Burkinabe Nationals Ordered Out Of Chedepo Forest

River Gee County Superintendent, Mike T. Swengbe, has ordered Burkinabe nationals involved in illegal forest activities in Chedepo District to vacate the forest immediately.

The directive was issued recently in Fish Town during a stakeholder meeting. The meeting brought together community leaders, town chiefs, elders, and representatives of Burkinabe nationals residing in Chedepo District.

The meeting was convened in response to the influx of undocumented Burkinabe nationals and their alleged involvement in unauthorized farming and destruction of protected forest areas.

The situation has raised serious environmental, security, and land tenure concerns.

Superintendent Swengbe led a high-level delegation to the meeting. The delegation comprised the County Joint Security, the District Commissioner, and local chiefs.

According to him, the unchecked activities are alarming. The superintendent noted that the forest is under threat as citizens risk becoming strangers on their own land, and the entry of undocumented persons without screening raises national security issues.

 He stressed that the local authority has a responsibility to protect the land, the people, and the heritage of the county. Host communities also expressed fear over loss of farmland, destruction of forest reserves, and threats to future livelihoods.

Following deliberations, both parties agreed that all illegal forest activities must cease immediately. Three resolutions were adopted.

First, all Burkinabe nationals engaged in illegal farming, hunting, and settlement in the forest must leave with immediate effect. Second, the leadership of the Burkinabe community is mandated to ensure compliance and to coordinate a peaceful and orderly withdrawal.

Third, the County Authority, in collaboration with Joint Security, will conduct a verification and enforcement exercise in the coming days.

Superintendent Swengbe assured that the exercise will be conducted in full compliance with Liberian law and with respect for human rights.

The superintendent warned that non-compliance will leave the county with no option but to enforce the law to the fullest. This will include arrest, prosecution, and deportation in coordination with the central government through the Liberia Immigration Service and the Ministry of Justice. He also cautioned towns and villages against the illegal sale or lease of communal forest land without approval from county authorities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both sides to maintain peace while the directive is implemented.