By: Mellish Gbor, Nimba D-9 TV Regional Coordinator

Grand Gedeh, Liberia: In a distressing turn of events, Burkinabé nationals residing in Grand Gedeh County, Liberia, are raising urgent alarms over increasing harassment and mistreatment by individuals claiming to be state security personnel. The growing crisis has compelled them to call on the Liberian government, through the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), for immediate intervention and protection.

Reports from the Burkinabé community reveal a troubling pattern of abuse. Victims describe encounters with unidentified men who, although not officially recognized as state security, have subjected them to harassment, intimidation, and various forms of mistreatment. These troubling incidents have escalated fears among the Burkinabés, prompting a call for government intervention to ensure their safety and freedom from such threats.

The community’s appeals are not merely for protection but also recognition. They are urging the Liberian government to officially identify them and grant them the freedom to move without fear of reprisal. This plea is underscored by their desperate situation—many have fled conflict and persecution in their homeland and are now seeking refuge in a country they hoped would provide them with sanctuary.

Patrick Wozie, the head of the LRRRC, has expressed deep concern about the situation. He emphasized that the commission is actively working to address the issue and mitigate the risks faced by the Burkinabés. Wozie reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to its international obligations, referencing the country’s adherence to the 1951 Geneva Convention on the status of refugees and the 1969 Addis Ababa Convention, which are designed to protect individuals fleeing conflict and persecution.

Liberia’s role as a signatory to these conventions underscores its responsibility to provide a haven for refugees. The LRRRC, in collaboration with other stakeholders, is expected to uphold these principles and ensure that those seeking refuge are not subjected to additional suffering.

The crisis in Grand Gedeh County is part of a broader trend. Hundreds of Burkinabé nationals, including many women, have been flocking to the LRRRC’s Grand Gedeh County office to seek asylum. The southeastern region of Liberia is currently home to an estimated 40,000 Burkinabés, with approximately 23,000 residing in Grand Gedeh alone. This significant influx has placed additional strain on local resources and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support and protection.

In response to the escalating crisis, the LRRRC recently organized a one-day stakeholder dialogue in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The dialogue aimed to address the issue of undocumented migrants and develop strategies for their support and protection. However, the outcomes of this meeting remain a concern, and many Burkinabés continue to face uncertainty and fear.

The situation in Grand Gedeh highlights a critical juncture for both local and international actors involved in refugee protection. As the Burkinabé community calls for immediate government action and international support, the need for a coordinated response becomes ever more apparent. Ensuring the safety and well-being of these refugees is not only a legal obligation but a humanitarian imperative.

In the coming days, the actions taken by the LRRRC and its partners will be closely watched. The international community and Liberian authorities must work together to address the current crisis and prevent further harm to those seeking refuge from conflict and persecution.

For now, the Burkinabés in Grand Gedeh hold on to hope that their cries for help will be heard and that their calls for protection will be met with swift and decisive action.