The invited agencies are to explain to members of that august body, how come the country is now embroiled with too many illegal immigrants in every part, but mostly in the Southeast.
The Plenary of the House of Representatives (HoR) on Thursday, May 15, cited several key government institutions to appear on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
The institutions invited are to address concerns surrounding the increasing influx of illegal immigrants, particularly Burkinabes into the Southeastern region and other parts of the country.
The decision follows a formal communication submitted by the Representative of Maryland County Electoral District #2, Anthony Williams.
Williams raised serious security and sovereignty concerns regarding the unauthorized presence and activities of foreign nationals in the country.
Those agencies cited to appear before Plenary are the leaderships of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, the ministries of Justice, Internal Affairs, Agriculture, and the Forestry Development Authority.
This is the second time that Rep. Williams is calling the attention of the august body to this issue.
He said the growing wave of illegal Burkinabes, particularly in the Southeast poses a significant national security threat.
Williams, cited disturbing reports of illegal activities being allegedly carried out by some of the individuals. He named the reported manufacturing of single-barrel guns, illegal farming and mining activities, as well as encroaching on protected forest areas, thus posing threats to the locals.
“Residents in these affected areas have consistently raised alarms about these developments, expressing fear and concerns for their safety,” Rep. Williams wrote in his communication to plenary.
“This situation has the potential to disrupt our national peace, especially considering the historical involvement of Burkinabes during Liberia’s civil unrest and the continued vulnerability of our porous borders.”
Williams meanwhile warned” “If the situation is left unaddressed, the crisis could mirror the early warning signs of regional instability seen in other West African nations.”
He then called for urgent inter-agency coordination and a comprehensive national response strategy to address the situation.
“Our limited resources and capacity to effectively monitor and secure our borders underscore the need for a collective effort. We must act swiftly to prevent further deterioration, social unrest, or possible xenophobic tensions,” he added.
The House, Williams said, remains committed to safeguarding the peace, security, and territorial integrity of the country and expects full cooperation and accountability from the agencies cited in addressing this critical issue.