Published: June 25, 2025
Suakoko District, Bong County – On a silent stretch of the CARI compound in Suakoko District, ten men take turns patrolling a nearly forgotten refugee transit center—without state-issued gear, relying only on flashlights bought from their own pockets. For more than 11 months, these contracted security officers, assigned under the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), have been working without pay.
Now, they say they’ve had enough.
On June 24, the officers issued a two-week ultimatum to the Liberian government and local authorities to pay their long-overdue wages—or face peaceful protest action. Their message is simple: “Pay us, or we take to the streets.”
“We are tired. Since May last year, we’ve received only one month’s pay. We are ten men currently holding this place, but our families are suffering. We can’t keep working and not get paid,” said Ansu M. Kamara, head of the security unit. “In two weeks, if nothing changes, the government will see a different approach.”
Survival, Not Service
Originally, 40 men were deployed at the SKT Transit Center—a facility that temporarily houses Liberian returnees from Ghana and stores valuable humanitarian supplies. Over time, the team was cut from 40 to 20, and then to just 10, as funding dried up. Yet those remaining continued to protect the site, despite no electricity, no boots, no raincoats—and no compensation.
“They told us to reduce the number and promised to pay us. We agreed. But they still haven’t paid,” Kamara explained. “There’s no gear. We use our own flashlights and tools to cut the grass and maintain security.”
They’ve planted small gardens to survive while guarding against theft and intrusions in a region known for periodic unrest. Despite attempted break-ins, no property has gone missing—a testament, Kamara says, to their commitment.
LRRRC Coordinator: ‘It’s Real and Unfortunate’
Musa M. Sackor, site coordinator for the LRRRC in Bong County, confirmed the guards’ account and expressed frustration over the broader systemic neglect.
“That’s the reality. The men were reduced from 40 to 10 over time. They’re still here, working without pay, and they are running out of patience,” he said. “We wrote the Superintendent’s Office last year and just recently filed another complaint with County Administrative Officer Sam Elliot.”
Sackor revealed that the former leadership of the LRRRC had deposited funds at a local bank for contractor payments. However, after then-Executive Director Patrick Worzi was suspended last year amid corruption allegations, the process stalled.
“I’ve been working here since last year myself—traveling daily on my motorbike—and I haven’t been paid either. So yes, I’m a victim too,” he added. “We’re not fabricating anything. It’s not just a story—it’s a fact. These men are committed and deserve their pay.”
Corruption Clouds Accountability
The LRRRC has faced scrutiny since early 2024 over financial mismanagement and allegations of ghost workers tied to outsourced contracts like Extra Power Security. The arrest and suspension of Patrick Worzi came after investigations revealed discrepancies in how funds were disbursed—and who was actually receiving payments.
Kamara alleged that some individuals continue to be paid despite rarely reporting to work, pointing to one officer, David Gbasasa, who reportedly receives a salary under Extra Power but does not show up.
“Gbasasa even mocks us, saying, ‘You working for me and I taking my pay.’ It’s demeaning,” Kamara said.
Despite multiple letters sent to Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, Senator Prince Moye, and others, only Sam Elliot has responded. Kamara accused the rest of being silent enablers of the injustice.
‘Modern-Day Slavery’ Under UP Government
“You can’t ask men to leave their families and guard government property for a year without pay. We’ve had no electricity, no raincoats, or boots. Still, the materials in the warehouse are safe. No theft. No complaint. Just hunger and disrespect,” Kamara said. “This is modern-day slavery.”
A county official familiar with the case, Sam Elliott, confirmed the authenticity of documents backing the officers’ claims.
“Yes, it’s true. I’ve seen the documents myself. The LRRRC owes them. Some individuals may have been paid, but many have not. We’re actively following up,” the administrator said.
President Boakai Urged to Intervene
As frustration builds, Kamara issued a direct plea to President Joseph N. Boakai, reminding him that the refugee reintegration program began as a presidential initiative.
“This is a presidential project. The president should not allow it to fail because of negligence. If the director is under investigation, that’s no excuse to punish the workers. We’re not part of the corruption,” he said.
He concluded with a warning:
“If after two weeks they can’t pay us, we will act. The diplomacy will end. We’ll protest peacefully, but we’ll no longer remain silent while our dignity is stripped.”
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