House of Representatives Poised to Probe Defense Ministry over Allegation of Illegal Evictions in Nimba County

CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA: The House of Representatives has launched a formal investigation into alarming reports that the Ministry of National Defense is planning the forceful eviction of residents in Sanniquellie City operation lawmakers say could violate due process and destabilize the community.

The decision came after Nimba County Electoral District #2 Representative Nyan G. Flomo alarmed over what he termed an urgent national concern over alleged attempts to remove long-standing residents from homes and parcels of land claimed by the Ministry to be part of the Sanniquellie Military Barracks.

In his communication to Plenary, Representative Flomo detailed disturbing reports suggesting that Defense authorities are asserting ownership over the disputed lands without properly engaging affected families or presenting proof of ownership as required by Liberian law.

He emphasized that while the Land Rights Act of 2018 recognizes the State’s authority over certain public lands, the law also clearly spells out the procedures for land recovery, boundary verification, and eviction procedures that must be backed by valid deeds, survey maps, or other authenticated instruments.

“Any entity, including the government, must substantiate ownership of land with verifiable documentary evidence,” Representative Flomo said, warning that “unverified eviction attempts could trigger fear, tension, and hardship among residents, many of whom have also claim legitimate ownership of the same lands.”

Representative Flomo informed Plenary that earlier efforts by his office to engage the Ministry of National Defense had been unsuccessful, leaving affected residents increasingly anxious as rumors of possible eviction intensify.

He called for immediate legislative intervention to ensure transparency and prevent what he described as potentially unlawful displacement.

In response to the lawmaker’s quest, the House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Defense, Security, and Internal Affairs to launch a rapid investigation.

The House’s Committees is expected to scrutinize evidence of Ownership. In this light the Ministry must present all deeds, maps, surveys, and legal documents proving that the land in question is government property, and a clear boundary demarcation to show the extent of the Sanniquellie Military Barracks.

The Committee is also charged with responsibility to substantiate the legality of the eviction Process. The Committees will request a detailed report addressing whether or not a court-ordered eviction has been initiated; the statutory basis for the action under the Land Rights Act or other laws, and notification procedures, grievance mechanisms, and measures to ensure fair treatment of affected families.

Representative Flomo stressed that protecting citizens from arbitrary displacement is a fundamental duty of the Legislature adding that no citizen should be uprooted from their homes without due process, while urging that government institutions must uphold the same laws they expect citizens to obey.

Meanwhile, the Plenary of the House of Representative unanimously endorsed Representative Flomo’s request and has formally forwarded the matter to the relevant committees.

Findings from the House Committee on Defense, Security, and Internal Affairs are expected to inform further legislative action, including potential hearings involving the Ministry of National Defense, local authorities, and the affected residents.