Senate Probes Influx of Burkinabes --Records 78,000 in Liberia

The Liberian Senate Joint Committee on Security and Internal Affairs, headed by Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus, has launched an investigation into the increasing and reportedly illegal influx of Burkinabe nationals into the country. According to the committee’s preliminary findings, over 78,000 Burkinabes are currently residing in Liberia, prompting serious national security and territorial integrity concerns. 

During Thursday’s session of the Liberian Senate, Senator Cyrus briefed the plenary on the situation, revealing that the Joint Committee comprising the Committees on Security, Internal Affairs, and related institutions had agreed to take urgent measures to address the issue. He emphasized that the matter was not just an immigration concern but one with broader implications for national security, land management, and internal stability. 

Senator Cyrus disclosed that the committee has reached out to several key government agencies, including the Liberia Immigration Service, the Liberia Land Authority, and the Forestry Development Authority. These institutions have been summoned to appear before the Senate Joint Committee on November 20 for a comprehensive hearing to determine the causes, implications, and possible solutions to the influx. “We have realized that this situation requires immediate attention,” Senator Cyrus said. 

“We decided to communicate with all superintendents of the southeastern counties, as well as the relevant national institutions, so we can understand and begin to determine what can be done to stop the continual entry of Burkinabes into Liberia.” The Senator further explained that the issue extends beyond the southeastern region of the country, where the initial reports of Burkinabe settlement began. “My colleagues will be interested to know that the Burkinabes are going beyond the southeastern counties. They are already in other regions it’s getting serious,” he warned. 

Cyrus recounted a recent conversation with the Commissioner of the Liberia Immigration Service, who confirmed that over 78,000 Burkinabes have been documented within Liberian territory. He expressed concern that the influx has continued unabated, stressing the need for a “permanent solution” to the situation. The Senate Committee’s inquiry coincides with ongoing consultations surrounding Liberia’s new National Security Strategy, a framework designed to strengthen the nation’s internal defense mechanisms. 

Senator Cyrus noted that during county-level consultations on the strategy, the “Burkinabe issue” was raised consistently as one of the most pressing threats to local security and stability. “Everywhere we went to consult with the people in terms of the National Security Strategy, the Burkinabe issue came up,” the Lofa County Senator stated. 

“It is a serious issue, and we are glad to have this assignment to address it.” The upcoming hearing next Tuesday is expected to feature testimonies from relevant authorities, as the Senate seeks to develop coordinated measures to manage immigration and protect Liberia’s borders. A full report on the findings and recommendations of the Joint Committee will be presented to the Senate following the hearing.

Author: Zac T. Sherman