By Stephanie M. Duncan
Monrovia – Apparently troubled by the unceasing and increasing influx of nationals of Burkina Faso totaling 80,000, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has expressed serious concern over the the situation, warning that the situation poses risks to national security and public health.
Influx of undocumented Burkinabees into Liberia spans the administrations of former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah, both of which that tried to bring the situation under control.
The President, speaking during the 20th Cabinet meeting Thursday, disclosed that the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) reported that more than 80,000 Burkinabees have reportedly entered Grand Gedeh County from Burkina Faso without proper documentation.
The Liberian leader said the growing movement of undocumented foreigners into the country is becoming alarming, especially amid ongoing public health concerns across parts of Africa.
“With the issue of public health now, it’s very risky for people to be trooping in the country undocumented,” President Boakai stated during the meeting.
According to the President, some of the undocumented migrants are allegedly engaging in illegal activities that could undermine Liberia’s development efforts and national stability.
He stressed the need for the government to urgently address the situation and strengthen border monitoring mechanisms to prevent illegal entry into the country.
President Boakai further emphasized that the issue requires immediate national attention, particularly in light of reports of Ebola outbreaks in some African countries, noting that uncontrolled border crossings could expose Liberia to potential health threats.
The President also instructed the Minister of Health to inform the public about Liberia’s level of preparedness to combat Ebola, despite reports that the virus has not entered Liberia.
He called on relevant government institutions and security agencies to work collaboratively in addressing the matter and ensuring that Liberia’s borders remain secure.
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