Liberia Puts Historical Records at Center of Boundary Process

MONROVIA, LIBERIA —  The Government of Liberia is moving to strengthen its technical capacity and preserve historical records as it advances efforts to reaffirm its land boundaries and delimit its maritime borders with neighboring countries.

The issue dominated a high-level policy meeting convened Tuesday, September 15, by the Ministry of Local Government in Monrovia, bringing together government ministries, agencies and commissions involved in Liberia’s boundary management.

The meeting reviewed the progress of the national boundary process, challenges confronting the Technical Border Committee and measures needed to sustain its work.

Particular attention was placed on historical government records, which participants said could provide important evidence in support of Liberia’s territorial claims and boundary positions.

Stakeholders called for the systematic collection, scanning, organization and secure storage of historical documents, identifying the National Archives as a key institution in preserving records relevant to the country’s boundaries.

The meeting was held under the framework of the African Union Border Programme, through which Liberia is working with Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire on the reaffirmation, delimitation and demarcation of shared land and maritime boundaries.

In 2025, the four countries agreed to establish Joint Technical Commissions to advance the boundary process and develop operational roadmaps for their respective activities.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Local Government Minister F. Sakila Nyumalin Sr., Deputy Minister for Decentralization Edward K. Mulbah stressed the importance of coordinated government action in supporting Liberia’s border management efforts.

Deputy Minister Mulbah said the process requires the involvement of institutions with responsibilities covering legal affairs, geography, maritime issues, national security and historical documentation.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs Jeddi Mowbray Armah, representing the Dean of Cabinet, called for greater support to the Technical Border Committee.

Armah said the committee must be adequately equipped and supported to effectively carry out its mandate and contribute to advancing Liberia’s boundary process.

The Technical Border Committee also presented an update on its activities, highlighting funding limitations, gaps in historical documentation and the need for stronger coordination among government institutions.

Participants subsequently recommended the development of a modest budget to support the committee, with relevant ministries and agencies expected to consider financial contributions.

The meeting further called for Executive engagement with the Legislature on the ratification of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation, commonly known as the Niamey Convention.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai submitted the convention to the Legislature in June 2026. Stakeholders said its ratification could further strengthen Liberia’s efforts toward cross-border cooperation and improved border governance.

As part of the next steps, participants agreed to organize a retreat bringing together relevant institutions to examine available historical and technical records, identify gaps and refine the Technical Border Committee’s work plan.

The retreat is also expected to determine the additional documentation, expertise and resources required to move the boundary process forward.

The government says the initiative forms part of broader regional efforts to peacefully resolve boundary issues and strengthen cooperation among neighboring states.

The Ministries of Local Government and Foreign Affairs have reaffirmed their commitment to working with relevant institutions and development partners to improve border management, preserve critical national records and support the orderly reaffirmation and delimitation of Liberia’s land and maritime boundaries.