Authorities from Liberia and Guinea have had diplomatic engagements aimed at resolving a tense border incident that disrupted construction activities in Foya District, Lofa County.
The meeting followed reports that armed Guinean soldiers confronted workers of BK Enterprise, a company currently excavating sand from the Makona River for road development projects in the area.
Leading the Liberian delegation was the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Francis S. Nyumalin, who was accompanied by Lofa County Superintendent Hon. J. Lavelah Massaquoi, Lofa County Attorney Cllr. J. Luther Sumo, members of the joint security, traditional leaders, and a group of citizens from Foya District. The delegation visited the Sorlumba Port of Entry and the Makona River to assess the situation and engage their Guinean counterparts.
The dispute stems from sand excavation activities being carried out by BK Enterprise to support the paving of streets in Foya and nearby communities, as well as construction work on the Vahun Road.
According to reports from local authorities, about two weeks prior to the meeting, roughly ten armed Guinean soldiers approached six workers of the company at the excavation site. The soldiers allegedly ordered the workers at gunpoint to cross the Makona River into Guinea along with their working tools. The workers reportedly refused to comply with the demand.
During the encounter, some of the company’s equipment was confiscated by the soldiers and has yet to be returned, forcing construction work tied to the project to come to a halt.
Representing the Guinean side during the dialogue were the Kissi Governor of the Republic of Guinea and several local chiefs from communities along the border.
During the engagement, members of the Guinean delegation apologized for the actions of the soldiers and assured Liberian authorities that the matter would be communicated to higher levels of government. They also pledged to provide a formal response once the situation is reviewed by their national authorities.
Minister Nyumalin acknowledged the apology and indicated that the Government of Liberia is awaiting a prompt response from Guinea regarding the confiscated equipment and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The standoff has raised concern among residents of Foya and surrounding communities, particularly because the seized materials have stalled construction activities intended to improve roads in the district and along the strategic Vahun corridor.
Several citizens have called on the Liberian government to urgently resolve the matter, warning that incidents of this nature could threaten national security and undermine stability along the border.
Local authorities in Foya say they are continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as discussions between the two countries progress.
The incident at the Makona River remains under review as both Liberia and Guinea pursue diplomatic channels to prevent further tensions and maintain peaceful relations along the shared border.
