Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai says he believes Guinean President General Mamady Doumbouya is beginning to change his perception about Liberia as both countries continue diplomatic efforts to address growing tension along the Liberia-Guinea border.
Speaking during an interview with France 24 while attending the Africa Forum in Kenya, President Boakai disclosed details of his recent discussions with the Guinean leader concerning the border dispute that has recently sparked concern among residents in Lofa County and other parts of Liberia.
According to President Boakai, his interaction with General Doumbouya reflected signs of improving understanding and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, despite ongoing reports that Guinean soldiers are still present in disputed border areas.
“I think the President of Guinea is beginning to know that we are good neighbours. We are family people, and I think his thinking is changing,” President Boakai stated during the interview with France 24.
The Liberian leader stressed that his administration remains focused on diplomacy and peaceful engagement as the government works to prevent further escalation of the situation. He emphasized that Liberia and Guinea have shared longstanding historical and cultural ties over the years, which he believes should guide both nations toward resolving the matter peacefully.
“Tension does not disappear in a day, but we are doing everything to show him that we are good neighbours,” President Boakai explained. “We have been working together for years, and we can continue to do that.”
President Boakai revealed that the border situation was among the first issues raised during his meeting with General Doumbouya on the sidelines of the Africa Forum in Kenya. According to him, the Guinean President directly asked about conditions at the border and appeared interested in understanding developments surrounding the dispute.
“The President of Guinea’s first question to me during the event in Kenya was, ‘How is the border situation?’ and I told him things are getting under control,” Boakai said.
The Liberian President also described his personal interaction with General Doumbouya as respectful and open. He disclosed that he referred to the Guinean leader as his “nephew,” a gesture he said reflected the spirit of family and cooperation he hopes both countries can maintain while addressing the issue.
“Mamady Doumbouya and I talked, and I called him my nephew,” President Boakai said. “I said, ‘Today you will be seeing me,’ and he said, ‘The doors are open.’”
The border tension between Liberia and Guinea reportedly began after allegations emerged that Guinean soldiers crossed into a disputed area near the Liberia-Guinea border in Lofa County, particularly around the Foya District. Local residents and authorities claimed that Guinean troops entered the area, interrupted road construction activities, seized equipment, and allegedly removed a Liberian flag from the disputed territory.
The incident triggered public concern across Liberia, with many citizens calling on the government to protect the country’s territorial integrity while continuing diplomatic discussions with Guinea. Despite assurances from President Boakai that the situation is gradually coming under control, reports from communities near the border continue to indicate that Guinean soldiers remain visible in some parts of the disputed area.
The Liberian government has repeatedly maintained that it prefers peaceful dialogue rather than confrontation in resolving the matter. Authorities in Monrovia continue diplomatic engagements with Conakry as regional leaders and stakeholders within West Africa encourage both countries to maintain calm and pursue a peaceful settlement.
