-As Court Issues 60-Day Eviction Notice In Sanniquellie
By: Shallon S. Gonlor |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Sanniquellie City Magisterial Court on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, ruled in a land dispute between the AFL and some New Barracks residents, ordering the citizens to vacate the AFL premises within 60 days.
In his ruling, Presiding Magistrate Bob Flomo stated that the court’s investigation revealed the residents occupying the AFL’s land had been notified in 2025 to leave, but failed to comply. Magistrate Flomo emphasized that the eviction notice was issued by the Sanniquellie City Corporation and Nimba County’s superintendent, yet the citizens ignored the authorities’ directive.
He cited President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s executive order for the evacuation of AFL properties nationwide, stating the court could not defy the order. Magistrate Flomo added that the executive order is akin to a divine mandate, saying “Government is next to God.” He concluded, “The president of Liberia has that special order. Wherefore, in the wisdom of the court, and based on the facts and circumstances, and the law controlling, the court has decided to give the occupants two months (60 days) to vacate.”
However, several citizens including Alice Sehnwai and Elder A. Konah Miaway believe that the court erred in its decision. “Forcibly taken away what belongs to us as citizens of this land, is totally wrong,” said Alice, a mother of four, expressing her disappointment.
Sehnwai argued that the court’s judgment was sentimental and wrongly relied on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s statement and executive order that God is not making new land, implying the AFL knows its boundaries. Alice alleged that the ruling lacked due process, noting they were not allowed to argue their case in the competent court.
She disclosed her plan to appeal to the Supreme Court of Liberia. Elder A. Konah Miaway echoed calls for resettlement, stressing the community wants fair compensation for their properties, not a fight.
LEGAL BATTLE RESUME:
The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Camp Grant Military Barracks in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, had petitioned the court for legal permission to remove residents who are allegedly refusing to vacate the army’s premises. The AFL cited President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Executive Order, which mandates the military to reclaim its lands for development in post-war Liberia, as the basis for its request.
Hundreds of residents, mostly single mothers who head households, are expected to lose their homes. The Ministry of National Defense claims the land belongs to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Camp Grant Military Barracks, but the residents say they bought their parcels through proper channels, paid for government surveys, and have deeds to prove ownership. They have since pleaded with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration for fair compensation.
The land dispute carries historical dimensions dating to the 1960s and 1970s, when the ‘Old Barracks’ served as Sanniquellie’s sole military installation. During the 1990s, former President William R. Tolbert acquired a smaller portion from the Joseph Seibey family—now known as ‘New Barracks’—for personal use. Former President Samuel K. Doe later seized the property, citing government ownership on grounds that Tolbert used public funds for the acquisition.
