Women of Nimba County have distanced themselves from reports that they want world steel giant ArcelorMittal-Liberia out of their county.
In a statement read at a press conference, the women said “First and foremost, we wish to unequivocally distance the people of Nimba from the recent disruptions orchestrated by a small, hired group from some communities within our beloved County, which was supported by disgruntled individuals who lost control of a part of our mining communities illegally acquired in 2019.”
The women claimed that the protesting individuals are not from the County; however, their actions are now imposing blemish on all of us as a county. We stand firm in our rejection of the call by that paid group calling for ArcelorMittal Liberia to depart from our County.”
They said the recent protests, purportedly led by a faction under the guise of traditional people representation, do not reflect the sentiments of the broader Nimba community.
The women said Nimba County has long been a beacon of resilience, cooperation, and progress, “Making our county the most economically vibrant county in our country only after Montserrado County.”
They acknowledged that there have been some valid concerns regarding ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations in the County, but never been to the extent of asking the company to pack its bag and leave.
The women affirmed their unwavering commitment to dialogue, transparency, and accountability in addressing these concerns.
They noted that it is imperative that all stakeholders engage in constructive dialogue to find sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of our entire county and respect the rights of all parties involved.
“While noting these discrepancies, we also acknowledge the contributions made by ArcelorMittal Liberia to our local economy and development initiatives, including the ongoing Ganta – Yakepa road project $40 million, ArcelorMittal annual support to our own Nimba County University, support for the relocation of the G.W. Hardley hospital in Sanniquellie, partnership for the recently dedicated Gbapa clinic,
local and international scholarships for our children, construction of playgrounds in several communities to make our children happy, significant relocation payments to our farmers, the ArcelorMittal Training Academy which has been giving high-level skills to our children, in additional to the total of over US$48 million paid to the government of Liberia so far as County Social Development Fund to the three host counties including our own Nimba County, since the company came,” the women said in the statement.
They contended that these planted” disruptive activities have distracted their attention from the most urgent challenges that face the county, including the ArcelorMittal US$7 million paid to the former government which is yet to reach the ground to address urgent development needs.
“We reject division and strife, opting instead for dialogue and cooperation. Together, we shall overcome challenges and chart a path toward a brighter tomorrow,” the women said.
