House of Representatives Cites key Government Agencies over Influx of Illegal Immigrants

Monrovia, Liberia: The Plenary of the House of Representatives has cited several key government institutions to appear Tuesday, May 20, 2025, to address concerns surrounding the overwhelming influx of illegal immigrants—particularly Burkinabe—into the Southeastern region and other parts of the country.

The decision follows a formal communication submitted by Representative Anthony Williams, of Maryland County Electoral District #2, in which he raised serious security and sovereignty concerns regarding the unauthorized presence and activities of foreign nationals in the country.

Institutions cited include the 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 Representative Williams, this is the second time he has called the attention of the body to the matter, alarmed over what he described as the growing wave of illegal Burkinabe immigrants—particularly in the southeast—posing a significant national security threat.

The Maryland County District Two lawmaker cited disturbing reports of illegal activities allegedly carried out by some of these individuals, including the manufacture of single-barrel guns, illegal farming and mining, encroachment on protected forest areas, and threats to local residents.

"Citizens in these affected areas have consistently raised alarms about these developments, expressing fear and concern for their safety," Hon. Williams noted. "This situation has the potential to disrupt our national peace, especially considering the historical involvement of Burkinabe during Liberia’s civil unrest and the continued vulnerability of our porous borders," he said.

He further warned that if left unaddressed, the crisis could mirror the early warning signs of regional instability seen in other West African nations like Mali. The Maryland lawmaker called for urgent inter-agency coordination and a comprehensive national response strategy to address the situation.

“Our limited resources and capacity to effectively monitor and secure our borders underscore the need for a collective effort. We must act swiftly to prevent further deterioration, social unrest, or possible xenophobic tensions,” he added.