Monrovia — The civil society organization Solidarity and Trust for a New Day has raised concerns over what it describes as repeated incursions by Guinean soldiers into Liberian territory, warning that the government’s response could undermine the country’s national security and territorial integrity.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
In a statement issued Thursday in Monrovia, the organization, commonly known as STAND, said recent reports indicate that members of the Guinean Armed Forces entered communities along the Liberia–Guinea border earlier this week, planted the Guinean national flag on Liberian soil, and allegedly shot a civilian during the confrontation.
According to STAND, the reported incident represents a serious breach of Liberia’s sovereignty and a direct threat to the safety of residents in border communities. The group said the situation raises troubling questions about the Liberian government’s capacity and willingness to adequately defend the nation’s borders.
The organization expressed particular concern over the government’s initial decision to deploy officers of the Liberia National Police to confront what it described as an organized foreign military presence.
STAND characterized the response as both inadequate and delayed, noting that the Armed Forces of Liberia—the country’s primary defense institution—were reportedly mobilized only after a civilian had already been harmed.
STAND argued that the Armed Forces of Liberia were constitutionally established to defend the country’s territorial integrity and should be the first line of response when foreign troops breach Liberia’s borders.
“The military must not be treated as an institution reserved for political convenience or partisan priorities,” the organization said in its statement. “When Liberia’s sovereignty is challenged by external forces, the responsibility to respond must lie with the institutions mandated and professionally equipped to protect the nation.”
The civil society group also raised concerns over reports suggesting that police officers arrived late at the scene of the confrontation and maintained a distance from the area where Guinean soldiers had reportedly assembled.
If confirmed, STAND warned that such conduct could indicate serious weaknesses in operational readiness and coordination among Liberia’s security institutions.
The organization further pointed to what it described as a troubling contrast between the state’s response to internal security matters and its reaction to external threats.
It said that while law enforcement agencies are often quickly mobilized to enforce domestic order—sometimes using force against Liberian citizens—the same urgency appears lacking when the country’s sovereignty is challenged by foreign military personnel.
STAND cautioned that a weak response to border incursions could erode public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its people and defend the nation’s territorial boundaries.
Another issue highlighted in the statement was the reported mobilization of ordinary citizens in some affected communities who attempted to act as informal defenders of Liberian territory in the absence of a strong and visible state response.
While acknowledging the patriotism of citizens willing to defend their country, STAND warned that the normalization of civilians stepping into national security roles poses significant risks. The organization emphasized that the defense of the republic is a constitutional duty of the state and should not fall on unarmed or untrained civilians.
According to STAND, allowing such situations to persist could encourage vigilantism, escalate tensions in already fragile border areas, and weaken the authority of legitimate national security institutions.
The group also referenced Liberia’s past experiences with mob violence and vigilantism, noting that such incidents occurred in several communities during the 2023 Liberian General Election. It said failures in maintaining effective security during that period contributed to violence, fear, and the loss of lives in some areas, including communities near the border.
STAND warned that unresolved security gaps—particularly in sensitive border regions—could pose serious risks as Liberia approaches future electoral cycles.
“When citizens begin to believe that the state cannot or will not protect them, the temptation for communities to take security matters into their own hands grows stronger,” the organization stated. “That path is dangerous and destabilizing.”
To address the escalating tensions, STAND called for constructive diplomatic engagement between Liberia and its neighbor, Guinea. The group urged international partners to support mediation efforts aimed at resolving border concerns peacefully.
Among those it called upon to assist were the United States Embassy in Liberia, the regional bloc Economic Community of West African States, and the European Union.
STAND said diplomatic intervention and dialogue could help prevent further escalation while reinforcing stability in the Mano River region.
The organization concluded by reaffirming its commitment to defending democracy, the rule of law, and Liberia’s territorial integrity, while urging the government and national security institutions to act decisively to protect the country’s borders and citizens.
The post Liberia: STAND Raises Alarm Over Guinean Military Incursion and Government’s ‘Weak’ Response appeared first on FrontPageAfrica.
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