“The Next Step Could Be Dangerous”: Liberian Businesses Warn Of Xenophobic Backlash

Monrovia, Liberia:Liberian business owners are warning that growing frustration over what they describe as unfair competition and discrimination could trigger a dangerous backlash against foreign-owned businesses, with the Trade Union Congress of Liberia threatening a return to xenophobic attacks if the government fails to intervene.

Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Liberia, Dominic Nimely, issued the warning on Saturday, accusing the government of failing to adequately protect Liberian entrepreneurs while businesses owned by Lebanese, Indian, Chinese and other foreign nationals continue to expand across key sectors of the Liberian economy.

Nimely alleged that Liberian businesses are being pushed toward collapse by limited access to affordable financing, high interest rates on commercial loans, difficulties obtaining credit and what he described as excessive charges at the country’s ports. “We are tired of begging and protesting,” Nimely declared, signaling growing anger among Liberian business owners over what they consider years of economic marginalization.

He claimed that Liberian entrepreneurs have repeatedly petitioned authorities and staged protests over the alleged unequal treatment but have seen little meaningful change. According to Nimely, the continued economic pressure is leaving many Liberian-owned businesses struggling to survive while foreign businesses continue to gain greater access to capital, markets and commercial opportunities.

Nimely also criticized the expansion of foreign-owned businesses into local communities, alleging that some provide goods and services through the “Seh-Pay” credit system while operating simultaneously across production, distribution, wholesale and retail activities. He argued that the practice gives foreign businesses an advantage that Liberian entrepreneurs cannot easily match.

The Trade Union Congress chairman said the alleged concentration of foreign businesses across multiple stages of the economy is creating what he described as a serious imbalance, warning that the consequences could extend beyond individual businesses to unemployment, poverty and worsening economic hardship for ordinary Liberians.

But Nimely's most troubling warning came when he suggested that continued government inaction could lead to attacks against foreign businesses. “We are tired of begging and protesting,” he said, warning that Liberian business owners may have “no alternative but to revert to xenophobic attacks” if authorities fail to address their concerns.

The warning raises serious concerns about the potential for economic grievances to develop into violence against foreign nationals and businesses, while placing renewed pressure on the government to address complaints from Liberian entrepreneurs through lawful economic and regulatory measures. The allegations by Nimely have not, in the statement provided, been independently established, and any retaliation or xenophobic attack would threaten lives, property and Liberia’s already fragile business environment.