Residents of River Gee County staged a major protest on Monday, January 19, 2026, over what they described as a prolonged and unreliable electricity supply. Demonstrators issued a 48-hour ultimatum to LIBENERGY, a subcontracted power distributor operating under the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
The protest began peacefully in the early morning hours. It later disrupted traffic along the Maryland-Grand Gedeh highway, cutting off movement through Fish Town for several hours.
Commercial drivers, motorcyclists, and travelers halted their journeys as protesters erected roadblocks to press their demands.
Residents Accuse LIBENERGY of Poor Power Service
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Protesters accused LIBENERGY of failing to provide stable electricity since taking over power distribution in the county.
Business owners said the erratic supply has damaged local commerce. Many small shops and entertainment centers have reduced operations or closed entirely.
Single mothers and small-scale entrepreneurs who rely on electricity for cold storage, juice production, and milk packaging reported major financial losses.
Youth Leaders Demand Government Intervention
Speaking for the demonstrators, Isaiah Komoh Nyenpan, Coordinator of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) in River Gee County, said the protest aimed to force action from both local and national leaders.
He said the roadblock sought the attention of the County Superintendent, lawmakers, and the Liberia Electricity Corporation.
"This protest reminds leaders that the people of Fish Town deserve reliable and affordable electricity," Nyenpan said.
He added that residents want authorities to formally receive and act on their petition without delay.
Petition Calls for Immediate Action
During the demonstration, protesters enforced a full shutdown of traffic on the highway linking Maryland and Grand Gedeh counties.
In their petition to county officials and LIBENERGY, residents demanded an immediate solution to the electricity crisis. The document stressed that reliable power is vital for economic growth, job creation, and public service delivery.
Business Community Warns of Escalation
Mary Dopoh, a Fish Town businesswoman and owner of Dopoh's Restaurant, warned that continued inaction could lead to stronger protests.
"Many businesses cannot survive without electricity," Dopoh said. "If leaders fail to act, we will shut down public offices in this county."
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Authorities Respond to Protesters
LIBENERGY's River Gee County Head of Office, Nyanfor Toe, and County Administrator Alex Hinneh received the petition on behalf of the Superintendent's Office.
They praised protesters for maintaining a mostly peaceful demonstration. Both officials urged residents to remove the roadblocks and promised to address the concerns quickly.
S.T. Marcus Solkroe, Chief of Office Staff for Electoral District Two, called on demonstrators to remain calm. He pledged to forward the petition to Representative Isaac Boy Choloplay Wou for presentation at the House of Representatives.
Security and Community Participation
Joint security personnel from the River Gee detachment monitored the protest to maintain order.
Residents from Fish Town and surrounding communities joined the demonstration. Participants included women, youth groups, business owners, motorcyclists, students, and elderly citizens.
Observers described the event as one of the largest public protests in the county in recent years.
