Monrovia, Liberia — Montserrado County District 15 Representative aspirant Rev. Philip S. Blamo has called on the United States Government to provide military and diplomatic support to assist Liberia in addressing the ongoing border dispute with neighboring Guinea.
In his appeal, Rev. Blamo expressed concern over reports of unauthorized incursions and rising tensions along the Liberia–Guinea border, particularly in Lofa County. He said the situation highlights the need for stronger national defense capabilities and greater international cooperation to protect Liberia’s territorial integrity and ensure the safety of citizens living in border communities.
Rev. Blamo urged the U.S. Government to deepen its longstanding security partnership with Liberia by providing enhanced military assistance to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). According to him, the AFL has demonstrated professionalism and commitment to national service but continues to face challenges related to logistics, equipment, and advanced military training needed to respond effectively to modern security threats.
He proposed that the United States support the AFL through specialized military training programs, including aviation training for future military pilots, airborne and parachute operations, armored vehicle and tank operations, heavy artillery instruction, intelligence gathering, border surveillance, and modern counterterrorism techniques. He said such support would strengthen Liberia’s ability to defend its borders while contributing to regional peace and stability.
Rev. Blamo also called on Washington to use its diplomatic influence to encourage peaceful dialogue between Liberia and Guinea. He emphasized that while diplomacy should remain the primary means of resolving the dispute, Liberia must also be adequately prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial boundaries.
He further noted that West Africa continues to face significant security challenges, including violent extremism, cross-border criminal activities, arms trafficking, and political instability in parts of the region. According to him, these evolving threats require stronger cooperation between Liberia and its international partners, particularly the United States.
The appeal also recalled the historic relationship between Liberia and the United States, which has included decades of defense cooperation, military training, and institutional support. Although the two countries do not have a formal mutual defense treaty, they have maintained close security ties dating back to the 1942 Defense Agreement during World War II, when Liberia played a strategic role in supporting Allied operations.
Rev. Blamo concluded by urging both governments to build upon their longstanding partnership to enhance Liberia’s defense capacity, strengthen border security, and promote lasting peace and stability in the Mano River region. He said increased U.S. assistance would not only improve the operational readiness of the Armed Forces of Liberia but also reinforce regional efforts to prevent conflict and maintain security across West Africa.
