Franklin Doloquee,
Africa-Press – Liberia. A Burkinabe national, part of a group of foreign farmers engaged in agricultural activities across District Number 6, was tragically killed by an unidentified assailant. The motive behind the firearm discharge that led to the fatal incident remains unknown, and the individual responsible for the shooting is yet to be apprehended.
Since 2015, a significant influx of Burkinabes has migrated from neighboring Ivory Coast to various towns and villages within District Number 6 in Nimba, seeking opportunities in farming. This situation has stirred tensions among local residents and the Burkinabe population.
The Burkinabe Migration Route into Nimba County
According to reports, the Burkinabes entered Liberia through Nimba County, responding to an invitation from farmers in Kparblee, District Number 6. These farmers, who routinely cross into Ivory Coast for trade purposes, enlisted the Burkinabes to assist in agricultural endeavors within Liberia.
Our correspondent, who recently returned from District Number 6, confirmed that a 25-year-old Burkinabe, Glekwa Kabore, was allegedly shot by an unknown individual in the Zoedru Forest, where a substantial number of Burkinabe laborers are presently engaged in farming activities.
Hosts for some of the Burkinabe workers, namely Darlington Tiah and Daniel Chayee, have provided them with land for farming. However, this has generated mixed reactions among the local population, with some citizens opposing the presence of the Burkinabes while others support their endeavors.
Roots of Tension
Tensions have been escalating in Kparblee due to the divergence of opinions regarding the Burkinabes’ presence. While some citizens oppose their involvement, others are extending land for cultivation of crops. Notably, the Burkinabe immigrants are reportedly residing in Liberia without the knowledge or oversight of the Liberia Immigration Services (LIS) officers assigned to the county.
Many of these foreign workers are actively engaged in cultivating cash crops, predominantly cocoa, within various forests. Their produce is now ready for market, yet a faction of Kparblee’s residents is resistant to allowing the Burkinabe laborers to continue processing the cocoa on their farms.
Adding to the challenges, several weeks ago, a tragic incident occurred where some of the Burkinabes lost their lives in a river incident along the Liberia-Ivory Coast border.
Madam Yei Dolopaye, the Nimba County commander of the Liberia Immigration Services, spoke to reporters about the ongoing situation. She attributed the tension to citizens who both support and seek laborers, urging such conflicts to be resolved. Regrettably, cooperation with the Liberia Immigration Services in this matter has been limited, despite their efforts to engage with local residents.
Years prior, a dispute over land in Kparblee resulted in the death of a youth leader, highlighting the potential gravity of conflicts surrounding land and labor issues.
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