By G. Watson Richards
The opposition National Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned reports that Guinean soldiers have entered Liberian territory, arguing that such a situation would not have happened under its leadership.
Speaking publicly, NPP National Chairman George S. Mulbah questioned how the government is handling the matter and called for swift diplomatic action, along with accountability for what led to the incident.
“In one day, we can raise 12,000 fighting forces. When we were in power, Guinea would never have dared send troops onto our soil. But are we prepared for this kind of situation now? No. This is a border we’ve shared peacefully for over 100 years, you can’t allow anyone to take it,” Mulbah said.
Despite his strong remarks, Mulbah did not call for military action. Instead, he urged the government to engage Guinea through diplomatic means and consider legal options if necessary.
“We encourage the government to handle this diplomatically. If that fails, then the matter should be taken to the International Court,” he said.
He emphasized that while Liberia must protect its territory, escalation should only be a last resort.
Mulbah also criticized the lack of public information on the situation, urging the government to keep political stakeholders informed.
“The government has a responsibility to regularly brief political parties,” he said.
He further called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported incursion.
“Anyone whose actions may have led to this situation must be investigated. A commission of inquiry should be set up, and the process should not drag on,” he added.
Mulbah warned that delays could complicate any future legal action.
“If this is allowed to continue without action, we could run into legal challenges later,” he noted.
Liberia and Guinea have maintained a relatively peaceful border for more than a century, though minor disputes have occurred from time to time. Mulbah pointed to this history as a reason the situation should be taken seriously.
“This is a boundary we’ve managed peacefully for generations. We cannot allow encroachment,” he said.
Political Undertones
The NPP, which previously held power, used the moment to contrast its record with that of the current administration, claiming stronger control over national security during its time in office.
“When we were in charge, this wouldn’t have happened,” Mulbah said.
The government has yet to give a detailed public account of the situation, but the issue is quickly gaining attention, with growing calls for clarity, accountability, and a firm response.
For now, the focus remains on whether the matter will be resolved through diplomacy-and how the government plans to address concerns at home.
