Authorities on the Liberia Nationwide Police detachment say they’ve arrested a number of people in reference to vandalizing and blocking of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), railway operation station.
Monrovia, June 16, 2025: The alleged vandalism and blockade of the railway station, which occurred between June 10 and 12, 2025 led to the obstruction, resistance, prevention, and obstacle of the transportation of the corporate’s iron ore from Nimba County by way of the Port of Buchanan, in Grand Bassa County.
Police mentioned the alleged motion induced monetary misplaced throughout the firm. The railway operated by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), is a key infrastructure used for transporting iron ore from the corporate’s mining operations to the Port of Buchanan.
The blockades vandalism occurred when the people, reportedly former staff of a contractor firm (WBHO) halted prepare operations by putting particles and different obstructions, lighting fires and eradicating some metal sleepers on the tracks between Kilometres Six and Ten.
The protesters declare to have unresolved points with WBHO, an organization impartial of ArcelorMittal Liberia.
The incident occurred days after AML unveiled its 1.8 billon Concentrator Plant in Nimba County.
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 costs and prosecution.
Nevertheless, in response to the disruption, ArcelorMittal Liberia condemned the motion, emphasizing the dangers to rail security, the potential adversarial influence on income technology and the broader financial implications for Liberia.
This newest scenario provides to a rising development of unlawful actions in opposition to 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 crucial piece of infrastructure of Liberia, with important significance to the nationwide financial system, notably 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 immediately impacts ore cargo volumes and state income. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
