-Over 260 Liberians Contact Embassy as Government Monitors Rising Tensions; More Than 140,000 Burkinabé Migrants Also Reportedly Enter Southeastern Liberia
MONROVIA – The Executive Director of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Cllr. J. Cole Bangalu, has disclosed that 263 Liberian citizens residing in South Africa have contacted the Liberian Embassy in Pretoria expressing concerns over ongoing xenophobic attacks and growing insecurity in the country.
Speaking Tuesday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Cllr. Bangalu revealed that 21 of those Liberians have formally requested emergency repatriation to Liberia out of fear for their safety.
According to him, the Liberian Government is actively working to facilitate their return.
“Out of the 263 Liberians who have contacted our embassy, 21 have requested immediate emergency repatriation,” Bangalu said.
He explained that the LRRC is collaborating with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance and Development Planning to mobilize the resources necessary to safely return the affected citizens.
The disclosure comes amid renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals from several African countries have periodically faced attacks, intimidation, and discrimination in recent years.
Massive Influx of Burkinabé Migrants Raises Concerns
In a separate development, the LRRC Executive Director announced that a recent high-level assessment mission documented what he described as an unprecedented influx of Burkinabé migrants into southeastern Liberia.
According to Bangalu, approximately 140,500 Burkinabé nationals have entered Liberia, with the majority settling in counties bordering neighboring countries.
The reported distribution includes:
- Grand Gedeh County – 80,000 migrants
- Nimba County – 45,000 migrants
- River Gee County – 15,000 migrants
- Maryland County – 500 migrants
Bangalu attributed the migration to continuing instability in the Sahel region, coupled with worsening economic challenges affecting several West African countries.
He warned that the influx is placing significant pressure on local communities and natural resources, while creating environmental and security concerns.
According to the LRRC, authorities have documented cases of encroachment into protected forest areas, unauthorized cocoa farming, and illegal mining activities within environmentally sensitive regions, including areas surrounding Sapo National Park, one of Liberia’s most important biodiversity reserves.
Government Moves to Address Environmental and Security Threats
To address the growing challenges associated with the influx, Bangalu said the government is implementing several interventions aimed at strengthening migration management and environmental protection.
“To address these environmental and security concerns, the LRRC is rolling out a national registration exercise, tightening border governance, and partnering with the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation to launch emergency forest conservation campaigns,” he stated.
The measures, he noted, are intended to improve data collection, strengthen border monitoring, and protect Liberia’s natural resources from further degradation.
Repatriation Efforts Continue
The LRRC Executive Director also highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to assist stranded Liberians abroad.
According to him, between April and May this year, the Commission worked closely with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to facilitate the repatriation of Liberian citizens from Tunisia, Niger, and Cambodia.
Bangalu further disclosed that the Commission has been coordinating responses to recent deportations from the United States, Canada, Germany, and Sweden, while simultaneously providing psychosocial support and reintegration services for returnees.
He emphasized that helping returning Liberians successfully reintegrate into society remains a key component of the Commission’s mandate.
World Refugee Day Observance
Meanwhile, the LRRC is preparing to commemorate World Refugee Day, which will be observed locally on June 17, 2026, at the Paynesville City Hall.
As part of this year’s celebration, Bangalu unveiled the national theme: “Say No to Irregular Migration, Say No to Human Trafficking.”
He said the observance will focus on raising public awareness about the dangers associated with irregular migration and human trafficking while promoting safer migration pathways and stronger protections for vulnerable populations.
The event is expected to bring together government officials, international partners, humanitarian organizations, refugees, and members of the public to reflect on the challenges facing displaced persons and migrants in Liberia and across the region.
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