Guinea and Liberia Clash Over Disputed Solumba Border at ECOWAS Parliament
May 12, 2026
Tensions flared at the ECOWAS Parliament this week as Guinea and Liberia locked horns over the disputed Solumba border area, with Guinean officials asserting their sovereignty and Liberian lawmakers demanding answers.
Dr. Dansa Kourouma, Guinea’s representative to the ECOWAS Parliament and Speaker of Guinea’s National Transitional Council, took a defiant stance during debates on Tuesday, May 12. He declared that Guinea would “protect” the Solumba area, which Liberia claims as its own.
The dispute came to light when Senator Edwin M. Snowe, head of Liberia’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, questioned why Guinean troops remain stationed in what he described as Liberian territory. “I asked the Guinean representative: a few months ago, you came on our land. When are you leaving?” Snowe recounted.
In response, Dr. Kourouma reportedly asserted Guinea’s ownership of the land and vowed to safeguard it. According to Snowe, the Guinean lawmaker also referenced Liberia’s civil conflict, accusing Liberians of killing Guineans both inside and outside Liberia’s borders.
The exchange, delivered in French and later translated, underscored longstanding tensions between the two West African neighbors. Snowe expressed frustration over the inclusion of the border dispute in the ECOWAS debate, noting its absence from Liberia’s formal report to the regional body.
As head of Liberia’s delegation, Snowe took responsibility for the omission. He explained that the report, prepared by desk officer Benedict Roberts, primarily focuses on national developments rather than contentious legislative issues. “We rely on a non-partisan professional to draft the report,” Snowe said. “The Solumba border dispute and other sensitive matters were left out to avoid escalating tensions.”
However, the decision to exclude the border issue drew criticism. A Nigerian representative reportedly expressed disappointment, recalling how the dispute nearly sparked regional conflict in the past. “The region nearly slid into conflict when Liberia previously raised this issue,” the Nigerian official noted.
Snowe also addressed public concerns about the omission of Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah’s case from the report. He acknowledged divided views within Liberia’s delegation on the Kolubah matter, which centers on internal legislative politics.
“As head of the delegation, I take full responsibility for the report. We did not mention the matter of Yekeh,” Snowe said. “We have to give the Legislature the space and flexibility to do its job. When you mention it, you’re criticized; when you don’t, it’s still a problem.”
Snowe emphasized the challenges of navigating sensitive issues in a polarized political climate. He revealed that his previous comments on the Liberian speakership saga had sparked backlash, with calls for his removal from the delegation.
The Solumba border dispute dates back decades, with both Guinea and Liberia laying claim to the resource-rich area. The latest escalation highlights the fragility of regional relations and the complexities of resolving long-standing territorial conflicts.
As the ECOWAS Parliament continues its deliberations, stakeholders are urging both nations to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy. The lingering tensions underscore the need for a peaceful resolution to prevent further instability in the region.
— Reported by Nexio News
