By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Plenary of the House of Representatives has summoned several key government institutions to appear on Tuesday, May 20, to address growing concerns over the increasing influx of illegal immigrants, particularly Burkinabe nationals into southeastern Liberia and other regions of the country.
The decision comes in response to a formal communication submitted by Rep. Anthony F. Williams, Representative of Maryland County Electoral District 2.
In his communication, Rep. Williams raised serious security and sovereignty concerns regarding the unauthorized presence and activities of foreign nationals in Liberia.
The following institutions have been cited to appear before the Plenary including Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Liberia National Police (LNP), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and Forestry Development Authority (FDA).
According to Rep. Williams, this is the second time he has raised this issue before the Plenary.
He emphasized that the increasing number of illegal Burkinabe immigrants in the southeast poses a significant national security threat.
He cited disturbing reports that some of these individuals are allegedly involved in, manufacturing single-barrel firearms, engaging in illegal farming and mining;Encroaching on protected forest areas and threatening local residents.
“Citizens in the affected areas have repeatedly raised alarms, expressing fear for their safety. This situation could disrupt our national peace, especially considering the historical role of Burkinabes during Liberia’s civil crisis and the vulnerability of our porous borders,” Rep. Williams stated.
He warned that if left unaddressed, the situation could mirror early warning signs of instability seen in other West African countries like Mali.
He called for immediate inter-agency coordination and a comprehensive national response strategy.
“Our limited resources and capacity to effectively monitor and secure our borders make a unified response essential.
We must act urgently to prevent social unrest and potential xenophobic reactions,” he added.
In further elaboration before Plenary, Rep. Williams recounted previous field visits during which citizens consistently complained about undocumented Burkinabes residing in forested areas and engaging in farming, mining, and hunting without legal documentation.
He also referenced a recent incident in River Gee County where a land dispute allegedly involving Burkinabe immigrants led to violence and loss of life.
Rep. Williams warned that such incidents are increasing and, if unaddressed, could escalate further.
He noted that the European Union, in a recent engagement, flagged the long-term risks of allowing undocumented foreign nationals to reside in forested regions without oversight.
Among the concerns raised was the practice of landowners informally allocating land to Burkinabe farmers, leading to potential future disputes over ownership.
“Speaker and colleagues, this issue now goes beyond internal concerns.
A recent Facebook Live video, followed by over 12,000 people alleged that former Burkinabe President Blaise Compaoré is harboring and supporting Burkinabe nationals in Liberia to stage an uprising in Burkina Faso,” Rep. Williams said.
He stressed the international ramifications of such allegations and emphasized the need for swift legislative and executive action.
“Liberia cannot afford to be seen as a staging ground for unrest in another sovereign nation,” he warned.
In support, Rep. Dixon Seboe described the matter as grave and urgent.
“These are critical issues that could draw our country into an international crisis,” he said.
He moved that the relevant agencies be invited to appear in an executive session for a thorough and confidential discussion.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the peace, security, and territorial integrity of Liberia and expects full cooperation from the cited agencies in developing and presenting a clear roadmap to address this pressing issue.
