-LRRRC ED Tells President Boakai
MONROVIA – Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, the Executive Director of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), has informed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., that approximately 140,000 Burkinabè nationals are currently residing in Grand Gedeh and River Gee Counties.
Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu delivered the update during a joint mission report presentation at the Executive Mansion on May 27, where he also warned that the rapid influx is straining local resources and posing serious security and humanitarian challenges.
The Executive Director of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC)
told the President that the majority of the migrants are engaged in mining and agricultural activities. “Without a coordinated response, this situation could overwhelm communities already facing limited infrastructure and services,” Cllr. Bangalu said.
President Boakai received the report and directed that it be elevated to the Cabinet for broader national security and policy deliberations. The findings stem from a joint field assessment conducted by the LRRRC alongside the French Embassy, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Human Rights Office, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Liberia Immigration Service.
Cllr. Bangalu noted that implementing the report’s recommendations will require close collaboration between the Government of Liberia and international partners. He disclosed that a stakeholders’ meeting with donor partners is expected to be convened to review the findings and explore support mechanisms for effective implementation.
He emphasized that while some recommendations require immediate attention, a strategic and coordinated approach supported through national budgetary allocations and international partnerships remains critical to preventing further strain on host communities.
The presentation meeting was attended by French Ambassador Isabelle Le Guellec, Liberia Immigration Service Commissioner General Elijah F. Rufus, UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Mady Biaye, Head of the United Nations Human Rights Office Christian Mukosa, and Acting Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration, Lenaud Serge Desire.
Cllr. Bangalu expressed appreciation for their collaboration throughout the assessment process and voiced confidence that, with sustained support from national and international partners, the report’s recommendations would be progressively implemented to help stabilize the situation and strengthen support for affected communities.
