On Liberian Soil, Guinea Soldiers:

“. . . Some Guineans are here just tapping their palm wine.”

Some Guinean soldiers, who have reportedly crossed deed into Lofa County, are said to be tapping palm wine and freely enjoying themselves with the locals.

Palm wine is a natural, alcoholic beverage created by fermenting the sweet, milky sap of various palm trees, including raffia palms.

Popular in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, it is known for its sweet, fizzy, and slightly alcoholic taste, which becomes sourer and stronger as it ferments.

The engulfing dispute, the Liberian government confirmed taking it at the diplomatic level, has remained volatile in the disputed communities.

While the hot-blooded situation is yet settled, Lofa County Superintendent, J. Lavelah Massaquoi, has visited a disputed boundary area in Konadu Town, Quardu-bondi District.

Supt. Massaqui’s visit came amid ongoing concerns over border encroachment involving some Guineans.

The visit also comes as Liberia faces broader boundary challenges with Guinea.

In Konadu Town, reports emerged that some Guinean nationals crossed a boundary marker (cornerstone) and erected the Guinean Flag on Liberian territory.

Locals say the flag has been hoisted in the area since March 9, 2026.

Residents said, the cornerstone marking the boundary “dated back to the 19^th century, and both communities have historically coexisted peacefully.”

Despite the current situation, inhabitants said daily life “remains stable, while some Guineans are here just tapping their palm wine.”

“We have not been harassed by the Guinean soldiers. Our farming activities are ongoing, our children are attending school, and normal life continues,” some of the inhabitants claimed.

However, they expressed concern over the boundary issue, and urged the government to pursue peaceful dialogue with Guinea to resolve the dispute amicably.

In response, Supt. Massaquoi praised residents of Konadu Town for “maintaining peace, and promptly reporting the issue.”

He assured them that the matter would be addressed through “peaceful discussions between both the governments.”

Massaquoi also commended the Guinean soldiers for their “restraint and respectful conduct toward Liberian citizens.”

He meanwhile, called on the Guinean Government to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the border impasse.

In their reply to Supt. Massaquoi’s remark, the Guinean soldiers welcomed his intervention.

They described Massaquoi’s remark and visit as a “positive and meaningful steps to quell any dispute.”

They also pledged to remain “peaceful and law-abiding,” while carrying out their assigned duties in the disputed area.

In a related development, Supt. Massaquoi has meanwhile, appealed for calm after he held a meeting with Guinean immigration authorities at the Kondadu border.

The Guinean Border Commander, A. Keita, welcomed the visit, and expressed appreciation for the initiative.

Keita assured that discussions would be relayed to authorities in Conakry.

He also indicated that further consultations are expected in the coming days.

Shortly the meeting ended, officials from the both sides posed for a group photograph, which signaled a cooperative tone in the discussions.

Source: Jeremiah Dorbor/Lofa Voice