Liberia: Further protests possible in Grand Cape Mount County through early March

Further community protests are possible in Grand Cape Mount County through early March following violent unrest in Kinjor, Feb. 29. Protesters had gathered Feb. 28 and 29 to demand the withdrawal of armed guards from a gold mine operated by a foreign-owned mining company and better labor practices. At least two people were killed and several others injured. Police officials were among the injured. Several buildings were also destroyed or damaged during the unrest, including a local police station. During the unrest, protesters blocked roads, and businesses closed. Officials have deployed to the area and arrested at least 18 people in connection with the violence.

Officials could deploy additional patrols and checkpoints, particularly near mining company and state assets, over the coming days. Movement restrictive measures, including curfews, could be implemented in response to security assessments. Further protests are possible near mining company facilities, government buildings, or police stations in the wider county or Kinjor. Further unrest could be motivated by the initial protesters demands or the killing of protesters by the police. Should additional demonstrations occur, protesters could block roads.