MONROVIA, Liberia – Sethi Brothers Incorporated, owner of Duraplast Liberia Inc., has strongly rejected allegations circulating on social media and other platforms accusing the companies of financing forced evictions in the ongoing Stockton Creek land dispute.
The company described the claims as misleading, unsubstantiated, and prejudicial.
It said reports alleging that the company is responsible for displacing residents or orchestrating demolitions are not supported by any judicial findings or official investigation.
The company stressed that the matter remains the subject of a legal land ownership dispute and should be resolved through Liberia’s judicial system rather than through public accusations.
Sethi Brothers Incorporated disclosed that many of those currently affected by the latest court actions are in the employ of its companies and as such, it would not support any actions to demolish the homes of its employees or other Liberians who have resided in the area for several years.
“Any suggestion that Sethi Brothers Inc. or Duraplast are involved in illegally removing residents or using their influence to deprive Liberians of their land is false and risks inflaming tensions in an already sensitive situation,” a statement issued by the company noted.
Sethi Brothers Incorporated further emphasized that it respect the rule of law and have consistently maintained that all parties should allow the courts and the Liberia Land Authority to determine the rightful ownership of the disputed property based on evidence and applicable law.
The company added that references suggesting foreign-owned businesses are making Liberians “displaced in their own country” are inflammatory and could undermine peaceful efforts to resolve the dispute.
It urged the public and media institutions to avoid publishing allegations as established facts without first seeking comments from all parties involved.
The company, however, reaffirmed its commitment to operating in Liberia in compliance with the country’s laws, respecting the rights of surrounding communities, and cooperating with any lawful investigation by the Liberia Land Authority, the Ministry of Justice, or other competent authorities.
Meanwhile, the company has joined stakeholders to call for an impartial resolution of the Stockton Creek land dispute.
It urged all parties involved to refrain from actions or statements that could escalate tensions while the legal process runs its course.
Several persons, including law enforcement officers and residents were injured and properties worth thousands of United States dollars when court sheriffs backed by armed security officers attempted to enforce an eviction order in the Stockton Creek, Battery Factory community.
A Liberian residing in the United States identified as one Catherine Johnson is claiming ownership of the 85-88 acres of land .
But residents are contending that they have legally occupied and developed the land for many years and as such, their rights must be recognized and respected.
