By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia — The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), a civil society coalition and USAID-sponsored partner organization headed by Mark Mullah, has released findings from an independent investigation into the long-running land dispute in Sinkor, offering what it describes as a balanced and factual account of events spanning nearly nine years.
In a press statement issued following the conclusion of its inquiry, DWI said the land in question was legally acquired in 2017 but was immediately occupied without lawful authorization, triggering a protracted dispute marked by legal complexity and heightened public emotion. According to the organization, the situation has often been misunderstood, with narratives overlooking key facts and timelines.
The civil society group noted that from the onset, the lawful owners adopted a conciliatory approach centered on dialogue and humanitarian consideration. DWI said its investigation established that before any attempt to clear portions of the property, occupants were consistently informed in advance and offered relocation assistance. However, the statement said most occupants failed to act on these offers in a timely manner, only engaging meaningfully after eviction processes had already begun.
DWI highlighted February 2021 as a critical turning point, when a sitting lawmaker intervened and temporarily halted the eviction process. Acting in good faith, the owners agreed to community settlement discussions. However, the organization reported that the process was undermined by limited cooperation from several occupants, including alleged attempts by some individuals to falsely claim residency in structures they did not occupy.
According to the investigation, by late 2025 preparations were underway to clear the final portion of the property. In November 2025, the owner personally visited the community to clearly communicate the impending action. While some families accepted relocation support at that time, others declined. DWI emphasized that despite the extended timeline, those who remained did not pursue available legal remedies, such as filing a bill of information before the Supreme Court to challenge the process.
Following the lawful eviction carried out over the weekend, DWI observed a surge of emotionally charged content on social media, which it said shaped public perception without adequate context. The organization expressed concern that some political actors have since seized on the situation, turning a private legal matter into a political tool.
The Democracy Watch Initiative disclosed that the property owners initially decided against providing assistance after the eviction, citing multiple missed opportunities for earlier support. However, following appeals from a current lawmaker advocating a humanitarian approach, the owners reconsidered and provided an additional LRD 3.5 million support package. This amount, DWI said, is separate from substantial assistance already given to affected families in December 2025 and early January 2026.
In its concluding remarks, DWI described the situation as having placed an undue burden on the property owners, stressing that they, like all Liberians, are entitled to the peaceful enjoyment of legally acquired property. The organization called on political actors to refrain from exploiting the dispute for short-term gain, warning that continued politicization only deepens divisions and obstructs solutions grounded in both the rule of law and compassion.
DWI reaffirmed its commitment to impartial civic engagement and urged all stakeholders to respect legal processes while prioritizing humane and responsible resolutions to land-related conflicts in Liberia.
