Guinea, Led by Minister SEDY, Applauds Karmue and Sup. Norris as Citizens, Leaders Rally in Call for Proposed JNB Unity Bridge

YASSATA, GUINEA & LIBERIA —Under the warm sunrise along the Nié River on Sunday, December 21, 2025, with gentle river breezes and the soft hum of morning birds, Guinea’s authorities, led by Minister Jean-Paul SEDY, honored Quanuquanei Alfred Karmue, a community development hero from Bong County District #4, Liberia, and the Liberian government through Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris for their pivotal role in linking communities across the Liberia–Guinea border.

The Guinean delegation, headed by the Minister of Pre-University Education and Literacy, praised Karmue’s leadership and the support of Superintendent Norris, which made it possible to transport road-building machinery from Liberia into Guinea, connecting Yassata with Dissaï in Liberia.

“We have come to honor collaboration and leadership,” Minister SEDY said. “This project is not just about roads; it is a bridge of solidarity and development between Guinea and Liberia, a demonstration of our shared destiny and commitment to peace.”

The gesture highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation, acknowledging that the physical connection of the road from Yassata to the Nié River was only possible because of Karmue’s initiative and the decisive intervention of Superintendent Norris, who ensured development extended beyond Liberia’s border.

Minister SEDY commended border communities for taking responsibility for their own development without waiting for state intervention. He emphasized that the project restores centuries-old family, cultural, and economic ties disrupted by colonial borders and acknowledged the role of Guinean defense and security forces in safeguarding peace along the river.

“This is not just a bridge between two villages,” Minister SEDY said. “It is a bridge between Guinea and Liberia, and beyond that, a bridge connecting West African nations through solidarity, peace, and development.” He praised Karmue for refusing to wait on bureaucracy and instead mobilizing communities, partners, and well-wishers to act decisively, reflecting the leadership West Africa needs.

“You did not wait,” the Minister said. “You went to work with the people. The President of the Republic of Guinea, General Mamady Doumbouya, will know this.”

Karmue Reflects on Regional Connectivity

At the proposed JNB Unity Bridge site, Karmue anchored the historic moment in the broader philosophy of regional connectivity articulated by President Joseph N. Boakai.

“As President Joseph N. Boakai wisely said, ‘Boundaries between countries are not separation points; they are connection points,’” Karmue said. “Today, those words are no longer symbolic; they are becoming reality.”

Gesturing toward the Nié River, he reflected on its historic role as a divider. “Before us is a river that once represented distance. Today, it represents destiny.”

He explained that the project builds on years of collaboration between border communities, dating back to the early Panta road advocacy movement. Guinean residents and local leaders actively participated in community road marathons for the Foelah–Dissaï road project, walking alongside Liberians in solidarity.

“You cannot forget where you came from or those who started with you,” Karmue said. “From the beginning, we knew the veins of this road ran straight into Guinea.”

As development advanced on the Liberian side, Guinean communities formally appealed for assistance to connect the road from Yassata to the Nié River. Responding to this, Karmue coordinated the transport of road-building machinery across the river, a breakthrough made possible by Superintendent Norris.

“The Guinean authorities officially wrote to our superintendent,” Karmue explained. “She welcomed the request with open arms and made it possible for our machine to cross into Guinea.”

With equipment now on both sides, the road networks are physically connected, leaving only the permanent bridge over the Nié River to be constructed.

“If we can build a road, we can build a bridge,” Karmue added. “That bridge will fully connect these two communities and end the suffering our people face because of a river.” Karmue reflected on the broader significance of the initiative, emphasizing that the bridge represents more than just a physical connection.

“Every major city around the world has monuments and landmarks that remind citizens of who they are,” Karmue said. “San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge, New York has the Statue of Liberty, and from New York to Pennsylvania there is the George Washington Memorial Bridge. These places inspire people and remind them of their greatness.”

He continued, “What do we have in Liberia that reminds us of our own greatness? Thanks to a president committed to national development, we are beginning to create landmark places for our children and future generations to see what Liberia truly is. This bridge is not just a bridge; it is our Golden Gate Bridge of Liberia, our own version of the Statue of Liberty. We call it the Joseph Nyumah Boakai Unity Bridge, connecting Liberia and Guinea and symbolizing peace, unity, and shared prosperity.”

Development Beyond Politics

Karmue reaffirmed his support for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, emphasizing road construction and agriculture as critical drivers of economic growth.“This is not about politics; it is about agenda. Development is not only the government’s responsibility; every citizen has a role to play,” he said.

He praised Superintendent Norris for her steadfast commitment, noting that her intervention made the cross-border road initiative possible and highlighted the importance of regional connectivity for trade, agriculture, and social cohesion. Guinean officials lauded Liberia’s openness, describing the project as a symbol of unity between historical communities.

Liberia and Guinea: Shared Responsibility

Representing Liberia, Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris conveyed greetings from President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, emphasizing that borders should connect rather than divide. “Our people have intermarried, traded, and lived together for generations,” she said. “This road and bridge will ensure no one suffers again simply because of a river.” She praised Karmue as “a very good developer” whose leadership “joined Liberia and Guinea together today” and called for continued collaboration to complete the bridge and maintain the road.

Panta District Commissioner Gban Dakai Paye added, “As we have crossed into Guinea, we recognize the unity of our nations. Our sisters and brothers have traveled across borders to marry, trade, and live together. We believe Liberians and Guineans are one people. I salute Karmue for his vision and commitment; he carries progress across all of Liberia. With God’s guidance, we believe one day all our people will enjoy the full benefits of these roads and bridges, and our communities will continue to be united in peace and prosperity.”

Local Voices Applaud the Initiative and Rally in Call for JNB Unity Bridge

Residents of Yassata and Dissaï expressed deep gratitude for Karmue’s leadership and the cross-border cooperation that has brought the road project to completion. “We have waited for decades for this connection,” said Fatoumata, a local trader in Yassata. “Thanks to Mr. Karmue and Superintendent Norris, we can now trade our goods more easily, while waiting for the bridge construction.” From the Dissaï side, community members echoed the sentiment while appealing for the permanent bridge over the Nié River.

“The roads are finally built, connecting our villages,” said Korto Togbah, a resident in Dissaï. “But crossing the river is still dangerous, especially during the rainy season. We urge both governments to prioritize the JNB Unity Bridge immediately.”Mary Mulbah, a local mother, added, “Quanuquanei Karmue has done so much for both communities, and Superintendent Norris’s support made this possible. Now it is time to complete the bridge so our people can move safely and trade freely every day.” Community elder Moussa Camara reinforced the plea: “The road is wonderful, but the river still divides us. The JNB Unity Bridge will turn this road into a full lifeline for our communities, and we hope the authorities act without delay.”

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