-Irregular Migration Tops Agenda

Held on 2nd June 2026, the one-day joint security meeting was attended by stakeholders from both Liberia and the Côte d’Ivoire.

It was held at the Pékán-Barrage Border Post in Côte d’Ivoire, bringing together security personnel, local authorities, youth representatives, and community members from both countries to assess the socio security situation along the Toulepleu-Zwedru border corridor during the first half of 2026.

 The joint security meeting was held at time Liberia is confronted with growing concerns over border security, alleged harassment of Liberian officials, and increasing irregular migration into Liberia.

‎Several Liberian representatives voiced strong concerns over what they described as the facilitation of irregular migration into Liberia through Ivorian territory.

‎Philip Nagbe, a Liberian border security officer, alleged that some Ivorian commercial motorcyclists provide transportation and identification materials to foreign nationals from countries including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana before they reach the Liberian border.

‎Concerns were also raised about the treatment of Liberian officials operating across the border. Jerry Banto, a Commerce Inspector assigned at the B’hai Border, accused some Ivorian security officers of showing disrespect toward Liberian authorities.

‎According to Banto, Liberian officials routinely extend professional courtesy to their Ivorian counterparts, but often receive hostile treatment when conducting official duties in Côte d’Ivoire.

‎Meanwhile, Joint Security Chairman of the B’hai Border, Carton Payleh, warned that unauthorized border crossings by some foreign nationals, particularly Burkinabés, pose a serious security threat.

‎Payleh stressed that individuals found entering Liberia through illegal routes would face arrest, along with the confiscation of any goods in their possession.

‎there are also reports that some Ivorian security officers allegedly collect unofficial fees from travelers seeking to cross the border into Liberia.

‎‎Representatives from Côte d’Ivoire acknowledged that challenges exist on both sides of the border. Youth representative Karmayee of Toulepleu noted that Ivorian motorcyclists also experience difficulties when entering Liberia and called for increased intervention by the Mano River Union.

Responding to the concerns, MRU Regional Coordinator Bohi Nazére assured participants that all issues raised during the meeting would be documented and further discussed at the next joint session scheduled to take place in Liberia in July 2026.

‎The meeting concluded with calls for stronger cooperation, improved border management, and enhanced security measures aimed at preserving peace and stability within cross border communities.