By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Monrovia, Liberia – The Yengar border dispute between Guinea and Sierra Leone has escalated, prompting Liberian Internal Affairs Minister Franklin Sakila Nyumalin to issue a stark warning about the threat to regional peace.
Speaking at the AU-ECOWAS Border Program Conference in Monrovia on June 16, 2025, Minister Nyumalin disclosed that hundreds of troops have been deployed to the disputed area, fueling concerns of a potential conflict. He urged Mano River Union (MRU) nations, including Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, to intervene swiftly.
“This situation is unwarranted and threatens the peace and stability of the entire sub-region,” Nyumalin stated at the opening session at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex.
The four-day conference, running until June 19, brings together MRU representatives, diplomats, and international partners to address persistent border tensions rooted in colonial-era divisions. Nyumalin emphasized the historical complexities of Africa’s modern border disputes, attributing lingering territorial conflicts to arbitrary colonial boundary lines.
Call for International Support
Nyumalin called for stronger support from Germany and its development agency GIZ, urging continued funding and technical assistance for border governance programs. He stressed the need for long-term solutions to safeguard regional stability and economic cooperation.
Proposed Initiatives for Regional Peace
To foster lasting peace, Nyumalin proposed the establishment of an annual MRU Local Government Forum, co-hosted by member states, to enhance cross-border trade, communication, and cooperation.
Additionally, he advocated for regular regional dialogues to ensure proper implementation of agreements made during border conferences, stating, “These boundary issues are central to sustainable peace and prosperity for our people.”
Liberia’s Approach to Border Disputes
Nyumalin highlighted Liberia’s peaceful approach to territorial matters with Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire, reaffirming the country’s commitment to dialogue and legal frameworks.
On maritime boundaries, he disclosed that Liberia has submitted claims to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf and has drafted a new maritime law, currently under legislative review.
Conference Resolutions Expected
The AU-ECOWAS Border Program Conference is expected to conclude with key resolutions aimed at clarifying borders, improving security, and strengthening regional integration.
Source: frontpageafricaonline.com