Africa-Press – Liberia. According to Rep. Williams, there are disturbing reports that some of the illegal immigrants are involved in manufacturing single-barrel guns for illicit operations and allegedly terrorizing peaceful citizens, thereby instilling fear in local communities.
The growing presence of Burkinabe nationals in several parts of southeastern Liberia has alarmed Maryland County District #2 Representative Anthony Williams, prompting him to formally petition the House of Representatives to summon key government agencies for clarification and action.
In his communication to the Plenary, Rep. Williams urged the body to invite the heads of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Ministry of Justice, Liberia National Police (LNP), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Forestry Development Authority (FDA). He requested that these institutions present a comprehensive plan or strategy to curb the influx of illegal immigrants—primarily Burkinabe—into the southeastern region and other parts of the country.
According to Rep. Williams, there are disturbing reports that some of the illegal immigrants are involved in manufacturing single-barrel guns for illicit operations and allegedly terrorizing peaceful citizens, thereby instilling fear in local communities.
Addressing the Plenary—the House’s highest decision-making body—he stated that citizens in affected areas have repeatedly raised concerns over the growing number of undocumented Burkinabe nationals.
“This situation has the potential to undermine the peace and stability of our country, especially given the historical role some Burkinabe Nationals played during Liberia’s civil unrest and the current porous state of our borders,” his communication noted.
Rep. Williams also warned that the issue mirrors the early signs of the crisis in Mali, stressing that the presence of Burkinabe immigrants poses a serious security threat. He said citizens have accused them of illegally encroaching on farmland and settling in forested areas along the Liberia-Ivory Coast border.
Despite lacking proper documentation, the immigrants are reportedly engaged in farming, mining, hunting, and pit-sawing—activities that contribute to environmental degradation and community tensions. Williams called on the House to take swift action to prevent social unrest and possible xenophobic reactions.
“Our limited resources hinder effective border control,” he said, emphasizing the urgency for a coordinated response. He reiterated his request for the immediate appearance of the named institutions before the House to address the issue.
Following a brief debate, the Plenary unanimously voted to invite the heads of the relevant agencies to provide updates and outline measures to address the influx of illegal immigrants in Maryland and across the Southeast.
NGOs, Communities Also Raising Alarms
Concern over the presence of Burkinabe nationals is not limited to lawmakers. In April, the NGO Coalition of Liberia issued a public alert over the increasing influx of both Burkinabe and Ivorian nationals. The group alleged that their involvement in cocoa farming and illegal mining is accelerating deforestation, triggering land conflicts, and exacerbating illegal immigration concerns.
The coalition called on the Liberian government to take immediate and transparent action, citing reports of violent confrontations in some communities—including the alleged killing of at least one person.
According to the coalition, Liberia’s primary forests—critical for biodiversity, climate resilience, and local livelihoods—are being rapidly cleared for cocoa cultivation and illegal mining. These activities, it said, are undermining the country’s environmental integrity and escalating disputes over land ownership.
The Grebo-Krahn National Park has emerged as one of the most affected areas. Tensions have flared between park authorities and traditional leaders, with reports indicating that some community members are aiding Burkinabe migrants in establishing cocoa farms. This has further strained relations in the region.
Safety concerns have also been raised for FDA Rangers. The coalition highlighted a recent case where a ranger was reportedly targeted for defying a traditional edict that sought to restrict FDA operations in parts of the park. In another alarming incident, a subordinate ranger went missing for two weeks and was only located following media coverage.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for urgent and coordinated action to safeguard Liberia’s security, environment, and social stability.
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