By Christian Appleton
Potupo Joproken, River Gee County – In response to increasing cross-border farming activity involving Burkinabe nationals, Superintendent Mike T. Swengbe has launched a vigorous public awareness campaign in Potupo Joproken, urging local residents to remain united and vigilant in protecting their land.
During a community engagement meeting attended by local leaders, youth, and women representatives, Superintendent Swengbe described the unauthorized settlements by foreign nationals as a “serious national security risk” and a growing cause of land disputes in southeastern Liberia.
“We must remain watchful and organized in safeguarding our land and livelihoods,” said Superintendent Swengbe. “Our land laws must be upheld, and unauthorized occupation cannot be allowed to go unchecked.”
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring vital services in the region, highlighting the planned rehabilitation of the Joproken Clinic. Swengbe commended Representative IB Choloply Wou for his continued advocacy for improved healthcare access across River Gee.
While encouraging agricultural productivity, Swengbe warned local stakeholders against the illegal allocation of land to foreign nationals, calling on citizens to respect national land use regulations.
In a show of gratitude, community members honored Superintendent Swengbe for his leadership. Elder Swen Choloply presented him with a billy goat—a traditional symbol of appreciation—while Chief James P. Sayee pledged the support of traditional leaders to uphold lawful land practices. Women’s leader Madam Gertrude Dweh and youth representative Jerry Jah also voiced their commitment to supporting government efforts in protecting River Gee’s territorial integrity.
The situation echoes wider concerns recently raised byMaryland County District #2 Representative, Anthony F. Williams, who, in a communication to the House of Representatives, warned of the growing illegal presence of Burkinabe nationals in Liberia’s southeastern belt. He called for immediate intervention and urged lawmakers to summon immigration, security, and land management institutions to develop and disclose a strategic response.
Thomas Jokan, Director of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) for Region V in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, weighed in on the regional implications of the mass movement of Burkinabe nationals.
Jokan stressed that while Liberia has an obligation to provide humanitarian assistance in line with international refugee law, it is the responsibility of displaced groups to clarify their reasons for migration. He cautioned against imposing arbitrary classifications or protective measures without due process, warning that such practices could violate international protection standards.
“Imposing reasons for movement without hearing from the group concerned is a breach of their rights,” Jokan stated. “Liberia must continue to uphold the rule of law and humanitarian principles.”
The influx of Burkinabe nationals into neighboring countries, including Liberia, is primarily driven by a convergence of insecurity, political instability, ethnic conflicts, environmental degradation, and economic hardship in Burkina Faso. Over 8,000 Burkinabe have reportedly submitted asylum claims in Liberia based on these conditions, according to a recent government-sponsored profile of affected communities.
As Liberia grapples with the complex intersection of national security, humanitarian responsibility, and land governance, many are calling for swift action from the LRRRC and relevant agencies.
Stakeholders are urging Executive Director of LRRRC and his deputies to act in line with the Liberia Refugee Act—an instrument modeled on international protection standards—to ensure that both the rights of refugees and the sovereignty of local communities are respected.
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