The Executive Director of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Jeror Cole Bangalu, on Wednesday, May 27, presented a joint mission report to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Bangalu was with development partners.
He warned of a rapid surge of Burkinabè migrants in the Southeast.
Bangalu informed Pres. Boakai that approximately 140,000 Burkinabè nationals currently reside in Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties.
In the report, majority the aliens are engaged in illegal mining and agricultural activities.
He described the influx as an alarming national concern that has placed an increasing pressure on local resources, and posed security and humanitarian challenges. “Without a coordinated response, the situation could overwhelm communities already faced with limited infrastructure and services.” Pres. Boakai has meanwhile, received the report, and directed that it be elevated to the cabinet for national security and policy deliberations. Bangalu said, implementing recommendations from the report will require close collaboration between the government and international partners. He said, a stakeholders’ meeting with donor partners is expected to review the findings and explore support mechanisms for effective implementation. Bangalu highlighted that while some recommendations require immediate attention, a strategic and coordinated approach supported through national budgetary allocations and international partnerships remains critical to prevent further strain on host communities. The report was the result of a joint field assessment mission the LRRRC 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). French Ambassador Isabelle Le Guellec, LIS Commissioner General Elijah F. Rufus, UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. Mady Biaye, Head of the United Nations Human Rights Office, Christian Mukosa, and Acting Chief of Mission of the IOM, Lenaud Serge Desire, attended the presentation. Bangalu expressed appreciation for their collaboration throughout the assessment process, and voiced confidence with sustained support from national and international partners, the report’s recommendations would be progressively implemented to help stabilize the situation and strengthen support for affected communities.