MONROVIA – Liberia’s escalating border tensions with Guinea are rapidly spilling into the country’s domestic political arena, as leading political figures begin assigning blame for the unfolding crisis. Former Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee has issued a sharply worded public statement accusing Internal Affairs Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr. of triggering the current confrontation through alleged illegal mining activities along the disputed frontier. The accusations introduce a new and controversial dimension to the situation, linking diplomatic tensions with internal political disputes and allegations of misconduct. While the government has moved to pursue diplomatic engagement with Guinea, Koijee’s intervention signals that the crisis is now also becoming a test of political accountability and governance. THE ANALYST reports.
Former Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee has publicly accused Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr., of being responsible for the current tensions between Liberia and Guinea along the Sorlumba Port of Entry in Lofa County.
In a strongly worded statement released Thursday, Koijee alleged that the confrontation between the two neighboring countries is not merely the result of a diplomatic misunderstanding but instead stems from what he described as the “reckless actions and arrogance” of the Internal Affairs Minister.
According to Koijee, the situation unfolding at the border represents a serious threat to Liberia’s sovereignty and the stability of the country’s hard-won peace.
“The ongoing tension and confrontation between Liberia and Guinea at the Sorlumba Port of Entry have their roots deeply embedded in the reckless actions and arrogance of none other than Liberia’s current Minister of Internal Affairs, Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr.,” Koijee stated.
He argued that the developments at the border are the result of what he described as an abuse of power and disregard for national stability.
“What has unfolded at the border is not simply a diplomatic misunderstanding; it is a direct consequence of one man’s abuse of power, unchecked greed, and utter disregard for the peace and stability of this nation,” he added.
Allegations of Illegal Mining Activities
Koijee further alleged that Minister Nyumalin is linked to dredging equipment engaged in illegal mining operations along the Mankona River, a location that has reportedly been the subject of complaints by Guinean authorities.
According to him, Guinean officials had repeatedly raised concerns about alleged illicit mining activities occurring in the area.
“Reliable and unassailable information under our domain suggests that Minister Nyumalin is the owner of dredging equipment currently engaged in illicit mining activities along the Mankona River,” Koijee claimed.
He further alleged that Guinean authorities had previously seized equipment connected to the mining activities, which he suggested may have contributed to the recent tensions.
“Rather than addressing these grievances through lawful and diplomatic means, Nyumalin chose the path of arrogance and impunity, ignoring all diplomatic warnings,” Koijee said.
Claims of Militia Mobilization
The former mayor also made additional allegations linking the Internal Affairs Minister to an armed militia group reportedly formed during the 2023 general and presidential elections.
According to Koijee, members of the alleged militia were implicated in violent incidents in Foya District, including the deaths of local residents.
“When Guinean officials rightfully seized the illegal equipment, the Minister, enraged and defiant, mobilized an armed militia group he had established during the 2023 general and presidential elections,” the statement claimed.
Koijee further alleged that the group had been involved in violent acts against civilians.
“These state-sanctioned criminals, operating under the direct orders of Minister Nyumalin, continue to unleash terror, death, and destruction on defenseless Liberian civilians,” he asserted.
Reference to Past Controversies
In his statement, Koijee also referenced a video recording from the 2023 elections in which he alleged that Nyumalin, then serving as a lawmaker, threatened a senior immigration officer.
He also cited a November 26, 2024 scandal, alleging that the minister had been accused of rape by a woman seeking employment assistance.
Koijee argued that the continued presence of Nyumalin in government reflects what he described as a failure by the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. to hold officials accountable.
“President Boakai’s continued refusal to act against this national embarrassment exposes his government’s moral decay and cold indifference toward the cries of the Liberian people,” he stated.
Call for Dismissal and Investigation
The former mayor called for the immediate dismissal, arrest, and prosecution of the Internal Affairs Minister.
“Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr. has become the living symbol of state failure, a man whose actions endanger our borders, our people, and our peace,” Koijee said.
“We therefore call for his immediate dismissal, arrest, and prosecution.”
He warned that failure by the government to take action could worsen the situation between Liberia and Guinea.
“Should the Boakai government continue to shield this dangerous figure, the fluid and volatile situation between Liberia and Guinea may escalate into unrestrained chaos, dragging both nations toward misery and bloodshed,” he said.
Closing Message
Koijee concluded his statement with a broader reflection on power and accountability in public leadership, warning that unchecked authority often leads to abuse.
“Power is a mirror that reflects the deepest fears of men who were never taught restraint,” he wrote.
“When it blinds the holder, it devours him slowly, feeding on his arrogance until only shame remains.”
The former mayor also invoked his personal background in a metaphorical closing remark.
“As the son of a traditional hunter, I have learned that when a rogue beast refuses to be tamed, the duty of the brave is clear: hunt to restore balance,” Koijee said.
“And in this hunt, justice shall be the spear, and the truth shall be the flame that exposes every shadow.”
Koijee signed the statement as “Son of Lofa County, Foya District, and Son of a Traditional Hunter.”
Government Yet to Respond
As of press time, officials of the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Internal Affairs had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in Koijee’s statement.
The accusations come at a time when the Liberian government has already dispatched a high-level diplomatic delegation to Guinea to address rising tensions along the border.
Authorities say the situation is being handled through diplomatic engagement with Guinean officials as part of broader efforts to prevent escalation and maintain stability along the frontier.
Observers note that the emergence of political accusations surrounding the border situation may intensify national debate as Liberia continues to manage both the diplomatic and domestic dimensions of the unfolding crisis.