Conakry, July 24, 2025 — In a firm diplomatic move, the Guinean government has officially summoned Liberia’s chargé d’affaires in Conakry following the circulation of a disturbing video showing a Guinean woman being violently assaulted by Liberian police officers.
The summons was issued by Guinea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Guineans Abroad, H.E. Dr. Morissanda Kouyaté, who called in Mr. Samuel Semah, Liberia’s acting chargé d’affaires, to express grave concern over what he described as “unacceptable abuse” by Liberian security forces.
According to a statement from Guinea’s foreign ministry, the video, which has sparked outrage across social media in both countries, shows a Guinean national being subjected to physical violence by members of the Liberian police. Minister Kouyaté, in strong terms, condemned the act and demanded a full investigation from the Liberian authorities. He insisted that those responsible for the “heinous conduct” be identified and sanctioned accordingly.
“This level of abuse cannot be ignored,” Dr. Kouyaté reportedly told the Liberian diplomat. “We expect nothing less than full transparency and justice for our citizen.”
In response, Mr. Semah expressed regret over the incident and reiterated the Liberian government’s commitment to investigating the matter. He characterized the act as “isolated” and not reflective of official policy, adding that Liberia’s leadership also condemns such behavior. He further assured that proper measures are already being taken in Monrovia to address what he called an “unfortunate incident.”
The exchange marks a significant moment in Guinea-Liberia relations, a reminder of the fragile balance between cross-border cooperation and national accountability. With both countries sharing not only borders but deep socio-economic ties, any mishandling of this diplomatic episode could strain ongoing collaborative efforts, particularly in the areas of regional security and citizen mobility.
Observers suggest that Guinea’s public diplomatic stance sends a clear message: abuse against its nationals abroad will not be tolerated, no matter the relationship. At the same time, Liberia’s measured response highlights an understanding of the seriousness of the situation, potentially avoiding a full-blown diplomatic fallout.
As both governments work through this tense episode, the broader implication is clear, West African countries, now more than ever, must strengthen systems of accountability, especially in law enforcement, to protect the rights of foreign nationals and uphold the principles of regional solidarity.
The President of Guinea, H.E. Mamadi Doumbouya, has not issued a direct statement yet, but his foreign minister’s decisive intervention reflects a growing policy of assertive diplomacy under his administration.
