In a significant development, calm has been restored in Gbarma District following a period of unrest triggered by unauthorized traditional Poro activities. The situation escalated over several days, leading to a bold intervention by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, spearheaded by Hon. Francis S. Nyumalin. The unrest began when local authorities in Gbarpolu County attempted to enforce a nationwide moratorium on traditional practices, which includes the suspension of all Sande and Poro societies from March 14 to April 30, 2025. 

This intervention was met with resistance from a large crowd of young supporters of the Poro society, who accused county officials of undermining their cultural heritage and failing to address their demands. In response to the escalating tensions, Minister Nyumalin led a high-level delegation to Gbarma to engage with stakeholders and restore public order. During his visit, he reaffirmed the government’s position on traditional societies, declaring unauthorized activities illegal and announcing the closure of the Poro bush in the area. “I am a member of the Poro society and, in fact, a senior member. However, I am not aware of any Country Devil chapping people’s heads,” Minister Nyumalin stated emphatically. 

His commitment to upholding the law while respecting cultural practices was evident as he offered a conciliatory gesture, allowing the Poro society two weeks to conclude their activities peacefully. He pledged to provide 50 bags of rice and L$50,000 for the celebration scheduled for May 28, 2025. The Minister’s intervention has led to a gradual return to normalcy in Gbarma, with schools, marketplaces, and government offices reopening after being closed during the unrest. The four individuals arrested, including the chief Poro initiator, remain in police custody as investigations continue. While the immediate crisis has been addressed, concerns persist regarding the influence of traditional societies in rural Liberia. Citizens are calling for a comprehensive review of how traditional power is exercised within the framework of a modern democratic state. Traditional leaders in neighboring districts have reportedly gone underground, wary of potential repercussions from the government’s actions. 

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is committed to monitoring all traditional bush activities to ensure compliance with the suspension directive. As the May 28 celebration approaches, the government will maintain a security presence in Gbarma to prevent any potential flare-ups and ensure a peaceful conclusion to the agreed Poro activities. The recent events in Gbarma underscore the delicate balance between cultural preservation and the rule of law in Liberia. The Ministry of Internal Affairs remains dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding between traditional institutions and state authorities, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of our nation is preserved while upholding the principles of democracy and governance.