By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Sinoe County Senator Augustine Chea has expressed concerns over the current political focus in Liberia, criticizing the House of Representatives for its investigation into Rep. Yekeh Kolubah’s controversial remarks while the country grapples with a significant border dispute with Guinea.
In a statement titled “Turning Our Backs on the Real Enemy While Pursuing a Reckless Talker: The Case of Yekeh Kolubah and the House of Representatives,” Senator Chea argued that the country’s attention is misdirected, especially as Guinean troops have reportedly crossed the Makona River, long held as the border between Liberia and Guinea. This occupation of Liberian territory, Chea asserts, presents a direct challenge to the country’s sovereignty and should be the primary focus of national attention.
“While the country is facing a serious and unresolved border dispute with Guinea, our political focus seems to be drifting in the wrong direction,” Chea said. “The occupation of Liberia’s land by Guinean soldiers is a national issue that demands immediate and sustained attention.”
Chea specifically pointed to the controversy surrounding Rep. Yekeh Kolubah, who recently claimed to have evidence supporting Guinea’s ownership of the disputed land. The senator described Kolubah’s remarks as “irresponsible and reckless,” particularly at a time when tensions between Liberia and Guinea are high. According to Chea, such statements from a sitting lawmaker could undermine Liberia’s diplomatic position and create unnecessary confusion about the nation’s stance on the issue.
“His comments were undeniably irresponsible,” Chea continued. “At a time of heightened tension, such statements risk creating confusion and undermining our national position.”
While Chea acknowledged that public criticism of Kolubah was justified, he questioned the proportionality of the House’s response, which has included an investigation into the possibility of expelling the lawmaker. The senator warned that the House risks turning Kolubah’s ill-advised comments into a political spectacle, diverting attention away from the pressing border dispute.
“By focusing on punishing Kolubah, the House is creating the impression that the government is more concerned with internal discipline than with an external threat,” Chea argued. “The real issue is the continued presence of Guinean troops on our territory. His comments, no matter how reckless, do not change the facts on the ground. They do not redraw borders or legitimize Guinea’s claims.”
Chea emphasized that Liberia’s historical presence on the disputed land strengthens the country’s claim, both legally and politically. He called for a more measured approach to holding Kolubah accountable, suggesting that a formal censure, rather than expulsion, would be a more appropriate response. This, Chea argued, would address the lawmaker’s irresponsibility without overshadowing the broader national concern.
“Discipline has its place, but in moments like this, priorities matter more,” Chea concluded. “The real challenge is not about one lawmaker’s loose talk; it’s about our territorial integrity and how we address external threats.”
