Investors Call for Swift Action Against Perpetrators of Violence at SRC.
A consortium of agricultural concessionaires urges immediate government action following severe vandalism and attacks at Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) last week. The Liberia Agriculture Companies Association (LACA), representing SRC and other major firms, expressed deep concern over the destruction of administration buildings and management housing in Margibi County’s Weala area. The incident, allegedly perpetrated by protesting SRC workers, halted operations and prompted company closure.
“LACA demands swift government intervention against those responsible for this unlawful act,” stated S. Gunton, LACA’s chairman, in a July 4, 2024, release. The association, comprising key players like Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC), Equatorial Oil Palm – LIBINCO (EPO), Firestone Liberia (FSLB), Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL), Liberia Agricultural Company (LAC), Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP), and SRC, reaffirmed commitment to Liberia’s economic growth through sustained investment in agriculture.
“We call on the government to uphold the rule of law and foster a secure environment for investors,” the statement emphasized, urging a swift resolution to prevent future incidents.
The unrest stemmed from a week-long strike by SRC workers starting June 24, citing alleged exploitation and poor labor conditions. Despite initial agreements between SRC management and the Salala Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (SAWUL), tensions flared over compensation demands for strike days, leading to violent clashes and property damage by June 27. Police subsequently arrested eight individuals linked to the violence and recovered stolen items by June 29.
LACA’s statement echoes calls from the Rubber Development Fund, Incorporated (RDFI) for the Liberian government to swiftly investigate and prosecute those responsible, ensuring such incidents are swiftly addressed and deterred across the sector.
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