Moniba Challenges Boakai's Silence: Why Are Guinean Soldiers Still on Liberian Soil?

Monrovia, Liberia:Former presidential candidate Dr. Clarence K. Moniba has reignited the national debate over Liberia's territorial integrity, demanding answers from the Boakai administration over what he described as the continued presence of Guinean soldiers on Liberian soil months after a border standoff that shocked the nation. 

His latest comments have intensified pressure on the government to explain the status of ongoing diplomatic efforts and reassure citizens that Liberia's sovereignty is being protected.

In a statement posted on social media, Moniba questioned the government's silence on the matter, asking, "Why are Guinean soldiers STILL on Liberian soil and why is our government silent? Let's discuss." The remarks come as concerns continue to mount over the unresolved border dispute between Liberia and Guinea.

Moniba's statement revives one of the country's most sensitive national security issues, following reports earlier this year that armed Guinean personnel entered the Sorlumba area in Foya District, Lofa County, and occupied territory claimed by Liberia. The incident sparked widespread public concern and renewed calls for the government to firmly defend the country's territorial integrity.

The border crisis drew outrage after allegations that Guinean security personnel removed the Liberian national flag from the disputed area and hoisted Guinea's flag in its place while halting an ongoing road construction project. The reported action was widely condemned by many Liberians, who viewed it as a direct challenge to the country's sovereignty and a test of the government's resolve to protect its borders.

The Boakai administration responded by pursuing diplomatic engagement instead of military confrontation. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai later held discussions with Guinean authorities aimed at peacefully resolving the dispute, while regional stakeholders encouraged both countries to settle the matter through dialogue and existing international boundary mechanisms.

Despite those diplomatic efforts, Moniba suggested that the absence of regular public updates has fueled uncertainty and speculation about the current situation on the ground. "Why are Guinean soldiers STILL on Liberian soil and why is our government silent?" he repeated, signaling that Liberians deserve greater transparency on an issue affecting national sovereignty.

The former presidential candidate's comments are expected to add to growing calls from opposition figures, civil society organizations, and some lawmakers for the government to provide a comprehensive update on the status of the border negotiations and whether foreign security personnel remain within territory claimed by Liberia.

The Liberia-Guinea border has experienced periodic disputes over the years due to disagreements surrounding sections of the international boundary, particularly in communities along Lofa County. While both countries have traditionally maintained cordial diplomatic relations, the latest dispute has underscored the importance of clear border demarcation and sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent future confrontations.

As public scrutiny intensifies, the Boakai administration faces increasing pressure to reassure Liberians that the country's territorial integrity remains a national priority. Moniba's latest intervention has once again placed the border dispute at the center of national discourse, raising fresh questions about accountability, transparency, and the government's strategy for resolving one of Liberia's most sensitive sovereignty challenges.