For residents of Foya District in Lofa County, the sight of foreign soldiers raising another nation's flag on land they have always considered Liberian territory has stirred both fear and anger. Guinean authorities argued that the mining activity was taking place within their jurisdiction along the Makona River. "Armed soldiers from Guinea have deployed on Liberian land in Lofa and hoisted the Guinean flag," Momoh said. "Guinea will not allow anyone to steal minerals from its river," a Guinean commentator said following the border confrontation. Reports that Guinean soldiers later advanced deeper into the contested area have fueled criticism that Liberia's diplomatic approach has been met with defiance.

Source: Daily Observer March 11, 2026 17:30 UTC