MARGIBI, April 5 -- The Liberian government has taken legal action against former union leaders of the Salala Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (SAWUL) following violent protests at the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) in Margibi County on June 27, 2024.

Former union President Mary P. Boimah and Secretary Lawrence Gorgbor, along with six other individuals, have been charged and are facing a range of serious offenses, from criminal conspiracy to armed robbery and arson.

The protests, largely fueled by a group of disgruntled rubber tappers, were ignited by claims that SRC management failed to compensate workers for five days of lost wages after a prior demonstration. The workers had been demanding improvements in labor conditions, med...