Claims That Guinea Is On “Colonial-Style Expansionism”
PHOTO: Rev. Philip Blamo
By Sampson Weah
Monrovia, Liberia – Amid the unresolved tensions over who legitimately owns the Solumba Border area on the Liberia-Guinea, a Liberian cleric, Rev. Philip S. Blamo has criticized President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s handling of the border dispute.
While not being pleased with the way the Liberian leader is handling the potential crisis, Rev. Blamo, Chief Executive Officer of the Citizens Action Committee, is accusing neighbouring Guinea of advancing what he described as a calculated campaign of “colonial-style expansionism” backed by intimidation and subtle military pressure.
In a strongly worded statement, Blamo warned that recent developments along the border are not isolated, but reflect a troubling pattern reminiscent of 19th-century territorial encroachments imposed during the colonial era.
He argued that any attempt direct or indirect to alter Liberia’s internationally recognized boundaries undermines not only Liberia’s sovereignty but also the broader framework of international law governing state borders.
“Liberia is a sovereign republic, not a colony,” Blamo declared. “Any effort to redraw our borders through coercion, intimidation, or military signaling is unacceptable and will be challenged within every available international legal instrument.”
The Liberian cleric-turned politician also claim that Guinea’s posture in contested areas is being reinforced by calculated displays of force, warning that even perceived military positioning risks inflaming tensions in already fragile border communities.
Rev. Blamo described the situation as “a defining test of Liberia’s sovereignty,” cautioning that a weak or delayed response could embolden further encroachments.
In a significant escalation of his remarks, Blamo also directed sharp criticism at Liberian President Boakai, saying that his administration is failing to respond with the urgency and clarity the situation demands.
According to Blamo, the Unity Party-led government has been “largely silent” in the face of mounting tensions, a stance he characterized as both troubling and dangerous.
“Silence in the face of potential territorial threats is not diplomacy it is negligence,” Blamo asserted. “The government must not appear indifferent while questions of national sovereignty are being raised. Leadership requires decisive action, not passive observation.”
Ignoring of early warning signs
The Liberian cleric further accused the administration of ignoring early warning signs and failing to reassure citizens, particularly those living in border communities who may be directly affected by any escalation.
Adding a controversial dimension to the dispute, Blamo argued that Liberia not Guinea has legitimate historical grievances.
He claimed that several resource-rich areas currently administered by Guinea were originally part of Liberian territory but were lost under unequal colonial arrangements.
“Justice must be consistent,” he stated.
“If history is to be invoked, then it must be reviewed honestly and comprehensively not selectively.”
While such claims remain disputed and unverified by independent boundary authorities, they introduce a new layer of complexity to an already sensitive geopolitical issue.
Citizens Action Committee preparing petition
Meanwhile, Rev. Blamo has announced that the Citizens Action Committee is in the final stages of preparing a formal petition to the United Nations Security Council.
The move signals a strategic effort to elevate the matter from a bilateral disagreement to an issue of international concern.
According to him, the petition will:
Accuse President Doumbouya of actions inconsistent with established border agreements and international law calls for an independent, internationally supervised review of the disputed boundary