MONROVIA — Deputy House Speaker Thomas P. Fallah has defended the government’s response to recent border tensions in Lofa County, urging residents to remain calm while authorities investigate the root causes of the crisis.
Appearing Monday on OK FM, Fallah described the situation in Foya District as “gradually stabilizing,” even as concerns persist over the presence of Guinean troops in disputed areas near the Sorlumba border.
“As far as I know, yes, they are still on our side,” Fallah said, referring to Guinean soldiers. “But the situation is de-escalating compared to the initial days.”
The border incident, which sparked fear and temporary displacement among residents, has drawn national attention and prompted a multi-sectoral government response.
Fallah praised the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for what he described as swift diplomatic engagement with Guinean authorities.
“The President and his government have done extremely well in terms of diplomatic engagement,” he said. “All branches of government are involved, and the investigation is ongoing.”
He noted that a high-level legislative delegation, including himself, visited the affected areas to conduct fact-finding and engage local communities.
“We went there to understand what happened—not to speculate, but to hear directly from the people,” Fallah explained.
According to him, early findings suggest that the conflict may have been triggered by disputes over access to shared natural resources, particularly sand from the Solomba water area, which has historically been used by communities on both sides of the border.
“This is a place both Liberians and Guineans have used peacefully for years—for trade and construction,” he said.
Fallah acknowledged that initial panic led to the movement of civilians out of border towns, but said community outreach efforts have helped restore confidence.
“We told our people to remain calm and trust the government. Today, they are gradually returning to their homes,” he added.
Despite the relative calm, Fallah stressed the importance of completing the ongoing investigation to establish accountability and prevent future incidents.
“We must get to the root cause. The President has set up a committee, and we expect results,” he said.
He also called for restraint in public discourse, warning against speculation and misinformation.
“This is not the time for politics. This is about national security and the safety of our people,” Fallah emphasized.
The Deputy Speaker’s remarks come as Liberia continues to navigate complex border dynamics with neighboring countries, highlighting the need for sustained diplomatic engagement and community-level interventions.
For now, authorities remain focused on maintaining peace while working toward a long-term resolution.
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