By: Ben T. C. Brooks| River Gee County Correspondent
River Gee County – Wednesday, May 28, 2025 – The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), alongwith local county officials, has initiated a registration process for individuals believed to be migrants from Burkina Faso living in River Gee and Grand Gedeh Counties.
LIS commanders, Peter M. Vanyanbah of River Gee and Alex Kpakolo of Grand Gedeh told reporters in separate interviews that the primary objective of the initiative is to document the status of these individuals and ensure their monitoring within those parts of Liberia.
The two commanders noted that all borders to Burkinabe nationals in River Gee and Grand Gedeh will remain closed until the registration is completed and further directives are issued.
Reports suggest that numerous Burkinabeés have entered Liberia, particularly in River Gee and Grand Gedeh without proper documentation.
They are reportedly engaging in activities such as exploiting community forests and concession areas for farming and hunting.
The LIS officials stressed that the registration effort is crucial for managing the influx of citizens of the West African nation to allow them obtain accurate accounts of their presence in the region and across Liberia.
At the end of the exercise, eligible individuals will receive a one-year renewable residence permit, according to governmental sources.
River Gee and Grand Gedeh Counties, which border Côte d’Ivoire, have seen an uptake in undocumented migrants, prompting the government to verify these entries, collect precise data, and issue legal documents to those wishing to reside in Liberia legally.
Additionally, Superintendents Milk Swengbe of River Gee and Alex Grant of Grand Gedeh have called on local leaders to report any Burkinabe nationals in their communities for proper documentation.
Community leaders, particularly farmers, have shown support for the government’s initiative, expressing their commitment to contribute to the country’s economic stability and future prosperity.
River Gee and Grand Gedeh share common boundary within the southeastern region of the country. River Gee was a part of Grand Gedeh from 1964, but was given county status in 2000 during the regime of former Liberian President, Charles Taylor.
Edited: by Esau J. Farr |Sub-Editor
