“Drastic Punishment Awaits Unauthorized Guardians of Foreign Nationals in River Gee”

By Ben TC Brooks 

Fish Town, River Gee County – [August 1, 2025] –The Superintendent of River Gee County Mike T. Swengbe says his administration is ready to punish anyone found hosting foreign nationals, mainly Bourkinabes without permits or authorization. He spoke to reporters recently in Fish Town.

“I want to clarify that I, Mike T. Swengbe, have no issue with foreign nationals in our county. What we want is for them to obtain the necessary documentation from Liberian authorities. Those without work permits should be barred from engaging in farming activities on our land,” Superintendent Swengbe said during a visit in Potupo Jayproken to confront illegal activities of the Burkinabes.

The Superintendent said his action is in response to increasing concerns from local residents and authorities about the unregulated actions of Burkinabe nationals within the county, saying he remains committed to maintaining law and order in River Gee.

He emphasized that these unauthorized activities pose a threat not only to the local economy but also to the safety and security of the community. “We cannot allow these illegal actions by Burkinabes to undermine the efforts and livelihoods of our people,” he stated.

He acknowledged that while the Liberian government has permitted the registration of Burkinabes, the country’s forests or agricultural lands requires the appropriate work permits. The Superintendent noted that those without work permits should be barred from engaging in farming activities in the county.

Swengbe emphasized that those who host Burkinabes in their communities without confirming they possess work permits, they could face legal repercussions for facilitating unauthorized work, particularly in cocoa farming and other agricultural sectors.

In a show of readiness, the superintendent recently ordered the arrest of Clan Chief Johnny K. Nowinine for allegedly supporting the illegal activities of Burkinabes in Potupo District; but was subsequently released after handing them over to the county authorities.

He said the intervention is a response to multiple complaints from locals regarding the adverse effects of the illegal activities of Bourkinabes on their environment and daily lives. Reports indicate that Burkinabe nationals have been engaged in operations without proper permits, leading to disorder and potential resource exploitation in River Gee County.

Most community leaders have voiced their support for Superintendent Swengbe’s actions, stressing the need to protect their land and resources from illegal exploitation. Local chief Mark Sampson of Nyantianbo Wissitoken remarked, “We support the superintendent’s decision. It is critical for the future of our communities that we uphold the law and ensure fair practices for everyone.”

In the coming days, Swengbe plans to work closely with law enforcement to investigate further and establish stricter regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the county. His proactive measures, according to him aim to foster a safer and more sustainable environment for the residents of River Gee.

Meanwhile, Commander Peter Vahamba of the Liberia Immigration Service’s River Gee County detachment confirmed that the registration of Burkinabes in the county has ended base on deadline, but did not reveal the number of registrants, citing his lack of authority to disclose the information. Sources, however, indicate that more than 5,000 Burkinabes have been recorded in River Gee County.

As local government navigates these challenges, residents express hope that Superintendent Swengbe’s efforts will restore order and protect their natural resources from illegal exploitation.