“Childish Propaganda” -Gov’t Rubbishes Strained Relationship Allegation With Burkina Faso

By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Liberian government has strongly denied allegations suggesting strained relations between President Boakai’s administration and the leadership of Burkina Faso under Captain Ibrahim raoré.
At a recent press conference, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah dismissed the claims as “childish propaganda” driven by what he described as a “desperate and frustrated” opposition intent on sowing discord and igniting unnecessary regional tensions.
Piah cautioned against what he termed a “dangerous trend” involving individuals who, he alleged, are hoping for the government and by extension the nation to fail.
He asserted that these elements are falsely portraying the Boakai administration as hostile toward Burkina Faso, calling such claims “mischievous, illogical, and conspiratorial.”
“There are still individuals among us who would prefer to see the nation descend into chaos rather than witness stability.
Their goal appears to be provoking cross-border conflict and dragging Liberia into unnecessary disputes with neighboring countries,” Piah stated. “
He reaffirmed Liberia’s historical commitment to Pan-Africanism and its role as a proponent of African unity, referencing recent diplomatic engagements between Monrovia and Ouagadougou.
Minister Piah highlighted Foreign Minister Nyanti’s recent visits to Burkina Faso, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on security cooperation.
He framed the accusations of hostility toward Captain Traoré’s regime as an orchestrated attempt to derail Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Minister Piah’s response came in the aftermath of a controversial May 1 march held in Monrovia.
Organized under the banner of “Africa March for Freedom,” the demonstration saw Liberians marching in solidarity with Burkina Faso’s Captain Traoré.
Participants displayed his image on banners and chanted slogans advocating African sovereignty and resistance to foreign influence.
The march was reportedly sparked by allegations of threats against Traoré’s life, drawing expressions of concern from Pan-African activists in Liberia.
Following the march, the Ministry of Justice issued a firm statement declaring the event unauthorized.
It warned that future unsanctioned gatherings would be met with legal consequences.
“On May 1, 2025, individuals bearing the Liberian flag and banners featuring Captain Ibrahim Traoré disrupted normal activities in the capital. The Ministry of Justice did not approve or authorize this march.”
The ministry reminded the public that while peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, organizers must secure prior approval to ensure public safety, traffic management, and lawful conduct.
“Any protest or public gathering that proceeds without official clearance will be deemed hostile and a direct affront to the rule of law. This serves as a warning to all future protest organizers,” the ministry cautioned.
Minister Piah implied that the protest may have been politically motivated, designed to tarnish the government’s image.
He accused members of the opposition of attempting to blacken the image of our Republic and provoke unnecessary conflict with a fellow African nation.
“This isn’t just misinformation it’s a deliberate conspiracy.”