GOV’T FLAGS “CRISIS” AS 140K BURKINABE MIGRANTS STRAIN SOUTHEAST LIBERIA’S FORESTS, SERVICES
BY: Margret Nyumah
MONROVIA, Montserrado County– The Government of Liberia has raised alarm over the rapidly growing population of Burkinabe migrants in the country’s southeastern region, warning of environmental degradation, strain on public services, and emerging social protection risks.
Speaking Tuesday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, the Executive Director of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Cllr. Jerror Cole Bangalu, said more than 140,000 Burkinabe nationals are currently residing in Liberia.
According to LRRRC data, Grand Gedeh County hosts the largest concentration with an estimated 80,000 migrants, followed by Nimba County with 45,000. River Gee County accounts for between 15,000 and 20,000, while Maryland County has 500 to 600 migrants.
Cllr. Bangalu said many migrants are engaged in subsistence farming, including inside protected forest reserves, raising concerns about deforestation and ecosystem damage.
He added that children were found working on farms in remote communities, sparking fears of child labor and potential human trafficking.
“The growing migrant population is placing increased pressure on healthcare, education, water, and sanitation services,” Bangalu stated.
He called for a coordinated national response that enforces Liberia’s immigration laws while addressing humanitarian and environmental challenges.
The LRRRC boss also disclosed that several Liberians were deported between April 8 and May 11, 2026, after falling victim to irregular migration schemes.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with government institutions and international partners to strengthen migration management nationwide.
Government officials say the situation requires urgent inter-agency coordination between the LRRRC, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency, and security agencies to balance border management with regional stability.