“The influx has become so upsetting that it concerns national security and meanwhile, increased pressure on local resources,”
–Cole Bangalu.
Jeror Cole Bangalu, Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) Executive Director, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, disclosed of the outpourings in the number of Burkinabè migrants.
The migrants, are mainly concentrated in the Southeast where some of them are reportedly involved with widespread farming.
Bangalu submitted the joint mission report to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in the presence of development partners.
He warned of a rapid surge of Burkinabè migrants into Southeast, mainly in Grand Gedeh forest, River Gee and Sinoe counties.
Bangalu also told Spoon FM on Wednesday, June, 10, that approximately 140,000 Burkinabè nationals have crossed into the country, with some, at present, residing in Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties.
Majority of them have engaged in mining and agricultural activities.
Bangalu described influx of the migrants as an “alarming national concern that has placed increasing pressure on local resources.”
The situation, Bangalu said, has posed security and humanitarian challenges on the country.
“Without a coordinated response, the situation could overwhelm communities already facing limited infrastructure and service.”
Bangalu said, government has worked on the implementation of recommendations from the joint mission reports to the office of the President.
He spoke of how stakeholders’ meeting with donor partners was expected to review the findings and explore support mechanisms for effective implementation.
Bangalu highlighted that while some of the recommendations require immediate attention; a strategic and coordinated approach supported through national budgetary allocations and international partnership remains critical to prevent further strain on host communities.
He acknowledged that the report was the result of a joint field assessment mission the Commission conducted in collaboration with the French Embassy, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Human Rights Office, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS).
Bangalu meanwhile, appreciated partners for collaborating with the assessment process.
He voiced confidence that, with sustained support from national and international partners, recommendations from the report would be progressively implemented to stabilize the situation and strengthen support for affected communities.