before you enter the county,” Senator Nimely noted.
He continued by reflecting on the historical role of checkpoints in Liberia, stating, “From the 1960s, checkpoints have been in this country. But these checkpoints (now a days) are not checking loads. They are running after the motorcyclists.”
Senator Nimely emphasized that despite Liberia’s democratic governance system, the freedom of movement of its citizens is being severely restricted. He described the situation as one in which citizens are unnecessarily subjected to delays, intimidation, and financial exploitation.
“Let us not try not to leave our citizens behind the checkpoints. Let them pass along with us,” he added.
The senator also raised alarm over the treatment of Burkinabe nationals residing in Liberia. He observed that the free movement of more than 60,000 Burkinabes, who have been documented by the government through the Liberia Immigration Service in Grand Gedeh County, is being obstructed at checkpoints in both Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties.
“Everywhere the Burkinabes have to pass, they will have to pay US$20. The harassment has increased and the motorcyclists that are ferrying these people from point A to point B are also having problems at the checkpoints,” he stated.
Senator Nimely disclosed that he has formally requested the Ministry of Labor to conduct visits to Grand Gedeh and Nimba counties to determine the actual number of Burkinabes who have obtained resident permits. He stressed that government must also ensure that Burkinabes who possess resident permits are issued work permits in line with the law.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Senator Nimely noted that the recent increase in alien work permit fees from US$1,000 to US$3,000 by the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Labor, is a welcome development. He said the increase has the potential to create and encourage more employment opportunities for Liberians.
However, he assured that his committee will follow up with the Ministry of Labor to assess progress regarding existing job vacancies at various companies and institutions across the country. According to him, this process will help determine how many Liberians have been employed since the increase in alien work permit fees.
Meanwhile, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence has instructed the Senate Committee on Defense, National Security, Intelligence and Veteran Affairs to investigate the allegations raised by Senator Nimely.
The committee, chaired by Senator Momo Cyrus of Lofa County, is expected to submit its findings to the Senate next week.
