Monrovia, Liberia – Bob Yeenuah Karto, Deputy Director for Administration at the National Food Assistance Agency of Liberia, has weighed in on the recent deployment of Guinean troops along the Liberia–Guinea border, attributing the move to security concerns reportedly tied to a group identified as the “Foula National Security of Liberia” (FNSL).
In a detailed statement, Karto said he had been “reliably informed” that Guinean President Mamady Doumbouya’s decision to reinforce military presence near the border stems from intelligence within Guinea’s security network. According to him, the intelligence suggests that Liberia may be perceived, either directly or indirectly, as a base for activities aimed at destabilizing the Guinean government.
Karto indicated that the establishment of what appears to be a military buffer zone by Guinean forces may have been influenced by widespread reports surrounding the self-proclaimed FNSL, a group whose emergence has drawn attention both locally and across the region.
He further pointed to underlying ethnic and political tensions within Guinea, particularly involving the Foula and Mandingo communities, as possible contributing factors shaping the Guinean government’s response. Referencing the region’s complex history, Karto noted that past incidents, including Liberia’s involvement in regional conflicts during the civil war era, continue to inform how neighboring countries interpret potential security threats.
“Any indication of regrouping by Foula elements in neighboring states may reasonably heighten security concerns,” Karto stated, especially for a government led by a military administration.
The NFRA official also raised concerns about what he described as internal political maneuvering within Liberia. He alleged that some influential actors, particularly from within the Mandingo community, could be attempting to politicize the situation by pushing for a more aggressive stance from the Liberian government rather than prioritizing diplomatic engagement.
Despite the tensions, Karto expressed optimism that the situation would not escalate into conflict. He praised what he described as the Liberian government’s swift response in addressing concerns linked to the FNSL and emphasized the importance of diplomacy in maintaining regional stability.
“There is strong confidence that the matter will be resolved amicably,” he said, adding that individuals or groups seeking to exploit the situation to incite instability would ultimately be unsuccessful.
The Government of Liberia has yet to issue a detailed public response to Karto’s claims, but authorities have previously reaffirmed their commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and non-interference in the internal affairs of neighboring states.
The situation along the Liberia–Guinea border remains under close watch amid growing regional attention.
