Liberia's Response Lacking After Abidjan Demolition of Liberian Nationals' Homes

• Over 400 Liberians are living in schoolrooms outside Abidjan after their homes were demolished by Ivorian authorities.
• Ghana has assisted and repatriated nearly 300 of its citizens affected by the demolition, serving as a model for Liberia's response.
• Liberian community leaders have called on their government to take swift action, echoing Ghana's example.
• The Liberian diplomatic mission in Abidjan has received a petition outlining the urgent needs of the affected individuals.

This is an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to its citizens, regardless of their location.

More than 400 Liberians are currently living in schoolrooms outside Abidjan, three weeks after their homes were demolished by Ivorian authorities. The demolition was part of a broader urban clearance program in the Vridi Canal community on the outskirts of Abidjan. Many of those affected have been living and working in Côte d'Ivoire for over 60 years, with some losing their belongings, businesses, documents, and savings as a result of the demolition.

Women, children, elderly people, and individuals with special needs are among those now sheltering in school buildings, facing dire conditions that are worsening by the day. At least one woman has reportedly given birth in a school building due to lack of alternative accommodations.

In contrast to Liberia's inaction, Ghana has already assisted roughly 327 of its citizens affected by the demolition and repatriated 228 of them through a coordinated operation run by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This response serves as a clear example of how a government can effectively address a humanitarian emergency involving its own people. Liberian community leaders in Abidjan have pointed to Ghana's actions as the model they want their government to follow, highlighting the need for Liberia to take swift and decisive action.

The Liberian diplomatic mission in Abidjan has received a petition outlining the urgent needs of the affected individuals, including emergency shelter, food, medical care, and sanitation. However, what is missing is the government's response to this humanitarian crisis.

The situation in Abidjan serves as a test for Liberia's relationship with its diaspora communities scattered across West Africa. The country has a long history of neglecting its citizens abroad, particularly those who have built lives and businesses in other countries due to economic hardship or war. This is an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to its citizens, regardless of their location.

As President Boakai's administration navigates this crisis, it should draw from Ghana's playbook: assess, engage, assist, and repatriate those who want to return home. Every week that passes without a visible Liberian response only prolongs the uncertainty for the affected individuals.

Liberian lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the government's response to this humanitarian emergency, as a failure to act could expose Liberia to criticism of neglecting its citizens abroad and create potential liabilities under international human rights law.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica