By Emmanuel Wise Jipoh
Thursday, February 5, 2026, Paynesville — The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have initiated the eviction and demolition of the well-known “Help Yourself Entertainment Center,” along with an adjoining property valued at US$500,000, escalating an ongoing land dispute.
This move by the AFL comes just 24 hours after the Supreme Court issued a writ of prohibition, ordering the military to halt all demolition and eviction activities pending a review of competing claims from aggrieved occupants—particularly those affiliated with the Help Yourself Entertainment Center and the 72nd Front View community, both of whom assert legitimate ownership and are seeking redress.
Despite the court’s intervention, the AFL proceeded with a 14-day ultimatum that led to the forced eviction of residents from the military premises on Tuesday, February 3.
In response, occupants and employees of the Help Yourself Entertainment Center at 72nd Junction staged a protest at the Capitol Building on Wednesday, accusing the AFL of violating their rights and disregarding the Supreme Court’s order. More than 60 employees, mostly youths at risk of losing their jobs, joined the demonstration, describing the AFL’s actions as lawless and a blatant defiance of the judiciary.
Carrying placards reading, “Help Yourself Needs Justice,” “Where is the law?” and “60 Liberian Youths to Lose Jobs, $500K Property at Risk,” the demonstrators pleaded for government intervention and justice.
In tears, Frances Morsay, CEO of Help Yourself, recounted how the AFL forcibly sealed off her business, blocking all entrances and demanding immediate departure. “The AFL is violating our rights and court orders. They say they are first citizens, and there’s nothing the court can do about them. We need justice; let the government hear our cries,” Morsay appealed.
Mrs. Morsay further stated that the AFL began erecting barriers around her property without official notice, despite her claim to legal land deeds predating Liberia’s civil conflict.
It is recalled that on January 20, 2026, the AFL issued an ultimatum for occupants of its facilities and nearby properties to vacate or face eviction. Since then, the Army has faced resistance from residents of the Military Front View Property, especially the Help Yourself Entertainment Center, who question both the timing and legitimacy of the order, as well as the government’s obligations under eminent domain.
The 72nd Barracks community has since filed petitions with the Supreme Court, arguing that the military’s actions are unlawful and violate due process.
For its part, the AFL—supported by the Ministry of National Defense—maintains that properties within and around the 72nd Barracks have been “illegally occupied” since the civil war and must be cleared to facilitate the rehabilitation and expansion of military facilities.
