By Staff Writer
Monrovia-A dispute between two Liberian senators over the ongoing Liberia-Guinea border situation has intensified, raising questions about internal divisions and public messaging on national security.
Sen. Nya D. Twayen Jr. of Nimba County accused Sen. Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County of publicly praising the Guinean military while undermining Liberia’s position.
“As if we all didn’t agree to act and keep it confidential,” Twayen said, describing his colleague’s actions as hypocritical.
Konneh rejected the accusation and moved swiftly to clarify his remarks. In a statement posted to social media early Friday, April 24, he said his previous comments had been misinterpreted.
“Regarding the allegation that I praised the Guinea Army, my public statement on March 19, 2026, praised President Joseph Boakai’s diplomatic leadership in addressing the border crisis and called for the revival of Mano River Union coordination mechanisms,” Konneh said. He indicated that at no point did he praise, reference, or endorse any foreign military force.
Konneh explained that his mention of the Guinean military’s size and strength during a Senate debate Thursday was intended to highlight the need for increased funding for Liberia’s own defense sector.
Addressing claims that he disclosed classified information, Konneh said he had not attended any security meeting where official classified military details were shared with him.
“I did not reveal any content from President Boakai’s meeting with the Senate,” he said, adding that all information he referenced was publicly available and unclassified.
Senator Konneh emphasized that the border incident represents a significant challenge to Liberia’s sovereignty at a time of growing uncertainty in global security structures.
He also thanked Senate leadership and colleagues, including Twayen, for supporting national security efforts, pointing to a marginal increase in the Armed Forces of Liberia budget in the recently approved supplemental budget.
“I will continue to work with them to prioritize increased budgetary support for the AFL to modernize equipment, improve military welfare and expand force strength” the Gbarpolu County Senator said.
The exchanges between the two senators come amid heightened sensitivity following the removal of former Montserrado County lawmaker Yekeh Kolubah, whose public statements contributed to his expulsion from office.
Senator Konneh’s measured response may reflect caution in the current political climate, where outspoken positions on national issues can carry significant consequences.
