Monrovia – Local Government Minister-designate Francis Sakila Nyumalin has strongly denied allegations linking him to the ongoing Sorlumba border dispute between Liberia and Guinea, challenging authorities to investigate and prosecute him if found culpable.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
The accusations were made by Jefferson Tamba Koijee, Secretary General of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), who claimed that Nyumalin is fueling tensions along the Liberia–Guinea border.
Rising Border Tensions
The situation has heightened concerns among residents in communities near the Makona River, particularly in the Sorlumba Clan area, where recent confrontations have been reported.
In a statement posted on social media, Koijee alleged that the dispute extends beyond a diplomatic misunderstanding.
“Reliable and unassailable information under our domain suggests that Minister Nyumalin is the owner of dredging equipment currently engaged in illicit mining activities along the Makona River,” Koijee claimed.
He further alleged that the purported illegal mining operations are directly contributing to tensions in the area and accused the minister of undermining Liberia’s sovereignty.
“Francis Sakila Nyumalin is the progenitor of the unprovoked attack on our sovereignty and the reckless gambling of our hard-earned peace,” Koijee asserted.
Nyumalin Rejects Allegations
In response, Nyumalin, in his confirmation hearing, dismissed the claims as baseless, insisting that he has no involvement in illegal mining activities.
He emphasized that as a public official, he is bound by law and has adhered to those legal restrictions throughout his career.
“From where I sit today, the laws are clear that I am not supposed to own or be part of any institution involved in mineral extraction in this country. I am not a part of any such activity,” Nyumalin said.
Calls for Investigation
The former Representative of Lofa County District #1 welcomed a formal investigation into the matter, stating that he is prepared to face legal consequences if found guilty.
“The Senate can conduct its investigation, and if it finds that Nyumalin is responsible—not only in Foya but anywhere in this country—let me be prosecuted,” he declared.
Denies Illegal Mining Claims
Nyumalin further distanced himself from the allegations, noting that sand mining along the Makona River predates his lifetime and is not a recent development.
“I know nothing about any illegal mining. What I do know is that for over 100 years—even before I was born—the people of Foya have mined sand in the Makona River. It is only today that Guinea is claiming the river and beyond,” he added.
