A youth activist leading a protest against ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), Printiss Domah, has alleged that the company offered him US $2,000 to call off the planned #AMLmustGo campaign launch, which is set to take place during President Joseph Boakai’s visit to Nimba County.
Despite accepting the funds, the activist claims the money will not deter the protest. Instead, he says it will be used to finance transportation and feeding for demonstrators arriving from across the county.
According to the activist, who made the revelation on social media and during a late-night press conference, the alleged bribery attempt came via a phone call from an unnamed source within AML earlier this week. The caller allegedly offered $2,000 upfront to cancel the protest, with the promise of additional incentives after the President’s departure from Nimba.
“Early this week, I got a call from within ArcelorMittal Liberia… with an offer of US $2,000 to cancel our #AMLmustGo campaign launch,” he wrote, explaining that the protest seeks to petition President Boakai not to extend AML’s concession agreement.
The activist said he consulted with two senior figures for guidance before deciding to accept the funds as evidence of AML’s alleged attempt to silence dissent. He then informed a few members of his protest team, who reportedly agreed with the strategy.
“A delegation from AML dropped off the money late yesterday evening,” he claimed. “US $100 was taken by the delegation in consideration of our African tradition, to facilitate their transportation.”
He emphasized that the protest is still on track and that the funds will be redirected toward supporting logistical needs for the demonstration, including food and transportation for participants.
As of Thursday morning, ArcelorMittal Liberia has not publicly responded to the allegations. Multiple attempts to reach the company for comment were unsuccessful.
The #AMLmustGo campaign is aimed at opposing any renewal or extension of AML’s agreement with the Liberian government, citing dissatisfaction with the company’s track record on local development, employment, and environmental concerns.
With tensions mounting in Nimba County, today’s protest is expected to draw considerable attention, both for its message and the controversy surrounding the funding behind it.
