By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA – Former Finance Minister of the Republic of Liberia now Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has issued a strong call for national unity and diplomatic restraint following a confidential security briefing by President Joseph Boakai regarding the escalating tensions on the Liberia-Guinea border.
The briefing, held in a closed session of the Senate last week, comes as reports from Lofa County indicate a “fluid” and high-stakes environment in border communities like Sorlumba.
According to Senator Konneh, President Boakai was “very candid” during the official briefing, providing detailed information on the nature of the frictions. While the specifics of the closed-door session remain classified, the Senator emphasized the need for the legislature and the public to back the executive’s current strategy.
“The situation is fluid, and [the President] needs our support for his diplomatic approach and dialogue,” Konneh stated, signaling a preference for negotiation over military escalation.
The tensions, which have roots in territorial disputes and alleged unauthorized mining activities along the Makona River, have already impacted local residents. Reports from the region describe families fleeing their homes and disruptions to daily life as Guinean Military presence continued to threaten civilians safety.
Senator Konneh reminded the public that the stakes of these tensions are human, not just political.
“Let’s remember that behind every headline, press conference, Live, or post are families, children, and neighbors living in those areas who deserve peace.”
In an era of rapid-fire social media, the Senator also issued a stern warning regarding the “fire” of misinformation. While acknowledging that free speech is a constitutional right, he cautioned that inflammatory rhetoric could be misinterpreted by neighboring Guinea and lead to unintended consequences.
The former Minister of Finance urged Liberians to check facts before posting content that might incite anger, calling on the public to rely on official channels only to avoid fueling regional instability.
He reiterated that the Mano River Union region is still recovering from its history of deadly conflict and cannot afford a new war.
The ongoing dispute has already seen a high-level summit in Conakry, with President Boakai meeting Guinean leader Mamady Doumbouya and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio earlier this month. While all parties agreed to a diplomatic path, the situation remains a significant test for the Boakai administration’s foreign policy and the stability of the sub-region.
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