Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian government maintains that it is well in control of the situation close to its northern border with Guinea as tensions rise in Lofa County. The government however, warn citizens against spreading misleading information and making divisive statements that may worsen the situation.
At the Ministry of Information on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, the Attorney General and Justice Minister gave an official statement. N. Oswald Tweh told the public that combined security forces have been deployed and reinforced in affected areas, particularly Sorlumba in Foya District, to maintain peace and safeguard Liberia’s territorial integrity.
Tweh said, “The Government is in complete control of the situation and will continue to address it with the highest degree of maturity and wisdom necessary to protect our sovereignty.”
The administration said that it has stepped up diplomatic attempts to find a peaceful solution, including sending several delegations to neighbouring Guinea and the border region. On March 13, a high-level delegation from Liberia travelled to Conakry to meet with Guinean officials in an effort to avoid further occurrences.
These exchanges led to a high-profile regional conference involving Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and Mamadi Doumbouya of Guinea. The leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to regional cooperation, peaceful coexistence, and territorial integrity after what authorities described as “cordial and frank” discussions.
The Liberian government pointed out that although the communiqué stressed the inviolability of borders, it made no mention of particular maps or boundary documents. Rather, the leaders decided to restore the status quo and promised to fortify long-standing relationships based on a common history and culture.
Authorities voiced alarm over an increase in unsubstantiated allegations, criticism, and what they described as phoney AI-generated visuals appearing on social and conventional media, despite the diplomatic advancements. Such content runs the danger of inciting panic, terror, and possible unrest, the authorities said.
“The issue is sensitive and must be treated with utmost patriotism,” Tweh cautioned, adding that the government “will not hesitate to take appropriate lawful actions” against individuals whose statements undermine national security or public order.
The public, especially those residing in border communities, were advised to uphold the notion of peaceful coexistence with adjacent Guinea, remain calm, and exercise self-control. The administration also reaffirmed its support for democratic ideals like free speech and the press, stressing that these rights must not be violated in order to jeopardize national security.
As the situation evolves, officials say Liberia will continue to maintain a strong security presence to protect its borders and citizens while pursuing communication through regional frameworks such as the Mano River Union.
Reported by: Prince Saah
