Deal #1393 Version #53254

The company did not obtain the consent of the local community before clearing of the land commenced, as required by the law. In March 2014, the President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, sided with the local communities in halting the expansion of the plantations. The community lodged a complaint with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil on 18 September 2013, prior to holding a protest however they were violently attacked during the protest, arguably by the company's security. Other violent attacks on local communities members opposed to the development have occurred. The community won the battle against the company in May 2014, which forces the company to retreat from community land.

The company promised to dig wells for the local communities and bring in teachers and doctors. To date the company has not upheld its commitments in this regard.