MONROVIA – The opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has issued a strong statement on the escalating tensions along the Liberia–Guinea border, warning that alleged illegal mining activities along the Makona River could be undermining national security and sovereignty. The statement, released Tuesday, March 17, 2026, comes amid growing public concern over recent developments in Lofa County.
In the release, CDC National Chairman Janga A. Kowo stressed that patriotism must take precedence over private interests, particularly at a time when the country faces what he described as a “dangerous and sensitive situation.” He warned that Liberia cannot afford “silence, confusion, or the protection of individuals whose actions may be placing the country and its sovereignty at risk.”
Kowo questioned the root cause of the sudden tensions between Liberia and Guinea, noting that both countries have enjoyed over two decades of peaceful coexistence since the end of Liberia’s civil conflict. “For the last 20 years since the end of the Liberian civil conflict, Liberia and Guinea have coexisted without incidents at our common borders. Why the sudden border tensions?” he asked.
Central to the CDC’s concern are reports of mining-related activities along the Makona River, which forms part of the boundary between the two nations. Kowo raised alarm over what he described as “widely discussed reports” suggesting that sand mining and other operations in the area may be linked to private interests operating without transparency.
“Reports surrounding activities along the Makona River… raise serious concerns about whether Liberia’s illegal private mining interests on the Makona are being placed above Liberia’s national security and sovereignty,” Kowo stated. He further questioned whether the Ministry of Mines and Energy has issued any legal authorization for such activities.
The CDC also pointed to claims from local communities that the mining operations may be connected to a reported $10 million development project in Foya, a project the opposition says lacks public accountability. Kowo argued that the government has yet to clearly explain the purpose and legitimacy of the project, fueling suspicion and distrust.
While acknowledging regional diplomatic efforts, the CDC commended the role of the Mano River Union in helping to ease tensions. However, Kowo insisted that international mediation alone is not enough, calling for immediate domestic accountability and a full-scale investigation into the immediate causes of the dispute.
He also referenced reports that Guinean authorities had seized Liberian mining equipment along the Makona River, urging the government to act swiftly. “Reports of the arrest of Liberian mining equipment on the Makona River by Guinean authorities must be investigated immediately. The status of the Makona River should be clearly defined to prevent a regional conflict,” he said.
Kowo placed responsibility squarely on Joseph Nyuma Boakai, calling on the President to demonstrate decisive leadership. “No government official, regardless of position, must be allowed to endanger the security and sovereignty of the Republic,” he declared, warning that failure to act could signal that private interests are being prioritized over national safety.
The CDC further accused the current administration of fostering a pattern of governance failures, claiming that alleged disregard for the rule of law within Liberia may now be spilling over into regional affairs. Kowo warned that such actions risk dragging the country into unnecessary conflict with its neighbor.
Concluding his statement, Kowo called on Liberians to remain vigilant and demand accountability, emphasizing that patriotism and criticism of government actions are not mutually exclusive. “We can all be patriotic and still demand full accountability from our government. In fact, that is the highest form of patriotism,” he said, adding, “To remain silent while the nation faces danger is not loyalty, it is negligence. To act now is to protect the Republic. That is patriotism.”
