More than 70% of Liberia's borders reported unsafe
Liberia’s Immigration Service (LIS) has revealed that 130 of the country’s border points are vulnerable.
The country has 176 border points in total and shares borders with multiple countries including Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Cote d’Ivoire.
Commissioner General Atty. Stephen J.H. Zargo explained during a press briefing in Monrovia that only 46 out of the country’s 176 border points are safe.
According to Zargo, most of these border points are isolated with dense forests and remote areas, making them unreachable to LIS Delta Patrol Units.
As a result, cross-border movements of people and goods are difficult, and the monitoring of illegal activities including trafficking and smuggling is challenging.
The New Dawn Liberia reports that challenges with equipment and personnel have also contributed to the inability of the LIS to perform its responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the former County Senator for Lofa has indicated that requests for a drone have been made to assist with patrol in these areas. , which will be deplored in these areas for border safety purposes to combat the illegal activities through these porous borders and significant cross-border issues in Liberia.