By CPNTV
MONROVIA – The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has issued a final two-week ultimatum to squatters occupying the Camp 72nd Barracks on the outskirts of Monrovia.
The enforcement began early Monday morning as residents woke to a “beehive of activity.” AFL units were seen deploying razor-wire cordons around the perimeter of the facility, marking a firm start to the reclamation process. The sudden mobilization forced local business owners to halt operations immediately and begin the scramble for relocation options.
Demands for Compensation
While a significant percentage of the occupants have already begun moving, many are appealing to the Government of Liberia for financial compensation. Despite the illegal nature of the settlement, the area saw substantial development over the years, with some squatters erecting multi-level residential buildings and making large-scale commercial investments.
However, the indication is that compensation is unlikely. Legal experts point out that the facility was always clearly demarcated and publicly known as a military installation. Furthermore, several eviction notices were served as far back as the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration, most of which were ignored by the settlers.
This is still not stopping some small business owners from asking. Bridget Canmu told reporters that the move is too short-noticed and wants government to see how be to help them out in relocating.
It is also reported that some squatters (who were actually displaces of the civil war) had requested repatriations back to their home counties, a request which was granted. But they reportedly came back and reoccupied the facility.
A War-Torn History
Camp 72nd holds significant historical weight in Liberia’s military timeline. It served as a major stronghold of resistance against Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) during the civil war launched on December 24, 1989.
Due to intense shelling and the use of large-caliber weaponry, the barracks were reduced to rubble before the national army eventually retreated. It was in the vacuum following this destruction that squatters began to settle on the land, with some even modifying and rebuilding the ruins of original military housing units for private use.
With the 14-day clock now ticking, the AFL appears committed to fully reclaiming the strategic site.