By Lincoln H. Dalieh (Contributor)
In a nationally televised address from the Executive Mansion on March 18, 2026, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai spoke directly to the Liberian people regarding rising border disputes with the Republic of Guinea. As Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the President sought to reassure a nation anxious over reported troop movements in the Salarma area of Faya District, Lofa County.
“It is my duty to keep the Liberian people informed and to assure you that the peace and national security of our nation remains our top priority,” the President began. The 35-minute address followed reports of Guinean military positioning near disputed farmlands and crossing points.
A Strategy of De-escalation
President Boakai detailed a swift, three-pronged response to the friction:
- Direct engagement with the Government of Guinea.
- Close coordination with Sierra Leone via the Mano River Union (MRU).
- Sustained dialogue aimed at restoring the status quo ante.
In a significant breakthrough, the President announced that the Guinean government has instructed its troops to fall back to their previous positions. He described this as a vital step toward de-escalation, proving that “peace and stability must always guide our actions.”
Vigilance and Strength
Despite the diplomatic progress, the President confirmed that Liberia is not lowering its guard. He directed the AFL, the Liberia National Police (LNP), and joint security agencies to remain vigilant and work alongside local authorities.
Addressing critics, Boakai offered a firm defense of his peaceful approach:
“Our pursuit for peace is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of strength. It is easy to fight, easy to break down and spoil. As our journey has taught us, it is more difficult to recover and build.”
He reminded citizens of Liberia’s legacy of regional peacekeeping, citing its historical role in ECOMOG and international missions as proof of its commitment to resolving disputes without conflict.
A Call for National Unity
The President issued a stern warning against the spread of unverified information on social media, which he noted could cause unnecessary tension. He urged those in border communities to remain calm and law-abiding while diplomatic channels remain open.
Political observers have praised the “classic Boakai diplomacy”—a balance of firm territorial defense and restrained dialogue. While cross-border trade in rice and livestock has slowed due to the tension, local traders in Lofa County expressed relief at the news of the Guinean withdrawal.
Looking Ahead
Technical teams from the Mano River Union countries are scheduled to meet within two weeks to discuss long-term border demarcation and formalize the peace. For now, the message from the Executive Mansion is clear: dialogue has prevailed, and Liberia remains a nation committed to the “collective sacrifice” that has maintained its peace for decades.