Confrontation in Grebo-Krahn National Park: FDA Agents in Peril

Two FDA agents are in crisis in the Grebo-Krahn National Park amidst clashes with local traditionalists. One agent escaped imminent arrest, while the other remains hostage. The situation highlights growing tensions over park management, cocoa farming, and the urgency for local authorities to address community grievances to ensure safety and conservation efforts.

The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) agents, Selma Kolako and Oliver Jelleh, are facing serious threats in the Grebo-Krahn National Park area. Kolako narrowly escaped an arrest after being warned by a local that traditionalists were targeting him for engaging in activities that violate local customs. Jelleh, however, remains missing and has been held hostage for over a week, raising concerns among family members for his safety. They urge authorities to act swiftly to prevent potential harm.

Kolako shared his experience, recalling a distressing encounter when someone knocked at his door urging him to flee immediately. He described how he hurriedly left his home on his motorbike, unable to gather his personal belongings, and learned later that his house had been raided. He expressed disbelief at being targeted, questioning the motives behind the traditionalists’ actions.

The FDA official stated he refuses to work in Grand Gedeh County due to escalating intimidation from locals, particularly over increasing cocoa farming interests which threaten the park’s integrity. Kolako warned that if tensions continue brewing, significant sections of the park could be lost to local and foreign cocoa farmers, which would severely impact conservation efforts.

Conflict between local communities and FDA personnel has intensified since early January 2025 when traditional leaders first obstructed FDA forest surveillance activities. This backlash was part of the Eco Guard program aimed at engaging local residents in sustainable park management through wildlife monitoring and education campaigns.

The situation deteriorated in February, with communities near the park blocking all FDA activities due to unmet expectations from park management since its establishment in 2017. The Grand Gedeh County Authority has solicited a revision of the park’s management plan to address community grievances. The FDA’s Protected Area Manager called for a stakeholder meeting, but many traditional leaders initially refused to attend. However, after intervention from Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, the meeting was accepted.

Despite the efforts for dialogue, tensions rose again when those who attended the meeting were summoned by traditional authorities for questioning and fined. The FDA remains silent on the ongoing unrest despite previous stakeholder meetings failing to produce solutions. Meanwhile, the Grand Gedeh County Authority has not commented publicly amid growing concerns and calls for transparency.

The ongoing conflict between the FDA and local traditional authorities showcases the significant challenges facing conservation efforts in Liberia. With the arrest of one agent and the continued captivity of another, the situation underscores the need for immediate intervention by relevant authorities to protect both the individuals involved and the integrity of Grebo-Krahn National Park. Addressing local concerns regarding park management and ensuring compliance with conservation practices are critical to maintaining peace and sustainable practices in the region.

Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com