Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reportedly sought the intervention of French President Emmanuel Macron amid escalating tensions along the Liberia–Guinea border, where Guinean troops and customs officers are said to have deployed on Liberian soil.
Diplomatic sources within the Executive Mansion confirmed that Boakai initiated direct contact with Macron, citing France’s historical ties and influence in Francophone West Africa as a potential avenue for mediation. Officials described the move as a calculated effort to prevent further escalation of the dispute.
“The President is deeply concerned about reports of Guinean security presence on Liberian territory,” one senior official said. “By reaching out to President Macron, he is seeking a trusted diplomatic channel to deescalate tensions and ensure dialogue prevails over confrontation.”
The Liberia–Guinea boundary dispute dates back to colonial-era agreements between Liberia and France, which governed Guinea at the time. Poorly demarcated borders and ambiguous markers have fueled recurring disagreements, particularly in remote forested regions. Local farming and population movements have further complicated the situation, with communities on both sides relying on contested land for survival.
Regional bodies have urged restraint. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called on both governments to recommit to dialogue, while the African Union (AU) emphasized diplomacy and adherence to international law. Both organizations warned against actions that could inflame tensions.
Previous mediation efforts led to a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Boakai, Guinea’s Mamady Doumbouya, and Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio. The agreement sought to ease tensions through joint technical committees and regular consultations. Despite this, reports indicate Guinean troops remain in disputed areas, heightening uncertainty among Liberian communities.
In Konadu Town, Lofa County, residents accuse Guinean authorities of encroachment, particularly in farming zones critical to livelihoods. Local officials, including Lofa County Superintendent J. Lavelah Massaquoi, have engaged Guinean border commanders in dialogue, with both sides pledging further discussions.
Liberia’s legislature has also intervened. House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon visited affected communities, assuring residents of government action and calling for relief distribution to those displaced by fear of armed presence.
Meanwhile, former combatants from Liberia’s civil war era have issued statements vowing to defend the country against perceived threats, raising concerns that inflammatory rhetoric could destabilize the fragile situation.
As diplomatic efforts continue, including Boakai’s reported outreach to France, the dispute remains a critical test of regional diplomacy and Liberia’s resolve to safeguard its territorial integrity without sliding into confrontation.
