Published: November 7, 2025
Red Light, Paynesville — A long-standing land dispute between the Keita and Kamara families has escalated into open confrontation in the Red Light Barclay Mission community, following a contested eviction order that triggered hours of clashes between residents and law enforcement officers. The case, though adjudicated by the Supreme Court, remains a flashpoint of tension in the area.
Eviction Order Turns Violent
On November 1, 2025, sheriff officers and police arrived to enforce a Supreme Court mandate evicting the Kamara family. The situation quickly deteriorated, with stones thrown, tires burned, and tear gas fired as resistance mounted. Commercial activities were halted as residents and sympathizers blocked the area, forcing officers into a tense standoff that lasted nearly three hours.
The eviction also displaced more than a dozen businesses operating on the property, many of whom stated they were not illegal occupants but rather tenants paying rent into a court-designated escrow account.
“We have followed every instruction from the court,” said a representative of S & Sow Money Remittance Services. “Our rent has not expired. This is destroying livelihoods.”
The Supreme Court Ruling
The dispute stems from an Action of Ejectment filed by Batune Keita, represented by his son, Mohammed Tanja Keita, against Mamade M. Kamara and others.
On August 14, 2025, the Supreme Court affirmed that the Keita family owns one acre of land purchased from Charles S. B. Watkins in 1989, concluding that the Kamara family encroached on two lots and collected rental income from businesses on the property.
The ruling instructed sheriffs to place the Keita family in possession “using the metes and bounds of their deed” and to evict all occupants. The Court also ordered the appellants to bear costs associated with the case.
Kamara Family Challenges Ruling
Despite the decision, members of the Kamara family insist the judgment is flawed and influenced by judicial interference. Family representative Yussif Kamara alleges the deed used by the court refers to property in Omega, not Red Light.
“We brought evidence, but the court refused to receive it,” he said.
The family also disputes the credibility of the government-appointed survey that informed the Court’s decision, alleging they were not notified during the survey process. Several neighboring caretakers and local leaders confirmed they were never cited for participation.
Community on Edge
Residents are split.
Some argue that the Supreme Court’s ruling must be enforced to uphold the rule of law.
Others say property rights in Liberia are frequently distorted by influence and money.
“The law is the law,” said resident Jackson Donzo.
But another observer disagreed: “People don’t trust the system anymore. Justice depends on who has power.”
Economic and Security Risks
The eviction has disrupted daily business in one of Monrovia’s busiest commercial corridors, affecting traders, transport operators, and small retailers who rely on the area for daily income.
Analysts warn that unresolved or forcefully executed property rulings risk fueling broader social unrest.
Seven individuals, six men and one woman, were arrested during the protest and are currently detained at the Monrovia Central Prison.
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