Gbarnga– Looming protests and court actions are said to be underway by the National Rubber Brokers and Farmers Union of Liberia (NRBFUL) to challenge Executive Order No. 166, issued by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, which indefinitely bans the export of unprocessed natural rubber effective July 1, 2026.
Speaking to journalists in Gbarnga, Bong County, on Monday, June 29, 2026, NRBFUL President James W. Sayekea and Vice President Stanley F. J. Sayewolo described the Executive Order as harmful to thousands of rubber brokers, farmers, and traders whose livelihoods depend on the export of raw natural rubber.
The union’s leadership argues that the decision was made without adequate consultation with stakeholders and warned that its implementation would have serious economic consequences for smallholder farmers and businesses operating within Liberia’s rubber sector.
According to the two officials, the union is prepared to challenge the legality of the Executive Order before the courts, maintaining that the measure unfairly affects the rights and economic interests of its members.
They also disclosed that plans are underway to organize a nationwide peaceful protest if the government fails to reconsider the policy.
NRBFUL is called on the government to immediately suspend the implementation of the Executive Order and engage rubber farmers, brokers, processors, and other stakeholders in dialogue to develop policies that protect both local industries and the livelihoods of Liberians.
The union stressed that while it supports efforts to strengthen Liberia’s rubber industry, such reforms should be introduced through broad consultation and should not impose undue hardship on ordinary citizens.
Executive Order No. 166, announced by the Executive Mansion on June 26, 2026, prohibits the export of unprocessed natural rubber beginning July 1, 2026.
The government says the measure is intended to promote domestic processing, create jobs, increase government revenue, and encourage value addition in Liberia’s rubber industry. The order also directs relevant government agencies to enforce the ban and develop regulations to improve market access for rubber farmers.
