Wants Citizens To Allow Dialogue And Diplomacy To Reign, Saying His Gov’t Decision To Dialogue Is Not From A Position Of Weakness

PHOTO: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai

By K. Ericson Sayee, Contributing Writer

Monrovia, March 18, 2026—Liberian President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. has called on Liberian citizens, particularly those residing in the Liberia–Guinea border to transmit verified information instead of spreading unverified information or rumors that could create unnecessary panic to the population.

In a first radio and television broadcast to the nation this evening (Wednesday, March 18, 2026) since the border tensions flared up recently, President Boakai, spoke of a significant support from citizens as the country continues handle the situation at the Sorlumba area, which is shared with Guinea.

He said: “My fellow Liberians, while we understand and are encouraged by the deep demonstration of patriotism and unity, I call upon all citizens, especially those residing in border communities, to remain calm and law-abiding”.

“I also urge our people to avoid spreading unverified information or rumors that may cause unnecessary anxiety. Let us allow our security institutions and diplomatic channels to do their work”, Pres. Boakai added.

The Liberian Chief Executive disclosed that Liberia is a peaceful nation, and the peace the country enjoys today is the result of our collective sacrifice, reconciliation, and the determination to reverse the past after many years of hardship.

According to him, the peace that Liberians are enjoying is precious, and his government will do everything within its power to protect and preserve it. He urged citizens to remain confident, remain united, and remain committed to the values that define Liberians as a nation.

Addressing the situation along the Liberia–Guinea borders as President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, he says it is incumbent upon him to keep the Liberian people informed and to assure them that the peace and security of the nation remains his top priorities.

About the recent concerns that have emerged as a result of developments along parts of Liberia’s shared border in the Sorlumba area, Foyah District, Lofa County, the President recognized that these developments have understandably attracted not only the attention of our citizens living in our border communities, but have also been very sensitive to the opinion of the wider Liberian public.

He then assured the Liberian people that their government has been fully engaged and is responsibly managing the situation with calm and determination.

From the very outset, he disclosed, the Government of Liberia took immediate steps to de-escalate the situation by addressing it through peaceful and diplomatic means, noting that the government has engaged directly with the Government of Guinea through established diplomatic channels.

In addition, Boakai says they have worked closely with Liberia’s sister Republic of Sierra Leone, within the framework of the Mano River Union, to ensure that dialogue and cooperation guide the regional actions.

Following these engagements, the Head of State alerted that leaders of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone have reaffirmed their collective commitment to peace and stability along their shared borders.He continued that through this understanding, all parties have agreed to work toward restoring the status quo and ensuring that our border communities continue to live in peace and uphold mutual respect and trust.

Based upon the reaffirmation of a peaceful and cordial resolution, Pres. Boakai unveiled: “I am encouraged that the Government of Guinea has issued instructions for its forces to return to their previous positions along the border. This is an important step toward de-escalation and demonstrates a shared recognition that peace and stability must always guide our actions”.

At the same time, he divulged that the Liberian security institutions, including the Armed Forces of Liberia, the Liberia National Police, and other joint security agencies, remain vigilant and professional in carrying out their duties,  working closely with local authorities and communities to maintain calm while diplomatic efforts continue.

He expressed his appreciation to Liberia’s regional and international partners who have reached out in recent days to encourage restraint and peaceful engagement, stating that friends of Liberia across Africa and around the world, including leaders within the Economic Community of West African States, the AU, and other international partners, have conveyed their support for a peaceful resolution of the situation.

According to the Liberian leader, their messages of encouragement and solidarity reaffirm Liberia’s standing in the community of nations and strengthen the nation’s collective resolve to pursue diplomacy and dialogue. He denounced those labelling Liberia’s diplomatic channel as weak in posture in handling the situation.

“Let me be clear to every Liberian: Our pursuit of a peaceful resolution is not a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of strength. It is easy to fight, break down, and destroy. As our own journey has taught us, it is more difficult to recover and build”, he averred. “That is why the Government is exploring every available avenue to resolve this matter peacefully”.

He continued : “We will continue to rely on diplomacy, dialogue, and the mechanisms of regional cooperation to ensure that this issue is addressed responsibly and without conflict”.

The President says Liberia has always been a nation that stands firmly for peace. Throughout our history, he added Liberians have maintained cordial relations with their neighbors and have consistently chosen cooperation over confrontation, as people of the three border countries share deep cultural, family, and economic ties that must always be preserved.

He further expressed that Liberia has not only maintained peace within its own borders but has also played a significant role in helping to bring peace to other nations.

From Liberia’s contributions to regional peace initiatives to our active participation in international peacekeeping missions, Liberia has demonstrated that it believes strongly in peaceful solutions to disputes.

He asserted: “Today, as we manage this situation, we remain guided by those same principles”.