Liberia–Guinea Border Tension Escalates After Soldiers Open Fire Across Makona River, Civilian Injured!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor-in-Chief | Sele Media Africa
Tensions have risen along the border between Liberia and Guinea after Guinean soldiers reportedly fired shots across the Makona River on Wednesday morning, injuring a Liberian civilian amid a dispute over territorial claims.
Local authorities and eyewitnesses in the border town of Foya, Lofa County, said Guinean troops returned to the area with reinforcements early Wednesday following a confrontation with Liberian residents the previous day.
Disputed Flag-Planting Incident
According to community sources, the tension began when Guinean soldiers crossed the Makona River on Tuesday and planted a pole bearing the Guinean national flag, asserting that the land belonged to Guinea.
The move triggered a swift reaction from local youth in Foya, who reportedly crossed into the contested area, planted another pole, and raised the Liberian flag in response, signaling their rejection of the claim.
The Guinean troops initially withdrew after the confrontation but returned the following morning.
Gunfire Across the River
Witnesses said Guinean soldiers began firing from across the Makona River shortly after returning to their side of the border. During the exchange, a stray bullet struck 44-year-old Liberian civilian Edward Lebbie, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Lebbie was rushed to the nearby Boima Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed he is receiving treatment and is in stable condition.
Security Response and Calls for Calm
Officers of the Liberia National Police have since been deployed to strategic entry points in Foya to prevent further escalation. Security authorities are urging residents—particularly young people—to remain calm while diplomatic channels are activated between both governments.
Police officials also dismissed circulating rumors that two people were killed during the incident, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Diplomatic Sensitivities Along the Border
The Liberia–Guinea frontier has historically experienced occasional disputes linked to unclear boundary demarcations and cross-border community interactions. Analysts note that swift diplomatic engagement is critical to preventing localized incidents from escalating into broader bilateral tensions.
Government officials from both countries are expected to address the issue through established diplomatic and security mechanisms in the coming days.
Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor developments along the Liberia–Guinea border as authorities work toward a peaceful resolution.
Sources: BBC News, Reuters, FrontPage Africa, Al Jazeera, Daily Observer (Liberia)
Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.
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