GBARNGA – A Liberian citizen from Bong County currently residing in the United States, David Flomo, has weighed in on the recent tension along the Liberia-Guinea border, describing the situation as a serious national security concern that requires urgent attention from the Liberian government.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
The situation developed earlier this week when reports emerged that armed Guinean soldiers allegedly crossed into a Liberian border community and erected the Guinean national flag on land believed to be within Liberia’s territory.
Residents of Foya and neighboring communities reportedly protested the action, which heightened tension in the area and created fear among civilians living near the border.
The situation escalated when a confrontation occurred between the foreign soldiers and people in the community, leading to the reported shooting of a civilian.
The incident prompted the deployment of officers from the Liberia National Police on Wednesday as authorities attempted to calm the growing tension and prevent further clashes in the area.
The development has since generated widespread public debate in Liberia about border security and the government’s response to the reported incursion by the Guinean Armed Forces.
Commenting on the situation, Flomo warned that the crisis carries serious implications for Liberia’s sovereignty and national stability if not addressed promptly through credible investigation and diplomatic engagement.
“The border crisis is a serious threat to Liberia’s sovereignty and national security and it undermines trust and stability for both countries,” Flomo said while sharing his concerns about the incident. “When such actions occur along an international boundary it creates fear among citizens living in those communities and it raises broader concerns about how disputes between neighboring states are being handled.”
Flomo further stressed that the incident has the potential to damage the fragile relationship between Liberia and Guinea if authorities fail to address the matter transparently and professionally.
“This situation goes beyond a local misunderstanding along the border because it touches directly on Liberia’s territorial integrity and the safety of ordinary people living in those areas,” he said.
“If citizens begin to feel that their country cannot protect them from foreign military presence within its territory then confidence in national security institutions will gradually erode and that is something Liberia cannot afford at this time.”
The Bong County native is also calling on the Liberian government to immediately establish a national security investigation team to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported incursion and provide recommendations to the president.
“The president should immediately constitute a national security investigation team headed by former Defense Minister Brownie Samukai to investigate and report to the president,” Flomo stated.
He added that appointing an experienced national security figure to lead such an investigation would help restore public confidence while ensuring that the facts surrounding the incident are properly established.
“The investigation must be credible independent and professional because the Liberian people deserve to know exactly what happened at the border and what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future,” he said.
Flomo also emphasized that Liberia must handle the matter carefully to prevent further escalation between the two neighboring countries while still defending its territorial rights.
“The government must demonstrate that it is capable of protecting Liberia’s borders while also engaging Guinea through peaceful diplomatic channels,” Flomo noted.
Flomo maintained that transparency and swift action from the government will be essential in calming public concern and maintaining stability in border communities as authorities continue to assess the situation.
