CDC Blames Govt For Border Escalation-CDC Warns of Regional Instability; Raises Alarm over Foya Crisis

Liberia’s emerging border tensions with neighboring Guinea are now drawing sharp political reactions at home, as opposition leaders question the government’s handling of the situation. The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has issued a strongly worded statement accusing the Boakai administration of mismanaging developments in Foya, Lofa County, where recent reports of cross-border incidents have heightened national concern. In its statement, the opposition party raises allegations regarding the role of certain government officials and warns that the situation could carry broader implications for peace and stability within the Mano River Union. The CDC’s intervention adds a new political dimension to the unfolding border dispute, underscoring the growing debate over leadership, sovereignty, and regional security. THE ANALYST reports.

The opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has sharply criticized the Boakai administration over the unfolding border tensions between Liberia and Guinea, warning that the government’s handling of developments in Foya, Lofa County risks undermining national security and regional stability.

In a statement issued Friday, March 13, 2026, the party expressed concern over reports emerging from communities near the Makona River and the Sorlumba border area, where residents have alleged the presence of Guinean forces and cross-border incidents involving mining equipment and local residents.

The CDC stated that the developments raise serious concerns about the protection of Liberia’s sovereignty and the government’s response to incidents occurring along the country’s northern frontier.

According to the party, reports from communities in Sorlumba suggest that Guinean military personnel allegedly crossed into Liberian territory and seized mining equipment operating along the Makona River.

The statement further noted that videos circulating on social media appear to show the Guinean flag being raised inside Liberian territory, while residents have reported hearing gunshots during the incident and claim that at least one person was injured.

“These developments are deeply troubling,” the CDC statement said, adding that the government must respond with clarity and resolve to ensure that Liberia’s territorial integrity is protected.

The party contrasted what it described as the government’s slow response to the border incident with other actions taken by the administration in recent months.

According to the CDC, the government has demonstrated the capacity to deploy state power swiftly in domestic matters, including the demolition of residential properties, yet appears less decisive in addressing alleged incursions along the country’s borders.

The statement also referenced the government’s recent decision to disband a Muslim private security arrangement that had reportedly operated peacefully for several years, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

The opposition party questioned why the government was able to act quickly in that situation but had not demonstrated similar urgency regarding the developments in Foya.

The CDC statement also raised concerns about reports of armed groups allegedly operating in the area.

Residents in Foya have reportedly claimed that groups of armed youths were seen marching openly in the city and surrounding border areas.

According to the opposition party, community members believe that these groups may be connected to local political authorities.

The CDC specifically referenced Josiah Saahkei, Mayor of Foya City, and Njamilah Saah Bornguoi, Commissioner of Foya District, suggesting that reports circulating within the community indicate that local officials may have knowledge of or influence over some of the individuals involved.

The party said such allegations raise important questions about whether local government authority is being used to shield irregular armed groups operating in a highly sensitive border region.

In its statement, the CDC also mentioned reports that mining equipment allegedly linked to interests associated with Internal Affairs Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr. had been operating in the disputed area.

The party suggested that these reports have fueled speculation among residents that private economic activities may have contributed to tensions between Liberia and Guinea.

The CDC said such allegations require careful investigation by relevant authorities to determine whether any private interests may have played a role in the situation.

The opposition further referenced discussions circulating in local communities suggesting that sand mining activities along the Makona River could be connected to construction activities reportedly taking place in Foya.

According to the party, these claims have intensified public interest in understanding the factors that may have contributed to the current border tensions.

The CDC also expressed concern over reports that armed youths may have been mobilized to guard mining activities in the area.

Videos circulating online reportedly show groups of men carrying machetes and firearms in parts of Foya and surrounding border areas.

The party argued that such developments raise broader national questions about the presence of irregular armed actors in sensitive border zones.

The statement also referenced the political history of Foya during the 2023 elections, noting that incidents of violence occurred in the district during that period.

The CDC recalled the death of Tamba Momo and injuries sustained by several individuals during clashes that took place during the election season.

The party questioned whether networks involved in past political tensions might still be active in the region.

According to the CDC, the developments unfolding along the Makona River are not simply a local dispute but could have wider implications for regional peace and cooperation.

The party warned that instability along Liberia’s northern border could affect relations within the Mano River Union, which includes Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The statement recalled that the Mano River Union was built upon the shared lessons of conflict in the region and represents a commitment among member states to maintain peace and cooperation.

The CDC cautioned that developments involving armed groups or unresolved territorial tensions could potentially trigger broader security concerns within the sub-region.

The party also referenced the role of regional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in maintaining peace and stability across West Africa.

The CDC called on the international community—including ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union—to pay close attention to the situation unfolding along the Liberia–Guinea border.

According to the statement, Liberia’s sovereignty and the stability of the Mano River Union must remain protected through responsible leadership and adherence to international norms.

The opposition party also reflected on Liberia’s history of conflict during the 1990s, noting that instability in one country within the Mano River region has historically had ripple effects across neighboring states.

The CDC warned that Liberia must ensure that current developments do not escalate into broader regional tensions.

The party concluded by urging the government to provide clear explanations regarding the events unfolding in Foya and to ensure that Liberia’s borders are protected with seriousness and national dignity.