A leading civil society organization in Liberia, the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), expresses grave concern over repeated incursions by the Guinean Armed Forces into Liberian territory, including a reported incident that occurred two days ago.
These developments raise serious questions about the protection of Liberia’s sovereignty and the government’s constitutional responsibility to defend the nation’s territorial integrity, STAND said Thursday in Monrovia
Reports confirm that Guinean forces entered Liberian communities, planted their national flag on Liberian soil, and, in at least one instance, shot a civilian.
According to the civil society group, these actions constitute a serious violation of Liberia’s sovereignty and pose a direct threat to the safety of citizens living in border communities.
STAND is therefore deeply troubled by the Liberian government’s initial response—deploying the Liberia National Police to confront an organized foreign military force.
“This response was both inadequate and dangerously delayed,” STAND Chairman Mulbah Morlu said.
“The Armed Forces of Liberia were only mobilized after a civilian had already been harmed, reflecting a troubling lapse in judgement at a moment when swift and decisive leadership was required.”
STAND emphasizes that the Armed Forces of Liberia exist to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and to protect its citizens from threats, both foreign and domestic.
It said: The military should not be perceived as an institution reserved for political convenience or partisan priorities. When Liberia’s borders are breached by foreign troops, the defence of the nation must be entrusted to the institutions constitutionally mandated and professionally equipped to respond to such threats.
‘Equally troubling are credible reports that the Liberia National Police arrived late at the scene and reportedly kept their distance from the immediate confrontation zone where Guinean soldiers had assembled. If confirmed, such conduct raises serious concerns about whether the appropriate institutions and operational protocols were deployed to defend Liberia’s borders.
A law-enforcement body that is often swiftly mobilised to enforce domestic order—frequently with force against its own citizens—cannot afford hesitation when the nation’s sovereignty is under direct challenge from foreign armed personnel. In moments of external aggression, the duty of every state security institution must be guided by urgency, professionalism, and an unambiguous commitment to defending the dignity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Liberia.
‘The contrast is deeply troubling. When foreign soldiers cross into Liberian territory, raise their flag, and harm civilians, the response of the Liberian state must be immediate, firm, and led by the institutions specifically mandated to defend the nation. Anything less risks weakening public confidence in the state’s capacity to protect its people and uphold the sovereignty of the Republic of Liberia.
‘Also deeply concerning is the emerging situation in which ordinary citizens reportedly mobilised themselves as informal defenders of Liberian territory in the absence of a visible and decisive state response.
While the patriotism and courage of citizens who feel compelled to protect their country deserve recognition, STAND warns that the normalisation of civilians stepping in to fill national security gaps is profoundly dangerous. The defence of the Republic is the constitutional responsibility of the state and its trained security institutions—not unarmed or untrained citizens.
Allowing such conditions to persist risks encouraging vigilantism, escalating tensions along already fragile borders, and eroding the authority and credibility of legitimate national security institutions. If left unaddressed, this dynamic could expose communities to greater harm and weaken the rule-based security framework upon which Liberia’s stability depends.
‘Liberia has painful experience with the consequences of vigilantism, particularly when it is fuelled—whether deliberately or through negligence—by political actors who fail to uphold lawful security mechanisms. This creeping and dangerous trend was visible during the 2023 Liberian General Election, when citizens were subjected to mob violence and, in some cases, killed in the most inhumane manner under the guise of partisan interests, including in areas along the same border region now experiencing security tensions.
Such failures in the discharge of national security responsibilities contributed to volatile situations in several communities, resulting in violence, fear, and tragic loss of life.
‘As Liberia inevitably approaches future electoral cycles, the country must confront the reality that unresolved security gaps—particularly in sensitive border regions—carry serious risks. When citizens begin to believe that the state cannot or will not protect them, the temptation for communities to take security matters into their own hands grows stronger.
That path is dangerous and destabilising. Preventing a recurrence requires a firm recommitment by the state to uphold the rule of law, deploy the appropriate security institutions, and ensure that Liberia’s borders and citizens are protected through lawful and professional means.
‘Given the sensitive nature of cross-border tensions, STAND calls for constructive diplomatic engagement and mediation support from key international partners, including the United States Embassy in Liberia, the Economic Community of West African States, and the European Union. Their diplomatic engagement can help encourage dialogue between Liberia and Guinea, support peaceful resolution of border concerns, and reinforce regional stability.
Liberia’s sovereignty must be respected, and disputes between neighboring states must always be addressed through lawful and peaceful mechanisms.
‘Henceforth, STAND reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of democracy, the rule of law, and advocating for the protection of Liberia’s territorial integrity. The organization calls on all relevant authorities to act responsibly and decisively to ensure that Liberia’s borders, citizens, and democratic stability are safeguarded.’
