CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – The House of Representatives has mandated its joint committee on National Security, Internal Affairs, and Judiciary to investigate a significant influx of Burkinabe nationals into the Liberian forests in counties bordering Ivory Coast.
By Yaway Jaivey
The counties include Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Maryland.
The mandate came after a communication was brought to the House’s attention, highlighting potential threats to national security and social stability.
The decision by the House’s plenary was sparked by a communication from Rep. Anthony F. Williams, chairperson of the House’s Committee on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Environment, and Representative of Pleebo Sodoken, (Electoral District #2, Maryland County.)
In his communication, Rep. Williams disclosed that during a tour of the southeastern region of Liberia, he received numerous complaints from citizens about the increased presence of illegal Burkinabe immigrants.
These immigrants, he said, have reportedly been engaging in various activities, such as farming, mining, hunting, and pit sawing without proper documentation, raising alarms about potential security and social issues.
Rep. William emphasized that considering the historical context of the involvement of Burkinabe nationals in past Liberian civil unrest adds to the gravity of the situation and must be a critical concern of the relevant government institutions.
The Maryland County Lawmaker noted that the situation borders on security, adding that the unchecked movement of individuals across borders poses significant challenges to national security.
He added that the lack of proper documentation and border control could facilitate smuggling of contraband, including drugs and weapons, and human trafficking.
He divulged that the prevailing situation is causing social cohesion and tensions, especially with large-scale illegal immigration straining social cohesion, thus leading to tensions between local residents and immigrants over resources, jobs, and public services.
“This can result in xenophobia and discrimination, undermining social stability”, Rep. Williams said.
Commenting on the economic impact of the influx of the Burkinabe nationals, Rep. Williams alleged that while some illegal immigrants are contributing to the economy through labor, many work in the informal sector and are avoiding taxes and labor regulations, noting that the situation is straining public services such as healthcare, education, and housing, affecting citizens and legal residents.
Continuing, Rep. Williams added through his communication, “The infiltration of individuals with malicious intent, including terrorists and criminals, is a significant concern. Weak border controls can allow such individuals to enter undetected, posing serious security threats”.
He said the unregulated immigration is posing health risks due to the lack of health screenings and vaccinations, potentially leading to the spread of diseases.
“While security is crucial, it is essential to balance it with humanitarian considerations. Some immigrants flee violence, persecution, or poverty, necessitating a compassionate approach alongside security measures”, he noted.
Call for Immediate Action
Rep. Williams highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent social unrest and potential xenophobic reactions. He pointed out that citizens accuse the Burkinabe immigrants of illegal land encroachment and settling in forest areas along the Ivorian-Liberian border.
The Chairperson of the House’s Committee on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Environment said the limited resources available for effective border protection underscore the need for collaborative efforts to handle this matter.
In his appeal to the House, Rep. Williams requested the indulgence of the body to invite the heads of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (ERC), the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the National Security Advisor to the President.
These officials are to provide strategies and plans for curbing the influx of illegal immigrants and addressing the associated security threats.
Following the reading of the communication and a brief deliberation, plenary, the highest decision-making body of the House, voted to forward the communication to the Joint Committee National Security, Internal Affairs and Judiciary to report two weeks upon the House’s return from the ‘July 26’ break.
