"Reclaiming Our Property; Not Harassment" - Defense Ministry Sets the Record Straight in Ramrod Military Barracks Eviction

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The Ministry of National Defense has issued a sharp response amidst growing public concerns over the ongoing evacuation of civilians from the Ramrod Military Barracks, commonly known as the 72nd Barracks, stating that the move is intended to reincorporate legitimate barracks owned by the Armed Forces of Liberia.

It can be recalled on Monday, January 19, 2026, personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia ordered the immediate excavation of residents from the Ramrod Military Barracks in the 72nd Community, in Paynesville, that sparked mixed reactions with many terming it as an intimidation against civilians.

The Defense Minister said residents have been illegally occupying the facility since the end of Liberia's Civil War in 2003. The Assistant Minister for Public Affairs, Oscar Mulbah noted that prior notices served to occupants have not been adhered to.

He stressed that conversations surrounding the evacuation process began in 2024. According to Mulbah, the eviction order is now being enforced to ensure that barracks earmarked for renovations are properly reserved.

In an interview with Kool FM, the Assistant Public Affairs Minister at National Defense Ministry, emphasized that there is no property seizure amidst the ongoing evacuation, stating the Armed Forces of Liberia is ensuring that residents peacefully comply with the order within a 14-day ultimatum.

"We have been having meetings with them since 2024. We give them a five-month ultimatum in May 2026 to leave the barracks 2025. We are those who are illegally occupying the facility to ensure peacefully leave and leave within time. There is no harassment, we are only reclaiming our property", Mulbah pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense has disclosed that the Armed Forces of Liberia is faced with constraints of accommodations, and that reclaiming the Ramrod Military Barracks will prepare it to welcome new recruits of the Army.

The Assistant Public Affairs Minister Oscar Mulbah furthered that the barracks is largely being encroached on. He said 37 acres is under illegal occupation, while the AFL only seeks to retain 13 acres expected to be reconditioned for military residential purposes.

He said men and women of the Army deserve comfortable environments for their residence as they perform their National duties. Oscar Mulbah at the same noted that functioning barracks are filling and there is a need to readjust and operationalize old barracks to meet the existing demands.

"We are about to recruit. We cannot carry out recruitment when we are still faced with a serious challenge of accommodations. The Ramrod Military Barracks (72nd Barracks) is not a unique case. We are not targeting anybody", Mulbah revealed.

However, calls are emerging for the government through the Ministry of National Defense to compensate civilians to resettle, most of whom have spent over 20 years residing in the area.