By Paynesville, Montserrado – Some Liberian returnees who were brought from Ghana, were on Tuesday June 19, 2024, seen parading the streets in Johnsonville with placards, demanding their reintegration package promised by the government of Liberia through the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC).
The demands of the returnees’ resettlement package comes barely two week after they were relocated from CARI in Bong County to the LRRRC National Transit Center in Johnsonville with the expectation of dispatching them to their separate homes and families. The head of the group Martain Joseph told reporters that since their entry to the country, there has been a constant maltreatment, poor hygiene, intimidations, including brutality from states security.
“no good food and water, even one of our friends was bitten by snake the other day in the camp” he cited.
He accused the LRRRC executive director Patrick Wozi of placing them behind bar as they express concern over their settlement package. He further alleged that some of them including women were brutalized by ERU officer following a false alarm from Mr. Wozi indicating that Camp was involved into violence.
“As we speak, nine of our friends are in jail for the allegations” he added.
Another Female, Blessings Bestman, expressed frustrations, over her current status in her home country. blessings asserted that her experience in Liberia is a contradiction to the impression early given to her in Ghana, as people used well water to prepare food for them.
“it’s better for Ghanian to kill me then to be in my owned home and people treating me like this.” she said.
Meanwhile, the communication officer of the LRRRC madam Simone Witherspoon, denied all allegations, except for the returnees’ reintegration package she said was in progress.
She asserted that the LRRRC is partnering with orange Liberia to register and distribute sim cards for the returnees through which their money will be transferred why other items will be delivered physically.
Madam Witherspoon at the same time rejected allegations of Poor feeding, sanitation stating that the group has been fed three times a day instead of the one time alleged.
“The eat three times a day” she said.
Responding to concerns of police brutality against the stranded Liberians, Simone confirmed that Liberia national police was invited due to a tension that raised amongst the refugees causing disturbances although the night of June 18, 2024.
By: Alphanso G. Kalama
