SALAYEA District, Lofa County — Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Thomas P. Fallah is leading a high-level legislative delegation to Sorlumba in Foya District to independently assess the ongoing Liberia–Guinea border situation and engage directly with affected communities.
Confirming the mission in an interview while en route, Fallah said the visit is part of a coordinated effort by national leaders to complement ongoing security and diplomatic interventions.
“It’s confirmed… we are heading to Sorlumba,” he said. “Now that the Joint Security has gone in and gotten their side of the story, we too are moving in to get our own side.”
Legislature Steps In
Fallah noted that the House delegation’s role is to gather firsthand information and engage local residents, traditional leaders, and stakeholders in the affected border communities.
“We’re going to communicate with our people, interact with our people, to understand the facts and the details of what transpired at the border,” he explained.
The delegation includes key lawmakers such as:
- Hon. Gizzie Kollince, Chairperson on National Security
- Hon. Simpson Weah
- Hon. Siafa Kpoto (Lofa County)
- Hon. Steve Tequeh (Rivercess County)
- Hon. Augustine Chiewolo (Lofa County)
Fallah emphasized that the entire Lofa County legislative caucus is mobilized and determined to reach the epicenter of the incident.
“We are not stopping in Voinjama or Foya City—we are going all the way to Sorlumba,” he declared.
“We Are One People”
In a strong appeal for peace, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties among communities along the Liberia–Guinea–Sierra Leone border.
“We have been living together… intermarriages have been taking place. We are the same Kissi people,” Fallah said.
He stressed that the shared identity of the Kissi ethnic group across the three countries has historically fostered peaceful coexistence, making the current tensions particularly concerning.
“We speak the same language… we have lived side by side for generations without problems,” he added.
Call for Calm and Responsibility
Fallah urged residents of border communities to remain calm and allow authorities to handle the situation.
“We encourage all our citizens to remain peaceful,” he said. “The President has assured that he will get to the bottom of this.”
He reaffirmed the government’s constitutional obligation to defend Liberia’s sovereignty while maintaining peace.
“We all took oath to protect the sovereignty of our nation… and that is what we are committed to doing,” he stated.
Dismisses Allegations as “Propaganda”
Addressing reports circulating about individuals allegedly linked to the incident, Fallah dismissed such claims as unfounded.
“It’s an allegation… it’s not true. That is propaganda—we will defuse it,” he said, cautioning against misinformation that could inflame tensions.
Backing Security Efforts
The Deputy Speaker commended Liberia’s joint security forces—including the police, Armed Forces, immigration, and intelligence services—for their swift response in stabilizing the situation.
He also praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for exercising restraint and prioritizing peace.
“I want to say a big thanks to the President for keeping calm and keeping the peace,” Fallah said.
Seeking Accountability
While calling for calm, Fallah warned that those responsible for instigating the crisis would face consequences.
“Those who started this fracas will be held accountable,” he said, signaling that the investigation will pursue both facts and accountability.
A Mission of Assurance
As the delegation proceeds to Sorlumba, Fallah said the objective is not only to gather facts but also to reassure citizens.
“To the people of Foya—here we come. You can rest assured, peace will always reign,” he declared.
Background
The visit comes amid heightened tensions along the Liberia–Guinea border in Lofa County, which have drawn national attention and prompted both diplomatic and security responses.
With lawmakers now joining the effort, the government appears to be intensifying its multi-layered approach—combining security, diplomacy, and legislative oversight—to ensure a peaceful resolution.
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