Tensions along the Liberia–Guinea border in Lofa County have taken a dramatic turn as civilians appear to be asserting their patriotism amid reports that Guinean soldiers have entered what residents insist is Liberian territory.
A widely shared video from the border area shows a group of young Liberians boldly raising the Liberian flag while singing the national anthem, even as armed Guinean soldiers stand nearby observing the scene. According to accounts from residents, the moment unfolded after the soldiers allegedly ordered the removal of the Liberian flag and replaced it with the Guinean flag on land locals maintain belongs to Liberia.
The incident comes as the latest development in a growing dispute that has unsettled communities along the border in recent weeks.
The tensions reportedly began on March 2, 2026, when workers from BK Enterprise, a company contracted to carry out the Foya–Vahun road and street pavement project, were confronted by armed soldiers near the Sorlumba border crossing. Employees involved in the project say the soldiers forced them at gunpoint to suspend their activities.
Workers also claim that several pieces of heavy construction equipment were seized during the encounter, including machinery used to extract sand from the Makona River, a critical material for the ongoing road construction work.
In an attempt to defuse the situation, a Liberian government delegation headed by Minister of Local Government Francis Nyumalin traveled to Lofa County to engage the Guinean soldiers and their authorities. Discussions were held between the two sides, but the Guinean soldiers reportedly refused to return the confiscated equipment. Both parties, however, agreed to continue dialogue over the matter.
Despite those talks, residents say the situation worsened shortly after the Liberian delegation returned to Monrovia. According to community members, Guinean soldiers reappeared in the disputed area and proceeded to hoist the Guinean flag on land that locals insist is within Liberia’s borders.
Schools Shut Down as Fear Spreads
The escalating tensions have triggered fear across several communities in Lofa County, particularly in Foya District.
Videos circulating online show children being hurriedly dismissed from classrooms after reports surfaced that Guinean soldiers had crossed into Liberian territory. Residents say the presence of armed foreign troops has created widespread anxiety, forcing schools to close and leaving many families concerned about their safety.
Despite the growing alarm among citizens, the Government of Liberia had not issued an official public statement on the matter as of the time of publication.
When contacted Monday night, Minister Nyumalin confirmed that he had just returned from Lofa County and was preparing to brief the President on the situation. He indicated that he would likely respond to further inquiries on Tuesday morning.
However, by the time this report was finalized, no additional response had been received and the government had yet to release a formal statement addressing the unfolding border tensions.
Residents along the Liberia–Guinea frontier say the situation remains fragile and are urging the Liberian government to respond quickly to ease the tension and protect the country’s territorial integrity.
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