Monrovia -The civil society group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has called for U.S. diplomatic intervention to help defuse rising tensions along the Liberia-Guinea border, where disputes over natural resources have unsettled communities.
The tension centers on sand mining activities along the Makona River, a natural boundary between the two countries.
Residents on both sides have accused each other of encroachment and unfair access to the river’s resources, increasing the risk of confrontation.
In a statement issued in Monrovia, STAND chairman Mulbah K. Morlu urged the United States government, through its embassy, to support a peaceful resolution and encourage dialogue between the two governments.
The group warned that without swift diplomatic engagement, the situation could escalate.Liberia, still recovering from years of civil conflict, remains sensitive to security threats.
Many citizens fear that even localized disputes could spiral into broader instability if not managed carefully.
The concern is heightened by a fragile regional climate in West Africa, where political unrest, coups and armed movements have been linked to weak border governance and economic hardship.
STAND also noted that both countries face economic pressures, which can intensify competition over shared resources like river sand, often used in construction. Such disputes, if left unresolved, may strain bilateral relations and disrupt cross-border cooperation.
The group pointed to past interventions by the United States, the Economic Community of West African States and other international partners as key to maintaining peace in the Mano River region.
STAND called for restraint, transparency and confidence-building measures, emphasizing that its appeal is strictly for diplomatic engagement, not military action.
“The preservation of peace must remain the highest priority,” the statement said.
