"Diplomacy is the Way Out" - VP Koung on Liberia-Guinea Border Dispute

Monrovia, Liberia: Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Koung says diplomatic engagement is the best option Liberia can take toward resolving the growing border tension with neighboring Guinea.

By: Lawrena Wesseh

VP Koung recalls Liberia's historical ties with Guinea, emphasizing that both countries shared local languages in common. Koung stressed that Liberia will not take any path that will threaten the long co-existence of both nations.

He said Liberia is using diplomatic channels to engage with Guinean authorities to restore pace at the Sorlumba Border.

It can be recalled that Liberia's Joseph Boakia met with his Guinean counterpart, Mamady Dombouya, to discuss ways out on the border tensions involving the two countries.

A communique was signed by both leaders, reaffirming their commitment to peace within the sub-region. VP Koung described the engagement as strategic for Liberia to maintain a peaceful environment.

Speaking on State Radio on Monday, April 27, Jeremiah Koung ruled out echoes of war drump, saying violent confrontation only destroys. "We Will not go to war with Guinea,” he said.

He reflected on past conflicts in the country which cost lives and property destruction. Liberia suffered 14 years of civil unrest which led to an estimated 250,000 lost of lives and infrastructural damage, including major electricity hubs.

However, Vice President Koung furthered that any escalation along the disputed border risks sending the country back to its bitter past.

He underscored that the government will maintain stability of the state in spite of the situation, through cooperative dialogues.

According to him, the Manor River Union (MRU) and the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) are key regional bodies Liberia moves to get involve.

“Liberia remains fully committed to maintaining peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation".

Meanwhile, the Vice President cautioned Liberians against engaging in actions that could escalate tensions.

He warned that instability along the border could trigger unrest across communities, and even the country's capital.

“When there is gunfire in places like Lofa, the impact is felt even in Monrovia, where people begin reacting in fear and tension spreads,” Koung asserted.

The border tension between Liberia and Guinea broke out early February 2026. Reports have it that armed Guinean soldiers crossed into Liberia's territory after a suspected sand mining along the Makona River which commonly separates the two countries.

The banks of the Makona River have been an area of contending ownership claims between the two countries.

Guinean soldiers are said to still be present on Liberia's soil, as fear remains largely among local residents.

The Guineans crossed and initially hoisted their national flag along the disputed Sorlumba Border, which prompted resistance from Liberian civilians.

A Liberian citizen was reported to have been shot in the leg, allegedly by Guinean soldiers following early tensions at the border.

As tensions creep at the border, citizens are pressing the Liberian government to strike immediate resolution mechanisms.