Africa-Press – Liberia. Montserrado County District #5 Representative Priscilla Abram Cooper has taken a firm stance on the looming eviction of residents at the 72nd Military Barracks Community, defending the Armed Forces of Liberia’s (AFL) efforts to reclaim its property.
Rep. Cooper made it clear she would not intervene against the law, emphasizing the need to restore the army’s dignity.
“I will not go against the Law of the Land; what should happen will happen. This barracks is a space for the AFL, and we must ensure dignity is restored,” she stated.
Describing the situation as a “catch-22,” Rep. Cooper acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the eviction.
“We do not know for sure whether they will be evicted or not, but our focus is the adjoining properties because of their claims and counterclaims,” she explained.
She assured occupants of the properties bordering the barracks—especially those in the 72nd Army Camp Field Community—that she would engage the government to seek redress for legitimate landowners.
“Our main focus is on adjoining properties, and we will ensure there is redress. If the land is government property, we will definitely repossess it. If it is not, and the government seeks to exercise eminent domain, there are established legal processes,” Rep. Cooper said.
The lawmaker noted that she had warned residents as early as 2023 about the army’s intent to reclaim its property.
“When I first took office, I personally informed the inhabitants that the Army would come to reclaim its property.”
Rep. Cooper reiterated the importance of respecting the military’s rights. “The Barracks belong to the AFL, and we must ensure the dignity of our military,” she stressed.
She added that adjoining property owners with legitimate deeds would have their cases addressed, while those with falsified documents would be vacated.
“We are caught between difficult choices. We want the AFL’s dignity restored and its personnel properly housed, but we also want to protect the rights of legitimate landowners. If their claims are valid, we will follow every legal step to ensure redress,” Rep. Cooper emphasized.
Rep. Cooper expressed empathy for the occupants of the Military Front View Properties, especially the owner of the “Help Yourself Entertainment Center,” and called for calm as negotiations continue.
For weeks, residents of the 72nd community have been anxious after AFL soldiers barricaded the area on January 20, 2026, as part of the government’s property reclamation drive.
This move has created a tense atmosphere among property owners beyond the 72nd Army Camp Barracks, many of whom fear eviction.
The Armed Forces of Liberia issued a 14-day ultimatum to residents, asking them to vacate on or before today, February 3, 2026.
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