By Morlu F. Freeman Sr.
LOFA COUNTY — The Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Richard Nagbe Koon, along with Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah and several lawmakers, has conducted a stakeholders’ engagement in Foya District to assess the situation unfolding at the Sorlumba border.
The meeting brought together local authorities and citizens, who expressed serious concerns over what they described as encroachment by Guinean soldiers and civilians along the border. Residents reported that communities around Sorlumba have been abandoned, with many inhabitants fleeing to Foya City out of fear.
Speaking during the engagement, Foya District Commissioner, Bornquoi, explained that prior to the commencement of sand mining activities at the Makona River, Liberian authorities had formally communicated with their Guinean counterparts. According to him, the purpose was to clarify that the dredging operations were for sand mining and not for gold or diamond extraction.
He added that Guinean authorities acknowledged the communication and sent a representative to observe the process before granting consent for the mining activities to proceed.
Deputy Speaker Fallah outlined two major challenges facing residents of the district: the alleged seizure of land by Guinean forces and the humanitarian needs of displaced residents who fled Sorlumba and surrounding areas. He emphasized that those affected require urgent assistance, including shelter and food.
Fallah also cautioned citizens against spreading unverified information on social media and challenged individuals to provide evidence regarding allegations involving Minister Francis Nyumalin and another individual, George Fallah, in connection with the situation.
Meanwhile, Speaker Koon has called on the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission and the National Disaster Management Agency to deploy to Foya District to assist those displaced by the recent tensions.
He further disclosed that a meeting involving legislative leaders from Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone is scheduled for next Saturday, March 28, to address the border dispute and seek a peaceful resolution.
Following the stakeholders’ meeting, Speaker Koon and members of the legislative delegation attempted to visit the Sorlumba border to obtain firsthand information from security personnel. However, due to security concerns, they were denied access beyond the checkpoint and were unable to engage Guinean security forces.
The situation at the Sorlumba border remains tense, with local residents calling for swift government intervention to restore calm and protect their communities.
