By Journalist Archie Ayouba Boan
Dozens of Liberians residing in Durban, South Africa, are calling on the Government of Liberia to urgently intervene as fear and uncertainty grip their community over a reported June 30 deadline requiring foreigners to leave the country.
The Liberian community says the looming deadline has created panic among residents, many of whom have lived in South Africa for years and built families, businesses, and livelihoods. While some have opted to leave voluntarily, the vast majority say they lack the financial means to relocate and have nowhere safe to return to.
According to community leaders, approximately 80 Liberians currently reside in Durban. Of that number, only 10 have decided to leave before the June 30 deadline. Across South Africa, an estimated 350 Liberians live in various cities and towns, with only about 30 nationwide expressing willingness to voluntarily return to Liberia.
Community representatives say the remaining Liberians face a difficult reality. Many are tied to jobs, family responsibilities, and long-term commitments in South Africa, while others lack the resources necessary to fund their return home.
“We have nowhere to go,” members of the community lamented in an urgent appeal to the Liberian government. “Many of us have spent years building our lives here. We are law-abiding residents, but the uncertainty surrounding this deadline has left us fearful and vulnerable.”
The situation has been compounded by what community leaders describe as a lack of response from the Liberian Embassy in South Africa. They claim repeated requests for assistance have gone unanswered, leaving affected Liberians without clear guidance or support.
Among the concerns raised are the need for safety and security assurances for Liberian nationals, temporary shelter for vulnerable individuals, and financial assistance for those wishing to return home before the deadline.
The community is urging President Joseph Boakai’s administration to engage South African authorities on the status and protection of Liberians remaining in the country after June 30. They are also calling for emergency consular services, the establishment of a safe space in Durban, and assistance with travel documents and airline tickets for those seeking voluntary repatriation.
In a statement, community leaders warned that the uncertainty has created widespread anxiety among Liberians who fear they could be left stranded without support.
“We ask our government not to forget us,” the statement read. “At this critical moment, we need the protection and intervention of our country.”
The appeal was issued by Dominic Tarpeh Doe, Chairman of the Liberian Community in Durban, and Boley Benson, Secretary of the Liberian Community in Durban, who are urging immediate action to prevent what they describe as a potential humanitarian crisis for Liberians living in South Africa.
As the June 30 deadline approaches, affected Liberians say time is running out and that swift intervention from Monrovia could make the difference between safety and uncertainty for dozens of citizens abroad.
