By Amos Harris
Residents in communities along the Mokona River in Lofa County report that Guinean soldiers remain visibly present in what they consider Liberian territory, raising fresh concerns about sovereignty, security, and the government’s response to an increasingly tense border situation. These developments come as the Liberian Legislature concludes a special session convened by President Joseph Boakai—a session initially expected to prioritize key national issues, including the printing of new banknotes and the passage of a supplemental budget. Instead, proceedings were largely overshadowed by the controversial removal of Representative Yekeh Kolubah, whose remarks on the Mokona River tensions triggered heated debate within the Capitol. While Kolubah’s expulsion may have settled internal legislative disagreements, it appears to have done little to resolve the situation on the ground.
In towns and villages near the Mokona River, residents describe a reality that stands in stark contrast to the political narrative unfolding in Monrovia. According to multiple accounts broadcast on local radio, Guinean troops remain stationed in border areas long regarded as part of Liberia, while the presence of Liberian security forces remains minimal or absent. Citizens calling into radio programs have expressed fear, frustration, and a growing sense of abandonment. Many report restricted access to farms, disrupted trade routes, and daily uncertainty regarding their safety. During a recent broadcast, one caller pointedly asked, “If the lawmaker is gone, does that mean the soldiers have also gone? Because we still see them here.”
Equally concerning to observers is what they describe as a lack of clear communication from the Liberian government. There have been no detailed public updates regarding diplomatic engagements with Guinea or concrete measures aimed at de-escalating the situation. This silence has fueled speculation that political developments in the capital have taken precedence over addressing the border crisis. Critics argue that the intense focus on disciplining a lawmaker risks projecting indifference to the plight of citizens in affected communities. Others view the situation as part of a recurring pattern in Liberian governance, where internal political disputes overshadow pressing national security concerns.
The removal of Kolubah has also reignited debate over political tolerance and accountability. Supporters of the Legislature’s decision maintain that enforcing discipline is necessary to preserve institutional order. Opponents, however, view the action as an attempt to silence dissent on a matter of national importance. Comparisons have been drawn to previous administrations, with some arguing that similar tactics have been employed in the past. For many analysts, however, the central issue is not a historical comparison, but whether current leadership is effectively addressing urgent national challenges. The situation raises broader questions about whether political loyalty is being prioritized over independent oversight and whether governance is being guided by national interest or partisan considerations.
Amid the political debate, residents of Lofa County continue to bear the direct consequences of the unresolved dispute. Farmers report difficulty accessing their land, traders face economic setbacks, and families live under persistent uncertainty. The limited visibility of Liberian security forces has intensified concerns about state authority and the protection of citizens in border regions. “How can we talk about development when we cannot even control our own borders?” another caller questioned.
As the Legislature adjourns its special session, the core issue remains unresolved: who controls the Mokona River? Despite the political fallout surrounding Kolubah’s removal, reports from the ground indicate that Guinean soldiers are still present and the situation remains largely unchanged for the affected communities. The Mokona River standoff now stands as more than a territorial dispute; it has become a test of leadership, transparency, and national resolve—one that continues to expose the gap between political action in Monrovia and the lived realities of citizens on Liberia’s frontlines. Until decisive and visible steps are taken, residents say the uncertainty will persist, and the question of control over the Mokona River will remain unanswered.
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