-Amid Liberia–Guinea Border Tensions
By Jessica Cox
MONROVIA, LIBERIA The Voices of the Elders of the Republic of Liberia (VOTE R/L), a prominent group of senior Liberian statesmen and stateswomen, has called on the Governments of Liberia and Guinea to continue to pursue peaceful diplomacy and renewed bilateral engagement in resolving the ongoing border tensions affecting communities in Lofa County.
The call was made through a statement delivered in front of the historic Providence Baptist Church on Broad Street Monrovia during a well-attended public program organized by VOTE R/L. In the statement, the elders formally address recent developments along the Liberia–Guinea border. The border issue around Foya District in Lofa County, has in recent months generated fear and displacements among Liberians and disrupted cross-border trade. It is reported that Guinea Military personnel have crossed into the Liberian Territory and set up camp.
The Government of Liberia has since assured citizens that diplomatic engagements are ongoing and that efforts are being coordinated through bilateral channels and regional bodies, including ECOWAS and the Mano River Union. According to official government communications issued earlier this year, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. dispatched high-level delegations to engage Guinean authorities and later participated in regional discussions with Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio aimed at not escalating the situation and restoring calm along the shared borders.
In their statement, VOTE R/L emphasized that Liberia and Guinea share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties that should not be undermined by conflict or misunderstanding. The elders stressed that diplomacy remains the most effective means of addressing disagreements concerning border demarcation and territorial concerns. The organization called for the return to what it described as the “status quo ante” at the border, particularly regarding the presence of Guinean military personnel, the disruption of cross-border trade, and the displacement of Liberian citizens reportedly affected by the tensions.
The elders also encouraged the two governments to continue consultations with technical and boundary experts whose findings, they urge be treated professionally, objectively, and without political interference. “They expressed confidence that the findings and recommendations of experts would be unbiased and favorably considered by both governments in the interest of peace and regional stability”. VOTE R/L further appealed to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. to extend a formal invitation to Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya for a reciprocal visit to Liberia.
According to the elders, such a high-level diplomatic engagement would reinforce the longstanding brotherly relationship between Liberia and Guinea while accelerating peaceful negotiations surrounding the border concerns. The organization stated that regular communication by the government with the Liberian citizenry could help remove public uncertainty, reduce tensions in border communities, and strengthen confidence amongst citizens of both nations that a just peaceful, and lasting solution will be found.
One of the strongest appeals made during the program focused on the need for patriotism and unity among Liberian officials handling the matter. The elders urged members of all three branches of government the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches to work collectively in protecting Liberia’s sovereignty while maintaining peace and stability. According to VOTE R/L, a coordinated national response rooted in patriotism would strengthen Liberia’s image internationally and promote greater respect for the country’s territorial integrity.
“Such actions,” the statement asserted, “will generate respect from foreign governments for Liberia’s sovereignty and sustain the national pride of the Liberian people.” Meanwhile, the Government of Liberia has repeatedly assured the public that it remains committed to resolving the border issue through peaceful dialogue. Recent statements from the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MIO) indicated that Liberia has engaged Guinea through diplomatic and security channels while also collaborating with regional partners to avoid escalation.
Authorities confirmed that joint security deployments were made in affected areas of Lofa County to maintain calm and reassure residents. Government officials also encouraged citizens to avoid spreading misinformation capable of inflaming tensions.
Regional diplomacy has also intensified. Earlier this year, Presidents Joseph Boakai, Mamady Doumbouya, and Julius Maada Bio participated in a high-level Mano River Union consultation in Conakry aimed at strengthening border cooperation and peaceful coexistence among the neighboring states.
Following the summit, Guinean authorities reportedly announced a gradual reduction of troop deployments along portions of the borders with Liberia and Sierra Leone as part of confidence-building measures.
Political observers say the situation demonstrates the importance of sustained diplomacy in a region historically connected through trade, migration, and shared cultural heritage. The dissemination effort, organizers said, was intended to ensure broad public awareness of the elders’ position regarding the border matter.
Among those in attendance were: Elder Rupel E. Marshall, Sr. (Who read the statement), Elder Thompson Chea, Elder Henry P. Rhodes, Elder Rose Hage, Elder Burdie Urey-Weeks (92 years old), Elder Dee Zoe Lake, and Elder Tarinie Grimes Kpardeh.
The elders vowed to remain constructively engaged until the situation is resolved. The Voices of the Elders of the Republic of Liberia, Incorporated (VOTE R/L), is comprised primarily of septuagenarians and other older Liberians who have served the country in various professional, civic, and public capacities and continue to do so.
The group describes itself as a body of patriots dedicated to promoting peace, national unity, responsible governance, and the preservation of Liberia’s sovereignty. The statement concluded that the elders are optimistic that the Liberia–Guinea border issue will ultimately be resolved peacefully, fairly, and in a manner that protects the interests of citizens on both sides of the border.
