Liberia Lawmaker Rejects Calls to Expel Colleague Over Controversial Border Remarks
Monrovia, March 26 — A Liberian lawmaker has publicly opposed efforts to expel a fellow legislator following inflammatory remarks about a disputed border region, calling instead for dialogue and due process amid rising tensions.
Rep. Josiah Marvin Cole of Bong County District 3 dismissed demands to remove Rep. Yekeh Kolubah from the legislature, arguing that punitive action should not precede a fair hearing. His comments come after Kolubah claimed that the contested Sorluma area in Lofa County belongs to Guinea, urging Guineans to “come and take their land.”
The remarks, made in response to President Joseph Boakai’s insistence that Liberia maintain control of the territory, have sparked outrage and fueled debate over national sovereignty.
Due Process Over Expulsion
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Cole emphasized that Kolubah must be given a chance to clarify his statements before facing disciplinary measures.
“Let him appear so he can clearly explain his remarks,” Cole stated. “I will not be part of any effort to expel our colleague.”
He doubled down on his position, adding, “If Yekeh Kolubah were to appear here, I would never participate in expelling him. I want to make that very clear.”
The dispute centers on Sorluma, a flashpoint along Liberia’s border with Guinea, where territorial claims have long been a source of friction. President Boakai recently reaffirmed Liberia’s stance, declaring during a demolition exercise that “God is not making new land,” signaling no concessions to neighboring Guinea.
Calls for Broader Government Engagement
Rather than focusing on Kolubah’s expulsion, Cole urged lawmakers to seek clarity from key government officials, including the ministers of Justice, Internal Affairs, National Defense, and Foreign Affairs.
“These individuals should be invited to provide firsthand information,” Cole said. “They operate within the security apparatus and can inform us about what is truly happening.”
He warned against diverting attention from the escalating border crisis, describing the situation in Lofa County as “concerning and even frightening.” Liberia shares a sensitive border with Guinea, and tensions over land disputes have periodically flared in recent years.
A Plea for Restraint
Cole expressed disappointment over the push to remove Kolubah, arguing that Liberia faces more pressing challenges.
“I am disappointed to hear this, especially at a time when the country is facing serious challenges,” he said. “The focus should be on resolving the border issue, not internal political battles.”
He revealed that he had privately lobbied colleagues to drop calls for expulsion, calling such efforts “misplaced” given the gravity of the border dispute.
Demand for Fact-Based Resolution
The lawmaker stressed that statements from both the president and other stakeholders must be carefully examined before any action is taken.
“We should take seriously the statements made by the President of Liberia, as well as others involved,” Cole said. “These issues warrant a thorough investigation.”
His appeal for restraint highlights the delicate balance between political accountability and national stability as Liberia navigates a contentious territorial dispute with its neighbor.
— Reported by Nexio News
