A senior opposition figure has warned that unresolved mining disputes and reports of foreign troop presence along the Makona River could push Liberia toward instability, calling for an urgent investigation and decisive government action to avert what he described as a looming national crisis.
Alvin C. Wesseh of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) raised the alarm during a live interview with The Liberian Investigator on Saturday, March 28, accusing key national actors of fueling tensions through inaction and poor oversight.
"I take this occasion to categorically condemn the President of the Republic of Liberia, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai. I also strongly condemn Mr. Thomas P. Fallah and Mr. Francis S. Nyumalin Sr. These three individuals are, in my view, key actors whose actions are contributing to Liberia's drift toward premature civil unrest and a potential national crisis," Wesseh said.
His remarks come amid rising tensions along the Liberia-Guinea border, where disputed mining activities near the Makona River have heightened fears of cross-border conflict.
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Wesseh said resolving the situation requires identifying those behind the mining activities, including ownership of equipment and authorization for the operations.
"Who owns the equipment being used? Who initiated the mining activities? Who is responsible for what appears to be an unlawful and exploitative operation?" he asked.
He warned that the absence of accountability suggests that "the reckless and reprehensible interests of a few politically and economically driven actors" are being placed above the national interest.
"It must not be allowed that the greed of a few individuals pushes Liberia toward premature conflict. Liberians will not follow any group or individuals down a path that leads to instability and war," he said.
"We are deeply concerned about actions that are pushing Liberia's fragile peace toward chaos and threatening to drag our democracy into national and regional insecurity. This situation is unacceptable."
Wesseh also pointed to reports of Guinean military forces encroaching on Liberian territory, describing the situation as a serious threat to national sovereignty.
"We are particularly concerned about the reported presence and actions of the Guinean army. We call for immediate and peaceful intervention to ensure that all foreign military forces withdraw and return to their own territory, in accordance with respect for national sovereignty," he said.
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The CDC figure further questioned the leadership of President Boakai, arguing that failure to address the situation undermines public confidence.
"In our view, he is no longer prepared to effectively serve as president," Wesseh said.
"When a government allows actions that undermine national sovereignty -- whether through external intrusion or internal failure to act -- it risks losing its legitimacy. Any situation in which the integrity, dignity and territorial authority of a nation are compromised raises serious concerns about leadership and governance."
Wesseh urged the government to launch a transparent investigation into the Makona River mining activities, hold those responsible accountable, and take swift diplomatic and security measures to de-escalate tensions.
"The government must conduct an immediate and transparent investigation, identify and hold accountable all individuals and entities responsible, and ensure the protection of Liberian citizens and territorial integrity," he said.
He stressed that amid economic hardship and insecurity, leadership must demonstrate responsiveness and accountability.
Wesseh called for leadership grounded in transparency, unity and national interest.
"The people of Liberia deserve protection, transparency and responsible governance. Their voices must be heard, and their concerns must be addressed with urgency," he said.
