Buchanan — Police authorities in Grand Bassa County have arrested a number of people who just lately obstructed the railway operated by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), a key infrastructure used for transporting iron ore from the corporate’s mining operations to the Port of Buchanan.
The blockades vandalism occurred between June 10 to 12, 2025, when the people, reportedly former staff of a contractor firm (WBHO) halted practice operations by putting particles and different obstructions, lighting fires and eradicating some metal sleepers on the tracks between Kilometer Six and Ten. The protesters declare to have unresolved points with WBHO, an organization impartial of ArcelorMittal Liberia.
These arrested are Andrew Jokpo, age 22, Sampson B. Pokiay (43), Cyrus Bloue (32), J. Prince Quito (27), Stanley Ben (19), Samuel Barchue (19). They’re present process Police investigation, pending expenses and prosecution.
In response to the disruption, ArcelorMittal Liberia condemned the motion, emphasizing the dangers to rail security, the potential adversarial impression on income era and the broader financial implications for Liberia.
This newest scenario provides to a rising pattern of unlawful actions towards ArcelorMittal and its operations by people who proceed to resort to violence and vandalism after they have grievances.
The Yekepa to Buchanan railway is a vital piece of infrastructure of Liberia, with vital significance to the nationwide financial system, significantly by way of mining, commerce, and regional growth. The railway primarily serves the transport of iron ore from the mines in Yekepa to the port of Buchanan, making it important to the nation’s high export commodity. Any disruption in railway operations straight impacts ore cargo volumes and state income.
