MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association has strongly condemned the arrest and subsequent prosecution of eight artisanal fishermen by officers of the National Port Authority Police. Describing the legal action as deeply unjust, the association called for immediate policy reforms to protect fishermen who are forced to seek refuge during life-threatening emergencies at sea.
According to the association, the eight fishermen were compelled to enter the Port of Monrovia after encountering strong winds, rough waves, and heavy rainfall that created perilous conditions while they were carrying out their routine fishing activities during Liberia’s peak rainy season. The association revealed that instead of receiving humanitarian assistance or safety checks after successfully reaching safety, the distressed fishermen were promptly detained by National Port Authority Police and later prosecuted for allegedly landing within the secure port facility without proper authorization.
In a formal statement issued from its Monrovia headquarters, the association argued that the fishermen entered the port strictly out of necessity and harbored absolutely no criminal intent. The group explained that rough and unpredictable sea conditions are common during Liberia’s rainy season. Every year, artisanal fishermen are exposed to dangerous weather patterns that may force them to seek the nearest safe harbor to avoid drowning or experiencing the total destruction of their vital fishing equipment. The leadership emphasized that such emergency landings should never be treated as criminal offenses under any circumstances.
The association further noted that the incident raises serious concerns about the ongoing treatment of artisanal fishermen, who contribute significantly to Liberia’s food security and the national economy. The statement highlighted that these fishermen are proud, law-abiding citizens of the Republic of Liberia who pay taxes, provide essential food for thousands of Liberian families, and participate fully in the country’s democratic processes. Because of this vital role, the group insists that they deserve to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect by every public institution, arguing that at moments of extreme danger, they should receive immediate protection and assistance rather than arrest and prosecution.
Consequently, the association called on the National Port Authority to thoroughly review the matter and exercise basic compassion toward fishermen who enter the port facility during emergencies that remain entirely beyond their control. The organization stressed that the preservation of human life should always take absolute precedence over strict administrative enforcement. Furthermore, the association urged the Government of Liberia, the National Port Authority, and other maritime authorities to collaborate on establishing clear emergency response protocols that would permit artisanal fishermen to safely access designated areas of the Port of Monrovia during severe weather without facing the fear of arrest or prosecution.
The organization pledged to stand firmly by the affected individuals and pursue all lawful means to ensure that justice is properly served. The leadership expressed full solidarity with the eight affected fishermen and their families, vowing to remain committed to pursuing every available lawful avenue. Additionally, the association appealed to the Government of Liberia, international development partners, civil society organizations, the media, and various stakeholders within the fisheries sector to support broader efforts aimed at protecting the fundamental rights, physical safety, and livelihoods of Liberia’s artisanal fishing communities.
As of press time, the National Port Authority had not issued a public response or official statement regarding the allegations brought forward by the association. This controversial incident occurs amid increasing calls from numerous stakeholders within Liberia’s fisheries sector for stronger safety measures, modern equipment, and clearer emergency procedures to protect artisanal fishermen who routinely face treacherous conditions on the Atlantic Ocean, particularly during the height of the rainy season.
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