SAMFU Strengthens Clan Collaboration for Customary Land Rights in Liberia

Monrovia, Liberia – September 17, 2025 — The Save My Future (SAMFU) Foundation, with support from Misereor, has successfully concluded a ten-day field mission aimed at fostering peaceful harmonization of customary land boundaries between communities in  Grand Cape Mount County.

The mission, which ran from September 9 to 17, focused on the Fahnbulleh Clan and Gbelleh-Gambi Customary land, laying the groundwork for upcoming boundaries walk, demarcation, and subsequently confirmatory surveys as outlined Customary Land Formalization (CLF) process, led by the Liberia Land Authority.

Meetings were held across eight zones in the Fahnbulleh Clan—M’Baloma, Tahnmafa, Fahnjah, Nagbeana, Tienii, Boloma Fahnbulleh, Pujhun, and Diah and in six zonal towns within the Gbelleh-Gambi Clan. These gatherings brought together over 200 participants, including chiefs, elders, women, youth, CLDMC members and other residents, to discuss land boundaries and promote peaceful coexistence.

During the meetings, SAMFU Executive Director Wyston Benda-Henries emphasized the importance of resolving boundary disputes before the official harmonization process begins.

He cautioned that unresolved land conflicts could result in contested areas being claimed by the Government of Liberia under the Land Rights Act, potentially leading to legal consequences for unauthorized land use.

“This process is not just about drawing lines,” It’s about securing the future of communities, ensuring legal recognition of their land, and laying the foundation for sustainable development”; Benda-Henries said.

SAMFU expressed optimism that the peaceful resolution of boundary disputes and the formal recognition of customary land rights will empower communities and promote long-term development in Grand Cape Mount County.

At the conclusion of the mission, leaders from both clans expressed gratitude to SAMFU and Misereor for their support. They pledged continued collaboration and voiced excitement about the prospect of receiving official land deeds as clans marking a significant step toward land ownership and autonomy.

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