LOCAL NEWS
GBARPOLU COUNTY – Residents of Bopolu District in Gbarpolu County are calling on the government to urgently intervene in what they describe as an escalating human-wildlife conflict, as elephants continue to destroy farms, crops, and threaten lives.
The situation has reportedly become so severe that three villages have been displaced, leaving residents living in constant fear of the protected animals.
By: Peter Alwaysthanksful Darblo
Speaking in an exclusive interview, one of the affected residents, Beyan Ballah, said the elephants have been ravaging farms, consuming crops, and recently killed a resident who had ventured into the forest.
The most recent incident claimed the life of Sambola Kamara, a local trapper who had gone to check his traps in the forest.
Another community member, Loun Armah, said residents are frustrated, particularly because they believe the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) has been slow to respond to their repeated calls for help.
“We are frustrated,” Armah said. “The elephants are destroying our farms and have even killed a resident. But up to now, the situation has not been properly addressed by the FDA and other stakeholders. There is little we can do. We cannot protect ourselves because the law will punish us.”
Many residents in Bopolu District share similar concerns, arguing that the FDA appears more focused on protecting the elephants than safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of local people.
Although the FDA has announced plans to conduct community training programs aimed at mitigating the conflict, residents say such measures are insufficient.
Communities affected by the crisis, along with Civil Society Organizations in Gbarpolu County, have also expressed anger over comments made by FDA Regional Forester Kollie Bonner, who blamed the situation on local hunting activities.
In a recent Facebook post, Bonner stated that residents in western Liberia, particularly in Gbarpolu County, were responsible for the elephants’ aggressive behavior.
“Our people in the western region, especially Gbarpolu County, are the cause of elephants becoming very aggressive toward them today,” Bonner wrote. “They are giving me and my staff a hard time with the hunting activities.”
He added that communities often create their own problems and later pressure the government, through the FDA, to take responsibility.
“Elephants, like any other animals, tend to become very aggressive when people start hunting them,” Bonner said.
However, residents of Bopolu District have strongly rejected Bonner’s comments, insisting that the increasing elephant attacks are not their fault.
They point to the March 2, 2026 incident in which Sambola Kamara was killed while checking his traps as evidence that the situation has become extremely dangerous.
“We are angry,” said Lydia Ballah, a local community leader. “The FDA seems more concerned about protecting elephants than protecting people.”
Ballah warned that the community may consider legal action if the government fails to address the situation.
“We will sue if nothing is done,” she said.
Residents argue that while wildlife conservation is important, authorities must also ensure the safety and livelihoods of rural communities.
The crisis underscores growing tension between wildlife conservation efforts and the survival of communities living in Liberia’s forested regions.
Story Credit: Henry Gboluma
