MONROVIA – Inside Affairs Minister, Franklin Sakila Nyumalin, has issued a powerful warning over the rising tensions between Guinea and Sierra Leone on the Yengar border, calling the scenario a critical risk to regional peace.
By: Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Talking in the course of the opening of the AU-ECOWAS Border Convention in Monrovia on June 16, 2025, Minister Nyumalin revealed that each international locations have deployed a whole bunch of troops to the disputed space. He urged speedy intervention from member states of the Mano River Union (MRU), together with Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia.
“This case is unwarranted and threatens the peace and stability of all the sub-region,” Nyumalin stated in the course of the occasion held on the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Advanced. The four-day convention, which runs via June 19, brings collectively stakeholders from MRU international locations, diplomats, and worldwide companions to deal with long-standing border disputes inherited from colonial rule.
Nyumalin appealed for stronger assist from worldwide companions, notably Germany and its growth company GIZ, to proceed funding and technical help for border governance packages. He emphasised the necessity for long-term options to make sure peace within the MRU area and throughout Africa.
The Minister additionally proposed the creation of an annual MRU Native Authorities Discussion board to be co-hosted by member international locations. The discussion board would concentrate on selling cross-border commerce, communication, and cooperation amongst native governments.
He referred to as for normal regional dialogues to observe the implementation of agreements made throughout this and future border conferences. “These boundary points are central to sustainable peace and prosperity for our individuals,” Nyumalin acknowledged.
Wanting forward, he expressed optimism that the Monrovia convention will yield significant resolutions. He described the gathering as “historic and unprecedented,” and stated Liberia views itself not simply as host, however as a job mannequin in African unity and cooperation.
Reflecting on the legacy of the 1884–85 Berlin Convention, Nyumalin argued that lots of Africa’s trendy border conflicts stem from colonial-era boundary traces that ignored ethnic, cultural, and linguistic realities. He stated these unresolved disputes proceed to create instability in lots of components of the continent.
Minister Nyumalin additionally outlined Liberia’s peaceable strategy to its personal border points with Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire. He stated Liberia stays dedicated to dialogue, authorized frameworks, and mutual understanding.
On maritime boundaries, he disclosed that Liberia has submitted claims to the United Nations Fee on the Limits of the Continental Shelf and has drafted a brand new maritime legislation, now below legislative evaluation.
The AU-ECOWAS Border Program Convention is predicted to conclude with resolutions centered on clarifying borders, bettering safety, and strengthening regional integration.
