A volatile situation unfolded Wednesday along the Liberia–Guinea border in Foya District, Lofa County, after Guinean soldiers allegedly opened fire into Liberian territory, leaving a local resident injured and further intensifying tensions in the disputed area.
According to reports from Voice of Lofa, a community radio station in the county, the incident occurred in Sorlumba Clan during a confrontation near a contested section of the border. Witnesses said Guinean troops fired multiple gunshots during the encounter.
One Liberian man was reportedly struck in the thigh during the shooting. He was immediately rushed to Foya Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
Following the gunfire, the Guinean soldiers reportedly advanced into the disputed location and hoisted their national flag, a move that has heightened anxiety among residents living in nearby communities.
Community sources told Voice of Lofa that the confrontation began when Guinean soldiers escorted a group of civilians from Guinea toward the contested land. The civilians were said to be heading to the area amid claims that Guinean soldiers had previously been mistreated by individuals on the Liberian side of the border.
Tensions escalated when a group of Liberian youths reportedly attempted to prevent the civilians and the accompanying soldiers from entering the territory claimed by Liberia. The standoff quickly deteriorated, leading Guinean troops to discharge their weapons, with one of the bullets striking the Liberian resident.
Local reports suggest the latest confrontation may also be linked to an earlier dispute involving the removal of a Guinean flag that had previously been erected in the same contested area.
Residents of Sorlumba Clan say the situation has created fear and uncertainty in the community as tensions along the border continue to rise. Local authorities are said to be closely monitoring developments while calls grow for swift diplomatic engagement to prevent the situation from escalating further between the two neighboring countries.
