By: Rocheford T. Gardiner | Contributing Writer
Monrovia, Liberia |March 13, 2026|Following days of unprovoked incursions and military posturing by units of the renegade-like Guinean army in Solumpah, Foya District, Lofa County, the Liberian government has finally dispatched reinforcements to the area. Wednesday, March 12, saw the arrival of elite Police and Immigration units.
Despite diplomatic efforts by Liberia to mitigate tensions and the well-established fact that the town belongs to Liberia, the Guinean army returned with heavy arms and increased personnel on March 10. This followed an initial confrontation where they were chased off by local youths, women, and elderly men wielding cutlasses, sticks, and a couple single-barrel hunting guns. During the second incursion, 44-year-old Edward Lebbie was reportedly shot in the knee; he is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Foya City.
Liberia’s Military Deterrence
The Liberian government initially sought a diplomatic resolution—a move that sat poorly with many citizens, particularly the people of Foya District. These civilians risked their lives to face off against the Guinean soldiers, who are noted for their brutality against their own people and their reputation during their time with the West African Peacekeeping Force (ECOMOG) in Liberia.
However, adopting a defensive military posture, the government first dispatched elite police units, followed by several squads of the Joint Border Patrol Guards. Latest reports indicate that the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) are prepared to deploy if the situation escalates.
The Strategy
Guinea is known for its Soviet-style “demolition” tactics—pounding the opposing side with heavy artillery barrages. While the sound of such explosions can be daunting, the primary countermeasure is “cover.”
Liberia does not maintain a massive standing army, but instead combines several highly trained elite units to create a formidable force. On top of that, Liberia still boasts of 70,000 war veterans who are battle-tested and combat ready.
By reinforcing the area with paramilitary units first, the government is signaling a clear message: “We do not need our primary army to handle a minor display of ignorance from unprofessional soldiers like you.”
The Guinean army may be larger and possess heavy (though imprecise) 106mm and 210mm guns, but questions remain regarding their ammunition reserves and the functionality of their aging tanks in the dense jungles of Lofa. Furthermore, they lack the proven ability to conduct rapid amphibious landings across the Makona River. In Liberia’s favor is the terrain: the uphill vantage point provides a clear view of the river and Guinean outposts, rendering the opposition “sitting ducks” despite the tree cover.
Disregard for International Law
The aggressive stance of Guinea under its military-turned-civilian leader, Mamady Doumbouya—who benefited in part from the Liberian education system—highlights a lack of professionalism and a flagrant disregard for sub-regional and international laws.
In addition to guiding Guinea toward independence when it faced harsh treatment from France, their colonial lord, Liberia is a founding member of major organizations including the UN, the AU (formerly OAU), ECOWAS, and the MRU. Historically, Liberia has played a leading role in mediating disputes between Guinea and its neighbors, Ivory Coast and Senegal.
Historical Flashback: Liberia’s Role as Mediator
History reminds us of Liberia’s diplomatic weight. Between March and June 1978, the reputation of President William R. Tolbert Jr. as a peacemaker was globally acclaimed. Subscribing to conciliation, Tolbert succeeded at the historic Monrovia Summit in restoring brotherly relations between Guinea and Senegal on the one hand, and Guinea and the Ivory Coast on the other. Apparently, the young lad Doumbouya knows nothing about this
That President Doumbouya would turn on sisterly neighbors like Sierra Leone and Liberia exhibits a disappointing lack of historical wisdom.
The Way Forward
While diplomacy remains the preferred first option, Sierra Leone and Liberia must recognize the dangers of a living near neighbor – led by a power – drunk maniac, who believes that “might is right.” Such an unwholesome attitude has no place in the “African Renaissance Dream.” Both countries must now forge greater security alliances and corporations and strengthen their self-reliance to protect their borders and their people.
