In G/Kru County:

Uncertainty continues to grow in Gbetao, Picnicess District, following an inconclusive meeting.

The meeting was intended to address concerns surrounding the increasing presence of Burkinabé nationals, and reports of ongoing land-clearing activities in the community. In Grand Kru community, residents have sought clarity as authorities remained silent on land and immigration questions. Residents say, they are seeking answers from authorities regarding the status of the foreign nationals, the nature of their activities, and whether proper procedures were followed before they were allowed to settle and farm in the area. The issue gained prominence after the Clan Chief of Klakpo Clan, Togba Barseh, raised concerns about a lack of information available to many residents regarding activities taking place on community land. Barseh said, reports that portions of land are being cleared without community awareness, have heightened tensions and prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability. In an effort to address the matter, community leaders convened a meeting involving residents, representatives of the Burkinabé nationals, and officers of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS).  However, participants said, the meeting ended without a resolution “because several key government stakeholders failed to attend.” The absence of a clear outcome has left many residents frustrated, with some questioning who authorized the activities, and what safeguards are in place to prevent future disputes over land ownership and use. Local authorities have defended the presence of the Burkinabé nationals, explaining that they were invited to assist with farming activities, “because large portions of available farmland remain uncultivated by local residents.” Despite those assurances, concerns persist over the growing number of arrivals, and allegations of forest-clearing activities along the Barclayville–Picnicess road corridor. Community sources estimate that more than 35 Burkinabé nationals are currently residing in the area, including recent arrivals.  Authorities have yet to publicly verify those figures. LIS officials assigned in Grand Kru have declined to comment on the matter. They cited an ongoing investigation, while county authorities have not issued an official statement.The situation has also revived memories of a November 2025 immigration operation in which at least 20 Burkinabé nationals were arrested for lacked of valid immigration documents, and were subsequently deported. With investigations ongoing and no official clarification forthcoming, residents have called on county authorities to engage the community, and provide clear information regarding the status of the foreign nationals. For now, uncertainty remains, and many residents say, they have waited for answers, but to no avail.