-Women Accuse Gov’t of Weaponizing AFL to Make Them Homeless
By: Shallon S. Gonlor |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Ma Alice Sehwah, a single mother of seven, spoke with WomenVoices News over the weekend, expressing her disappointment about the government’s approach to development. As a lead campaigner for fair compensation for single women affected by AFL’s eviction notice in Sanniquellie, Ma. Sehwah accused President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s government of allegedly weaponizing the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to target private homes near government barracks..
Ma. Sehwah claimed the government is attacking vulnerable families and single mothers, forcible take away their legitimate land for development, disregarding residents’ rights and private homes development. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Sanniquellie City Magisterial Court ruled in a land dispute between the AFL and some New Barracks residents, mostly single mothers, ordering them to vacate the AFL premises within 60 days (May 2026).
The lower court ruled that the residents occupying the Armed Forces of Liberia, Camp Grant Military Barracks’ land had been notified in 2025 to leave, but failed to comply. Presiding Magistrate Bob 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. They have since pleaded with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration for fair compensation.
Ma Alice Sehwah stressed that the government should prioritize citizens’ welfare, especially vulnerable families, in its development plans. “Development should not mean displacement,” she said. “We are not against progress, but they should consider our rights and provide alternatives.”
Ma Sehwah appealed to President Boakai’s compassion, urging him to reconsider the government’s development strategy. “We are not asking for much, just respect for our rights and homes,” she said. “Don’t push us out without alternatives – we are mothers, we are families, we are Liberians too.”
Her plea echoes concerns many have about government projects: that they overlook ordinary people. “We are not just talking about homes, we are talking about lives,” Ma Sehwah stressed. “Development should uplift us, not uproot us.”
