Voices of the Elders of Liberia Warns of Fear and Displacements After Reported Guinean Military Encroachment in Lofa, Proposes Buffer Zone and Status Quo Ante Pending Diplomatic Resolution, Calls for Joint Border Patrols and Twice-Weekly Government Updates to Curb Fear in Lofa County
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Voices of the Elders of the Republic of Liberia is calling for sustained diplomacy and clear public communication to defuse tensions along a portion of the Liberia-Guinea border in Lofa County, citing reports of disrupted cross-border trade, displaced residents, and alleged mining activities on the Makona River.
The statement which was delivered by Hon. Rupel E. Marshall Sr. before the historic Providence Baptist Church in Monrovia said, the Elders Council was deeply troubled” by developments along the boundary, which the group noted is generally understood to follow the Makona River.
According to official information from both governments, media reports, and other sources cited by VOTE R/L, the activities in question include allegations of sand mining by Liberians on the river, seizure of mining equipment by Guinean authorities, and a halt to operations in the area.
The Council said normal interactions — including cross-border trade, farming, and school attendance — have been disrupted. It also cited reports of encroachment by Guinean military personnel on the Liberian side, resulting in “fear and displacements” of Liberians, including women, children, and the elderly.
“These allegations appear credible because both governments have referenced them, and they are being covered by the media and voiced by persons within and outside Liberia,” the statement said.
VOTE R/L hailed the “timeless friendship and peaceful coexistence” between the two countries, noting ties that predate Guinea’s independence from France.
The group commended current actions by the Executive Branch, including President Joseph Boakai’s recent visit to Guinea on the matter, as well as statements by the National Legislature, local leaders, religious bodies, women’s groups, and civil society.
The Council said it “wholeheartedly and uncompromisingly” endorses ongoing diplomatic dialogue and appealed to both governments “not to abandon the diplomatic process” until all issues are amicably resolved and lasting peace is sustained.
It recommended that, as necessary, the Mano River Union, ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, and friendly governments be involved.
While diplomacy continues, VOTE R/L proposed 10 measures:
1. Regular Government Briefings: The Liberian government, through the President or designated ministers, should address the public with clarity on developments at least twice weekly, or within hours of any new development, to curb misinformation and fear.
2. Joint Patrols and Buffer Zone: Establish a joint Liberia-Guinea diplomatic and administrative team, supported by MRU and ECOWAS personnel, to patrol the area to maintain peace and consider a buffer zone.
3. Avoid Inflammatory Rhetoric: Halt statements that “beat the war drum,” rush to judgment, or threaten citizens of either country.
4. Clarity on Mining: Both governments, particularly Liberia’s, should provide clarity on the alleged mining activities.
5. Promote Peace Messaging: Sustain statements and actions that prevent rancor and belligerence.
6. Acknowledge No Bloodshed: The Council noted that, to its awareness, no blood has been spilled and urged that this remain the case.
7. Regional Consultations: Convene regional meetings to forestall violence.
8. Expert Boundary Study: Commission surveyors, cartographers, GIS specialists, historians, security experts, jurists, and mining engineers to examine maps and advise both governments and the public.
9. Return to Status Quo Ante: Urge restoration of prior conditions, particularly regarding Guinean military presence, cross-border trade, and displacement of Liberians.
10. Reciprocal Presidential Visit: Called on President Boakai to invite his Guinean counterpart to Liberia to accelerate a peaceful conclusion and strengthen bilateral ties.
The Council further urged “a strong sense of patriotism” from all three branches of government working in concert, saying such unity would promote national cohesion and international respect for Liberia’s sovereignty.