Opposition Leader Demands Full Account of Guinea Border Crisis

**Opposition Leader Calls for Full Public Account of Liberia‑Guinea Border Dispute**

*Monrovia, 1 September 2026* – Liberia National Union (LINU) leader Clarence K. Moniba has urged the government to provide a comprehensive public report on the ongoing border dispute with Guinea, which has persisted for more than six months.

Moniba said Liberians deserve clear answers regarding the status of the contested area in Lofa County, the presence of Guinean security personnel near the border, and the outcomes of diplomatic missions undertaken by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration. “Diplomacy and negotiations are based on the principle of the status quo – no foreign armed forces should remain on Liberian soil while talks are ongoing,” he told reporters. “We know Guinean soldiers are still on our soil. What exactly has been achieved and what is the truth?”

**Background of the dispute**

The dispute emerged in March 2026 around the Sorlumba border crossing in Foya District, Lofa County, after questions were raised about the precise location of the Liberia‑Guinea boundary. The Ministry of Information announced on 10 March that the government had taken charge of the situation and was engaging Guinea through established diplomatic channels. Two days later, officials indicated plans to send a high‑level delegation to Conakry, and on 13 March a Liberian delegation visited Guinea to discuss the matter and avert further incidents.

President Boakai later travelled to Conakry with Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio to meet Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya. The three leaders issued a joint communiqué reaffirming their commitment to peace and stability along their shared borders and calling for a return to the established status quo. Following the meeting, the Liberian government reported that Guinean forces had withdrawn to their previous positions.

**Government statements**

Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah has repeatedly emphasized a diplomatic approach, stating in June that Liberia remains “committed to resolving the crisis through dialogue, diplomacy and established regional and international mechanisms.” He added that the border situation “is not a matter for confrontation, but for calm, facts and sustained engagement.”

The government has argued that the dispute must be handled carefully because of the long‑standing ties between Liberian and Guinean communities and the potential consequences of a military confrontation.

**Recent developments**

In August, another confrontation was reported at the Sorlumba crossing involving Guinean military personnel and Liberia’s Joint Security Force over the location of checkpoints. Liberian authorities said the incident was brought under control after high‑level discussions between officials from both countries. Independent observers described the situation as “fragile,” noting that local officials continue to intervene to prevent escalation.

A separate August report indicated that Guinean soldiers allegedly attempted to move toward a Liberian checkpoint amid plans to construct a customs facility near the crossing. The report highlighted ongoing reliance on “local and ad‑hoc negotiations” to avoid fresh confrontations, while permanent border demarcation remains unresolved.

**Political controversy**

The border dispute also sparked a parliamentary controversy. Former Montserrado County District 10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah was accused of publicly stating that the disputed territory belonged to Guinea. In April, the House of Representatives voted 49‑to‑? to expel Kolubah, with the House Rules, Order and Administration Committee asserting that his remarks “undermined Liberia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Moniba criticized the episode, saying, “More effort and energy was spent expelling Yekeh Kolubah instead of talking about the real issues facing our country.”

**Demands for accountability**

Moniba’s demands include a detailed account of what was established during diplomatic meetings, whether the disputed land is officially considered Liberian or Guinean, and what measures have been taken to protect Liberia’s territorial integrity. He also asked whether illegal mining has occurred in the area and what assessments, if any, have been conducted on the territory’s resources.

“The Liberian people deserve to know what happened when the

Article source: allafrica.com | Image credit: Liberian Observer