Washington DC, United States-The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) is calling on the Liberian government to launch a full investigation into what led to a recent border incident involving armed Guinean security forces crossing into Liberian territory.
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
The incident, which occurred near Liberia’s northern border in Lofa County, has stirred unease among citizens and revived memories of the country’s civil war.
In a communication signed by ULAA National Executive president, Mohammed MSGI Keita, the diaspora organization representing Liberians in the United States, said the breach underscores the need for stronger national security measures.
“Liberia, a peaceful nation that has long extended the hand of brotherhood and continues to strive for its rightful place among the community of nations, was recently alarmed by the sight of armed men in foreign uniforms crossing into its territory from our sister country, Guinea,” ULAA said in a statement. “This unfortunate incident has revived painful memories of Liberia’s senseless civil war.”
The group expressed appreciation to President Joseph Boakai for what it described as “bold and timely steps” to address the matter.
ULAA also commended Guinean leader Mamady Doumbouyaand Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio for their diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions.
While welcoming those interventions, ULAA stressed that deeper questions remain unanswered.
“ULAA remains deeply concerned about the circumstances that led to Guinean security forces entering Liberian territory with weapons and without proper authorization,” the statement said.
It added, “It is imperative that a thorough and transparent investigation be conducted to determine the root cause of this breach.”
The organization warned that failing to address the incident could set a dangerous precedent.
“Failure to critically assess and address this matter could expose Liberia to future incidents—potentially more severe than what has already occurred,” ULAA said. “If overlooked, this situation risks setting a dangerous precedent.”
To prevent recurrence, ULAA urged the government to establish a special task force led by the Minister of Justice and composed of joint security agencies.
The body, it said, should be mandated to investigate the incident and recommend measures to safeguard Liberia’s territorial integrity.
“The fear and uncertainty caused by this border crossing continue to linger among our fellow citizens, particularly in LofaCounty,” ULAA noted.
“President Boakai, the Liberian people remain committed to preserving the fragile peace we currently enjoy. We urge your leadership to take all necessary steps to safeguard our nation’s stability and territorial integrity.”
Liberia, which shares borders with Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire, has enjoyed relative peace since the end of its civil war in 2003. But the incident highlights the fragility of regional security and the importance of cooperation among West African nations.
ULAA, however, called peace and unity: “May God bless Liberia with enduring peace, and may He continue to strengthen the bonds of harmony among our neighboring countries, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.”
