By Christian Appleton
Harper District, Maryland County | October 16, 2025 – The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) sub-office at the Kablaken Border has been damaged beyond repair, prompting residents to propose the use of papose (palm leaves) as a temporary shelter for joint security officers assigned in the area. The deteriorating condition of the facility has forced state security personnel to relocate to a private residence while awaiting government intervention.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Mr. Mark Dickson, a resident of the Kablaken border community, expressed growing frustration over the apparent neglect of the LIS sub-office, which has remained dilapidated for nearly three years. “The facility was originally built to serve as both an office and housing for officers, but today, it is unfit for the purpose. Its prolonged neglect has left both security personnel and residents vulnerable,” Mr. Dickson said.
He explained that six officers were stationed at the post, including four border patrol officers and two officers from the National Security Agency (NSA). Due to the unusable condition of the office, these personnel have temporarily moved into a privately-owned home belonging to a resident currently attending a funeral in the neighboring Ivory Coast. The officers continue to operate from this location until a more suitable arrangement is made.
“The community has seen senior officials from LIS visit multiple times over the past three years,” Mr. Dickson noted, “They take photographs and promise action, but nothing substantive has been done to restore or relocate the office.”
According to Mr. Dickson, the residents of Kablaken border have collectively agreed to gather local materials, including palm leaves and timber, to construct a temporary shelter for the officers. This measure, he said, is intended to maintain a visible security presence while awaiting the government’s intervention.
He further highlighted the security implications of the deteriorating LIS facility. “This situation is a serious security threat, especially as the Ivory Coast approaches its general elections,” he warned. “Immigration officers play a crucial role not only in safeguarding Liberia’s borders but also in mediating disputes and maintaining peace within the community.”
Community members have expressed concern that the absence of a proper government facility at the border could compromise the effectiveness of security operations in the area. “When officers lack adequate accommodation, it affects their ability to perform duties efficiently,” Mr. Dickson said. “We need proper infrastructure to ensure safety and stability in our border communities.”
The dilapidated office has been a subject of concern since 2022, with local leaders repeatedly appealing to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and LIS headquarters for urgent repairs or relocation. However, the lack of action has compelled residents to take matters into their own hands.
In addition to the makeshift shelter proposal, Mr. Dickson urged the government to prioritize the construction of a modern, fully-equipped LIS office at the Kablakeh border. He emphasized that a functional facility is essential not only for the welfare of officers but also for the safety and confidence of residents who rely on border security.
Local stakeholders also highlighted the economic implications of a non-functional LIS office. Kablaken border is a critical entry point for trade and movement between Liberia and Ivory Coast. Any disruption in immigration services could negatively impact commerce, trade compliance, and cross-border relations.
Civil society groups in Maryland County have backed residents’ call for urgent government action, warning that prolonged neglect could create security vacuums exploited by criminal elements. “We commend the community for their proactive approach,” said a spokesperson for a local civic organization. “However, it is ultimately the government’s responsibility to provide secure and functional facilities for officers tasked with national security.”
The LIS sub-office’s deterioration has become a symbol of a broader challenge faced by border communities in Liberia—inadequate infrastructure and slow government response. Experts argue that ensuring the safety and efficiency of border operations requires not only personnel but also the provision of adequate office space, housing, and logistical support.
For now, residents of Kablaken border remain committed to assisting the officers in any way possible, including providing temporary shelter made from locally sourced materials. While this measure is seen as a stopgap solution, community members continue to appeal for long-term government intervention to restore full functionality to the LIS sub-office.
As Liberia continues to strengthen its border management and national security framework, the situation at Kablaken border underscores the urgent need for responsive governance and sustained investment in critical infrastructure. The eyes of both residents and national authorities remain on LIS, hoping that prompt action will restore safety, order, and confidence at this key border point.
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