By Morlu Freeman, Sr.
Lofa County Correspondent, Verity News
Voinjama, Lofa County – The Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) in Lofa County has expressed deep concern over the recent deportation of a group of Liberians from neighboring Guinea on July 27, 2025. The deportees, who were forcibly removed from their homes in Guinea, were transported across the border and left stranded before being brought to Voinjama, the county capital, on July 28.
According to LRRRC local officials K. Henry Kollie and Alexander Flomo, the LRRRC head office has been informed of the situation but has yet to respond adequately to the needs of the deportees. Many of the individuals deported have recounted being pressured by Guinean authorities to renounce their Liberian citizenship and naturalize as Guineans ~ a demand they refused. As a result, they say they were forcibly taken from their homes and transported to the Liberian border without any support or belongings.
Their plight came to light after national security personnel alerted local authorities. Lofa County Superintendent Hon. J. Lavelah Massaquoi quickly intervened, facilitating their transfer to Voinjama and providing them with food and limited assistance, largely sourced through contributions from friends and well-wishers.
Despite these efforts, the deportees have expressed frustration and disappointment over the lack of direct support from the LRRRC’s national leadership and other relevant institutions. Many are still unable to contact their families and continue to endure challenging living conditions.
Superintendent Massaquoi has reportedly voiced his own dissatisfaction with the situation and is planning to appear on local radio to raise awareness and urge national authorities to address the needs of the deported citizens.
The LRRRC Lofa County branch is calling on its central office in Monrovia to take swift and comprehensive action to support the deportees. In addition, concerns have been raised about the safety and treatment of other Liberians still residing in Guinea under increasingly difficult circumstances.
Local LRRRC officials are appealing to the Government of Liberia to launch a formal investigation into the deportation, ensure the safe repatriation of Liberians still in Guinea, and engage human rights organizations to safeguard the rights and welfare of affected individuals.
The LRRRC in Lofa County says it remains committed to advocating for the deportees and ensuring their rights are protected during this critical time.
