-As Court Issues Final Eviction Notice to Individuals Occupying the AFL Barracks
BY: Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
SANNIQUELLIE CITY, Nimba County — Sanniquellie City Magisterial Court has confirmed and reaffirmed a 60-day eviction order for dozens of single women and vulnerable families occupying the Armed Forces of Liberia, Camp Grant Military Barracks in Sanniquellie, Nimba County.
A public notice issued on April 16, 2026, by Magistrate Evelyn Lah Gongloe warned residents to leave as an eviction is scheduled for May 4, 2026. The court’s notice described non-compliance as leading to “future embarrassment,” adding to the distress among residents. 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 (May 2026).
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.
The magistrate cited President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.’s executive order for the evacuation of AFL properties nationwide, stating the court could not defy the order. About hundreds of residents, notable single women who head households are expected to lose their homes, receiving a 60-day eviction notice, sparking concerns about government overreach.
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.
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.
However, several citizens including Alice Sehnwai and Elder A. Konah Miaway on behalf of the aggrieved residents are pleading with the government for fair compensation. “Settle us, if we should leave,” residents call. Alice Sehnwai, a single mother of four, questions the government’s claim on her land. “It’s impossible the government surveyor who surveyed my land 20 years ago didn’t know it was government property,” she said.
Sehnwai explained that she paid $3,500 for a government survey and has a demarcation with the army. Koo Meantuo, a mother of seven, is struggling to cope with the thought of leaving her land. “I’m not feeling fine because I’m a GB seller and I’ve invested my money in this land for over 18 years,” she said.
Ma Meantuo said she paid the Liberia Land Authority for a government survey, but now the government is telling her to leave.
Lovelyn B. Yenglee, a single mother of six, is pleading for the government’s understanding. “If the government we voted for can bring tears to our eyes today, where do we go?” she asked. Ms. Yenglee believes the government is using its power to take what’s rightfully hers. “We’re not fighting them, we’re just asking for fairness,” she said.
Mamie Gaye’s health is suffering due to stress over her impending eviction. “My operation wound has reopened,” she said, attributing it to tension and worries about finding a new home. Ms. Gaye claims rightful ownership of her land and denies rumors she’s a squatter. “Nobody gave me permission to be here, I’m not a squatter,” she said. The eviction process has caused her significant distress. “We don’t have a fight with the government, we just need fair treatment and resettlement,” Gaye said, referencing the Ministry of National Defense’s expansion plans.
Victoria Tokpah, a mother of several children, calls the current land situation in the barracks a “total contradiction.” She said the government surveyed her land and now claims it’s army property. “I paid my money, and the Land Authority surveyed my land, saying I wasn’t part of the army property. Why now?” she asked. Local authorities and the Armed Forces of Liberia are claiming 32 acres in expansion for infrastructure development estimated at US$170,000 in Sanniquellie.
The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) detachment in Nimba County recently unveiled an ambitious development plan to transform the infrastructure at the Camp Grant Military Barracks in Sanniquellie.
The military body launched a fundraising drive to secure $170,000 USD for three key projects including: USD 70,000.00 for a New High School, USD 50,000.00 for a Chapel meant for worship, and USD 50,000.00 for a Recreational Center.
