“To de-escalate the tension, we have instituted exercises, including visible patrols and strategic positioning of personnel to deter any potential threats,”—IG Coleman.
Authorities of the Liberia National Police (LNP) have placed the Liberia/Guinea border on high alert.
The situation is associated with increased security deployments to “maintain peace and protect residents” amid ongoing tensions.
Meanwhile, LNP Inspector-General, informed reporters shortly he visited the Sorlumba border that security officers are viewing the situation with “eagle eye.”
The Sorlumba border is a key port of entry in Lofa County.
On Thursday, March 19, Police IG Gregory Coleman described the situation as “serious, but under control.”
Though Coleman assured residents of calm, the situation at the Liberia/Guinea border remains high.
He noted that despite the tension, there is a level of calm capable of ensuring public safety.
He said, joint security forces, including officers of the LNP and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia, have carried out major ground deployments across the affected environments.
The exercise includes visible patrols and strategic positioning designed to deter any potential escalation.
Coleman assured citizens that the region remains secure, even as diplomatic engagements between the three presidents (Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone) continue “peaceful engagement.”
Residents along the disputed catchment communities have been urged to remain within Liberian territory, and temporarily avoid crossing into Guinea until the situation is fully resolved.
Security personnel, Coleman added, have been instructed to hold their positions while key decisions are being handled at higher levels of government.
He also disclosed that there is currently no direct operational communication between Liberian and Guinean forces, except through controlled and necessary engagements.
About public concerns of the reported presence of Guinean troops near Liberian soil, Coleman acknowledged that such movements have been observed, but said, the issue is being addressed “diplomatically.”
“The priority of government is to ensure the safety of its citizens while protecting the country’s territorial integrity.”
Despite the heightened alert, residents are being encouraged to continue their normal daily activities within Liberia, with the exception of cross-border travel.