What was intended to be a triumphant day for ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) and the Liberian government, marked by the high-profile dedication of a $1.5 billion mining expansion facility, has instead ignited outrage from within the Nimba Legislative Caucus.
Two leading lawmakers from the county, Hon. Nyan D. Twayen Jr. and Hon. Musa Hassan Bility, have issued blistering public statements condemning both AML and the government for their continued neglect of the people of Nimba and the deliberate exclusion of the Caucus from the presidential visit to Yekepa.
“Fix Yekepa or Leave” – Hon. Twayen’s Bold Demand
Hon. Nyan D. Twayen Jr., District #8 Representative, did not hold back in a viral post that has struck a chord across the county:
“You can dedicate another $1 billion plant, but if the conditions laid down by the Nimba Caucus are not met, we will resist renewal,” he declared.
Twayen emphasized the irony of AML investing billions into mining infrastructure while residents in Yekepa live in deteriorating conditions.
“What shall it profit Nimba to have a billion-dollar property built by AML in a filthy Yekepa that you have refused to renovate, with a very bad road leading to said billion-dollar property? Look at the muddy road leading to and around the so-called billion-dollar installation… shame,” he added.
His comments echo longstanding complaints that the company has failed to uplift the host communities, despite extracting immense resources over the years.
“AML will have to yield to the people’s demands or leave. Simple.”
Hon. Bility: “This Is Not How a United Government Operates”
Meanwhile, Hon. Musa Hassan Bility, District #7 Representative, issued a formal press statement expressing deep disappointment over the government’s decision to exclude the entire Nimba Legislative Caucus from the president’s visit to Yekepa.
“This act is dangerously dismissive of the legitimate concerns and constitutional roles of elected representatives of the people of Nimba,” Bility stated.
He revealed that of the eleven members of the Nimba Caucus, only two were present at the event, and even they attended without a mandate from the body.
“No effort was made to engage the Senators or Representatives from Nimba before this presidential visit,” he said. “The President of Liberia, a guest in our county, is visiting without meeting with or hearing from the legitimate voices of Nimba’s people.”
Bility made it clear that while he welcomes investment and presidential visits, he insists that development be done with the people, not over their heads.
“The road to the ArcelorMittal concession remains deplorable, despite billions of dollars in resources extracted from our soil. The communities around the concession areas remain underserved and underdeveloped.”
The press statement warned that this lack of engagement not only disrespects the Legislature but also undermines public trust and sets a dangerous precedent.
“This is our land. These are our resources. And our people deserve better.”
Mounting Pressure on AML and the Government
The twin statements from Twayen and Bility have further galvanized public sentiment in Nimba and intensified scrutiny of the ongoing renegotiation of AML’s Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), set to expire in 2029.
Just ten days ago, the Nimba Caucus issued a collective resolution outlining key demands for inclusion in the new MDA. Their exclusion from Thursday’s dedication ceremony is seen by many as a retaliatory move or an effort to sideline local voices during a critical negotiation phase.
Both lawmakers are now calling for renewed engagement, but with a clear warning: if AML and the government continue to bypass the people of Nimba, resistance will follow.
As the controversy grows, national attention is shifting to how the Weah administration and ArcelorMittal respond, and whether the voices of Nimba County will finally be given the weight they deserve.
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