FOYA DISTRICT, LOFA COUNTY — Tensions are escalating along Liberia’s northern border after reports surfaced that Guinean military personnel once again crossed into Liberian territory, raising serious concerns about sovereignty, security, and regional diplomacy.
The unfolding border dispute is centred around Sorlumba Town in Foya District, where residents say Guinean soldiers crossed the Makona River—an internationally recognized natural boundary separating Liberia and Guinea—and entered Liberian soil.
The situation first emerged a day earlier but has since intensified, creating anxiety among residents and local authorities who fear the issue could escalate if not addressed promptly through diplomatic engagement.
In response to the initial reports, senior Liberian officials travelled to the area to calm tensions and assess the situation on the ground. Among those present were Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Sakila Nyumalin, and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), General Davidson Forleh. The officials joined traditional leaders, elders, and community representatives to engage Guinean authorities in dialogue aimed at resolving the matter peacefully.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that the meeting took place on the Liberian side of the Makona River. During the engagement, both sides reportedly reached an understanding that Guinean soldiers would withdraw and return to their side of the border in respect of the longstanding international boundary between the two neighboring countries.
However, residents say the agreement was short-lived. According to eyewitness accounts, Guinean troops later crossed the river again and entered the border community of Sorlumba, where they reportedly raised the national flag of Guinea. Many residents interpreted the act as a symbolic assertion of territorial control over land regarded as part of Liberia.
The development has triggered fear and uncertainty within nearby communities. Several residents are reported to have begun leaving their homes, worried that the situation could escalate into confrontation if not quickly addressed.
Local leaders have described the situation as deeply concerning and are calling on the Government of Liberia and the Armed Forces of Liberia to take decisive steps to protect the nation’s territorial integrity. They are also urging regional diplomatic actors to intervene swiftly to help de-escalate the situation.
Meanwhile, residents of Foya District have taken their own symbolic step in response to the incident. Following reports that Guinean soldiers crossed the Makona River earlier in the day and raised the Guinean flag on Liberian soil, local residents also hoisted the Liberian flag near the same location.
The Liberian flag was raised later in the afternoon close to the Guinean flag at the Sorlumba Port of Entry, signaling the community’s determination to assert Liberia’s presence and sovereignty in the contested area.
The Makona River has historically served as the recognized boundary between Liberia and Guinea for generations, making any military presence across the line a sensitive issue with significant diplomatic implications.
Observers warn that misunderstandings or confrontations along international borders—particularly when armed forces are involved—can quickly escalate if not carefully managed through diplomatic channels.
Residents of Foya District are appealing for calm while calling on authorities in Monrovia and Conakry to engage urgently and transparently to prevent further escalation and preserve the longstanding peaceful relationship between the two countries.
As the situation continues to evolve, Liberians both at home and in the diaspora are urging the government to provide clear communication and take necessary steps to safeguard the country’s territorial sovereignty.
Just In: Emergency Meeting Expected
House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has disclosed that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia is expected to convene an emergency meeting tomorrow with members of the Legislature. The meeting will focus on the reported crossing of Guinean soldiers into Lofa County along the Liberia–Guinea border, as well as discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The development comes amid rising concern among citizens following reports involving Guinea troops allegedly entering Liberian territory. More updates expected as authorities respond to the situation.
More details are expected as the situation continues to develop.
